Slow internet? Why Google might have a solution for broadband woes
GOOGLE has started to push out a software update to its Google Home routers, known as Google Wifi and Nest Wifi, which promises to keep your connection at home a little more stable - despite wobbly, or slow internet. Here's how it works.
Google has rolled out an update to its Google Wifi and Nest Wifi hubs designed to improve the way these routers handle slow internet speeds and dropped connections. According to Google, the update should ensure users are able to keep chatting away happily to friends and family on video calls, and continue in the fray in online multiplayer games – despite sluggish connections. So, how does it work?
Following the upgrade, Google Wifi and Nest Wifi will be able to move faster between the radio channels used to beam internet wirelessly throughout the home. The software has also been tweaked to be able to better prioritise devices around the home.
If Google can see that you're currently in the middle of streaming a gripping YouTube video, the smart hub will do everything it can to keep the internet stable to that device. Whereas other devices, like smart lightbulbs currently not in use, or consoles quietly refreshing in the background, will not be prioritised.
Google Wifi and Nest Wifi hubs update automatically. So, there's no need to head to the companion app on your smartphone to get the latest features. With the upgrade rolling out now, users should hopefully see far fewer disruptions to their video calls, boxset binges, and more as Google better switches between channels to keep everything connected.
MORE LIKE THIS
Google Nest Wifi review
BT details factors which affect UK broadband speeds
Unfortunately, the one issue the latest Google Wifi and Nest Wifi update doesn't fix is broadband speed. Although it reduces the chances of bottlenecks on your network, older copper-cable connections will still struggle to keep multiple 4K TV streams and video calls running at the same time.
Thankfully, major internet service providers (ISPs) in the UK are starting to seriously ramp-up the roll-out of full-fibre connections. For example, Virgin Media has pledged to offer internet download speeds of at least 1Gbps to 15 million homes by the end of 2021. And Sky and TalkTalk are currently experimenting with faster fibre connections.