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Check out Google's sleek new OnHub router (pictures)

Google enters the home-networking market with its first router OnHub, with a very cool design and an eye for mobile users.

Dong Ngo
CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.
Dong Ngo
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1 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

The OnHub is a router like no other. The router is a very sleek cylindrical design, resembling a Bluetooth speaker.

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2 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

The router has a shell that comes in either black or blue. Google says there will be more color options in the future.

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3 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

On top the router has a 3-watt speaker to help with the setup process. With certain Android devices the speaker emits a specific sound that transmits its code for the phone to connect to it during the initial setup. The speaker also plays a sound to indicate that it's been successfully initialized.

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4 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

OnHub is the result of a collaboration between Google and networking vendor TP-Link. Google provides the design and the software platform, and TP-Link makes the hardware.

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5 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

The router has only one LAN port and one WAN port. Google says it cut down the number of ports to reduce cluttering and to entice users to leave the router out in the open in an effort to help increase Wi-Fi coverage.

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6 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

The router has one USB port, but at launch it doesn't have any normal applications; for example, many routers let you attach an off-the-shelf USB hard drive to create an instant network storage drive.

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7 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

On the inside, the router also  include hardware component for Bluetooth and ZigBee -- an open, global wireless standard used in many "smart" appliances. However, similar to the case of the USB port, these hardware components aren't activated at launch.

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8 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

Google says it will release firmware and software updates in the future to further extend the router's functions and features.

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9 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

The OnHub is available August 31 with a suggested retail price of $200.

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