Google Wifi Gallery

Take a handful of Google engineers, lock them away for several years, and if you're lucky you end up with this: a new mesh networking system that promises to kill WiFi deadspots in your home. Addressing what the search giant claims is the biggest complaint about home wireless, that there are always patches where you just can't get online, Google Wifi splits the router into three (or more) pieces.

Each interlinks in a mesh, and your device – be it a phone, a laptop, a tablet, a console, or something else – connects to whichever is nearest. If you move around the house, you're automatically disconnected and reconnected based on which unit – or node in mesh networking terminology – is closest and offers the best performance.

Meanwhile a straightforward app offers convenience features like guest networks, speed tests, and the ability to temporarily shut down wireless access to one or more devices: perfect when you need to pry the kids away from their phones and bring them to the dinner table. There's also basic smart home integration, with Philips Hue and IFTTT, but don't expect Google Home's handy Assistant to show up.