Google has released an update for its Nest Wifi router, the first in 18 months. The move comes ahead of a looming US router ban. However, the update falls short of competing with routers from Asus and Netgear.
Google rolled out an update to its Nest Wifi router on Wednesday, marking the first software refresh in 18 months. The company timed the release ahead of an impending US ban on certain routers, though specifics of the ban remain unclear from official statements. TechRadar first reported the development, noting the update's arrival after a long hiatus in firmware support for the device. Google has not detailed the changes in the update, but observers describe it as insufficient to rival leading alternatives. Asus and Netgear routers continue to outperform Nest Wifi in features and performance, according to the report. The US router ban adds pressure on Google to bolster its aging Nest Wifi line, which has lagged in updates since its last major refresh. No timeline for the ban's enforcement has been confirmed by US authorities or Google.