When is the Google Wifi UK release date?
The Google Wifi was officially released on 6 April 2017. However, until 12 March 2018, only single- and two-packs were available. Now, there’s a three-pack.
How much does Google Wifi cost in the UK?
Google Wifi costs £129 for one unit, which is the same price as Google Home, and £229 for a two-pack. Now, there’s a three-pack which costs £329, so you’re effectively getting the extra one for £100 instead of £129. You can buy Google Wifi direct from the Google Store and from Argos, Currys, John Lewis and other retailers.
What is Google Wifi?
Built on the strengths of OnHub, Google Wifi is in essence a series of mini wireless routers that all talk to each other and can be scattered across the home to ensure a strong and fast wireless signal in every room. Google designed Wifi to be able to support many wireless devices at once, and to withstand high-bandwidth activities such as streaming 4K video and gaming. Google recommends using one point in a small house or flat measuring between 500- and 1500 square feet, two in a medium house measuring between 1500- and 3000 square feet, and three in a large home between 3000- and 4500 square feet.
Google Wifi is a mesh system, with each unit creating a hotspot and the system as a whole determines (or ‘steers’) your devices to connect to the unit with the best signal. This is just like BT’s Whole Home Wi-Fi system. But there are alternatives which may well prove cheaper, such as powerline adaptors, which use the electrical wiring in your home to create a wired network connection between adaptors in rooms far away from your router. While some powerline kits have only Ethernet ports, other adaptors have built-in Wi-Fi to provide a strong signal in exactly the place you need it. See our What is Powerline feature for more details.
Google Wifi has a companion app for Android and iOS, but this is mainly for setting up the system. After that, it’s main use will be to pause the Wi-Fi connection to specific devices (such as the kids’ tablets) when you want them to come down for dinner. You can also see how much bandwidth these devices are using and prioritise particular devices over others. Google Wifi supports the usual wireless encryption and automatically update themselves.
Google Wifi specifications
Connectivity
• AC1200 2×2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi • Expandable mesh Wi-Fi • Simultaneous dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) supporting 802.11a/b/g/n/ac • TX Beamforming • Bluetooth Smart Ready • 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports per point (can be configured as WAN or LAN)
Security
• WPA2-PSK • Automatic security updates • Infineon SLB 9615 trusted platform module
Core hardware
• 710MHz Quad-core processor • 512MB DDR3L RAM • 4GB eMMC flash storage • 15W power adaptor
Device
• White plastic build • 106.12×68.75mm • 340g Read next: What is Google Home? Google Home and Google Assistant explained Marie is Editor in Chief of Tech Advisor and Macworld. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our English language, French and Spanish consumer editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.
