Google routers can prioritize video conferencing or gaming traffic

An update to Google's Nest Wifi and Wifi routers will allow you to choose what traffic the devices will prioritize automatically. Using the Home app, you can select if it should prioritize activities like video conferencing or gaming. The feature arrives with the Q4 firmware update (v13099.118.19), and it requires version 2.31 of the Home app.

Heading into the Wi-Fi settings of the app, you should see the new Preferred activities option. The two choices are currently focused on the two activities mentioned above. For gaming, it will prioritize Stadia. While for video conferencing, it prioritizes apps like Google Meet and Zoom. It isn't clear if this network prioritization option only applies to the mentioned apps.

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Google WiFi is the perfect replacement for Apple's discontinued AirPort routers

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple really brought consumer WiFi to the mainstream with its AirPort base station and cards. Great industrial design and solid software integration made AirPort base stations the easiest and most convenient Wi-Fi routers, specially for owners of Mac computers.

Sadly, Apple no longer felt the need to continue evolving and innovating their line of AirPort routers and even the Time Machine backup drive. These products continued to be sold even if many of their features and specs were outdated by industry standards. Now that Apple has finally stopped selling Wi-Fi routers, where are users expected to go.

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Google WiFi updated with site blocking and family controls

Google WiFi is already one of the most powerful and innovative MESH router systems and it just got better specially for families of young children. A recent update enables blocking websites with violent or suggestive content. The update also adds the ability to add Scheduled Pauses for bedtime and distraction-free moments (meals, homework time). 

Google Wifi’s site blocking feature can automatically block millions of sexually explicit websites from your kids’ devices with Google’s SafeSearch technology.

First look: Google Wifi

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Google has finally revealed plans to roll out its Google Wifi solution. The system of Wifi routers, uses a mesh network to effectively cover a greater area within all types of houses or offices. Google Wifi, whose software and app was developed partly in Google's Waterloo offices aims to remove the complexity of setting and managing a Wifi router as well as ensuring that signals are optimized across a wider area.

Google Wifi is available starting  April 28 at Google Store, Best Buy Canada, Staples Canada and Walmart Canada, with more retailers coming soon. Pricing is $179 for a 1-pack, $439 for a 3-pack. Read my first impressions below.

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