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.

Click to read more ...

Google Nest Wifi comes to Canada

Google's new mesh router is now available in Canada. The one-pack Nest Wifi router costs $229, the two-pack goes for $349, and the three-pack retails for $459. This follow-up to Google Wifi is backwards compatible. It has two ethernet ports, and it offers Bluetooth connectivity. The Thread functionality, which can turn the Nest Wifi into a smart home hub, won't be available at launch. This mesh router is now accessible through Google's Home app, so it's easier to manage. It now has 25 percent greater coverage than its predecessor, as well. It supports internet speeds of up to 2.2Gbps, with one router covering 2,200 sq ft., the router and a point covering 3,800 sq. ft., and the three-pack is covering 5,400 sq. ft.

The Nest Wifi now also supports Assistant through its points, making it work similarly to a Home Mini or Nest Mini. It even has the same speaker as the Nest Mini. It isn't available on the main router, though. So, you'll need to get the router plus the Wifi point or point to get this feature.