Eero, the trend-setter of home mesh networking, has announced a new version of its highly rated home Wi-Fi system. Since its original reveal, this product has changed everything with the idea that wireless access points placed throughout the home could deliver Wi-Fi so good, you’d never think about it again.
The company has mentioned that it has doubled the speed and range of the previous model, while keeping the same look and style. The second generation Eero happens to also be the first product with fully functioning Thread support, meaning it’ll work with a variety of smart home devices that will appear in the future.
This new release introduces two products: the 2nd-generation eero and a powerful companion called Eero Beacon. The Beacon is designed to extend the range and coverage of home Wi-Fi similar to other hubs, and it looks like one of those small outlet extenders.
Eero has also announced a Plus model, the first service built on top of the original, that acts as a “home security system” for your internet. The service will cost $10 per month or $100 a year, and includes enhanced parental controls. With this service you’ll get network and device protection from malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, in addition to priority access to Eero’s customer support.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Oq9crvXik
Eero started a revolution of home mesh systems when it came out with the 1st generation model. Similar ideas by Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link, and even Google and Samsung have shown themselves not long afterwards and they all do basically the same thing. Each will give you the strong Wi-Fi coverage experience, and some do certain things better than others.
According to the Eero team, Beacon works well in hallways, stairwells, and kitchens. It has a nice feature, a built-in nightlight, to keep your family from tripping over anything left on the floor. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness depending on the time of day, or you can easily control the light by setting schedules in the app for iOS or Android.
As for the Thread radio, its the latest generation in a series of low-power wireless connections like Bluetooth, but because it uses IPv6 natively, it’s more reliable, and employs secure protocols and encryption by default. Built right into your Eero system, Thread will mean fewer hubs around your house. And coupled with over-the-air software updates, it means your new system comes prepared for the future.
Starting today, you can order an Eero kit with one Eero hub and one Beacon for $299. An extra $100 gets you the hub and two Beacons. A “Pro” system is also available for $499, which includes three Eero hubs. All kits are expected to start shipping in the coming weeks.
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