The OnHub is a router like no other. The router is a very sleek cylindrical design, resembling a Bluetooth speaker.
The router has a shell that comes in either black or blue. Google says there will be more color options in the future.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Google says it will release firmware and software updates in the future to further extend the router's functions and features.
The OnHub is available August 31 with a suggested retail price of $200.