This next-gen Wi-Fi router with a Built-in VPN lets you access the internet without anyone stealing your data

Sure, your phone and laptop have VPNs… but does your smart speaker? Your home camera? Smart doorbell? Baby monitor? It’s easy to think of yourself as protected when your primary device operates on a VPN, but the truth is that our houses are filled with IoT devices that remain vulnerable to brute force because of one weak point of entry – a basic router. The Rio Router aims to change that with a built-in VPN, device allowlisting protocols, guest network features, and the ability to set parental controls from the router itself. Whether it’s a government trying to snoop on you, someone trying to hack you, companies trying to sell your data, or your internet service provider secretly gathering info about you, the Rio Router cuts it all off right at the source. It encrypts information in a way that anonymizes your entire smart home, so you can browse the internet freely, and your smart home gadgets can access the internet without being vulnerable to data theft.

Designer: Rio Router

Click Here to Buy Now: $299 $549 ($250 off). Hurry, only 15/290 left! Raised over $136,000.

Most routers are designed to help you access the internet, but that access can sometimes be a double-edged sword, creating a path for bad-faith actors to access your IoT devices and even the data within them. A simple WiFi password can only do so much, right? That’s why the Rio Router uses a protocol that requires you to personally allowlist any device connecting to your network. Every IoT device gets approved by you, and if there’s any device you don’t approve of trying to connect to your network, it doesn’t get access to your network or to the devices on it. Think of it as a security guard that only allows you into a building if you have the right ID, and turns you away if you don’t.

Even for approved devices accessing the internet through the Rio Router, all data gets encrypted through the router’s built-in VPN. This offers two distinct benefits – for starters, it lets you access the internet and streaming services without any government or geolocation restrictions (yes, that means being able to use TikTok even if it gets banned), but it also encrypts all personal information so that your internet service provider doesn’t get unfettered access to your life… or even corporations like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon that feed off of information from smart home devices.

Obviously, that level of access does come with its downsides – you want your family to stay safe from potentially dangerous websites. The router allows you to set parental controls for specific devices, preventing your child’s laptop or tablet from being able to access harmful sites, and an integrated DNS and web filtering system provides all-around protection, preventing all devices from accessing malicious sites that could scam/phish you or corrupt your device with ransomware.

Following the security guard analogy from earlier, think of your internet connection as a building with multiple wings/departments. Different employees can only access the wings or departments they are authorized to, and a low-level employee can’t necessarily go snooping in the CEO’s office or through the confidential file room. Similarly, the Rio Router creates dedicated rooms for each category of devices. Your smart kitchen gadgets can’t access or communicate with your bedroom’s smart devices even if they’re on the same network. This technology, known as SecureRoom™, helps create dedicated chambers for different internet devices, so every gadget on the same network doesn’t necessarily have access to all the data on the network. The SecureRoom™ is a brilliant way of ensuring that your gadgets don’t have access to information they don’t have clearance for. Your living room smart speaker doesn’t necessarily know what’s happening in the kitchen, and the baby monitor in the bedroom isn’t vulnerable to being snooped on by your thermostat.

The SecureRoom™ system also allows you to create guest networks for when you have people visiting you at home. No more sharing passwords for the main WiFi network – guests get to access the internet through a SecureRoom™ guest network. Their data stays safe and so does yours – you can approve devices to the SecureRoom™ to ensure that nobody else is accessing the internet, and once your guests leave your house, they’re removed permanently from the network and can only access the internet once you grant them approval.

The Rio Router runs WiFi 6 for fast and reliable connections from every corner of your house and even comes with an iOS/Android app that lets you control the router, set protocols, create SecureRooms™, and grant/deny approvals to external devices. It gives you the liberating taste of what true internet freedom feels like, allowing you to rely on IoT devices without the fear of them spying on you, as well as preventing anyone from hacking into your network or even accessing data they’re not privy to. It also helps that you can now browse international titles on your streaming service so even if The Office leaves Netflix in the USA, it’s still available in some other country!

It’s 2024, and if your internet service provider is giving you a free router with your connection, you’d best not trust it with all your data. After all, if it’s free, you’re the product. The Rio Router starts at $299 and comes with a free app, and VPN service free for 12 months. You can use the Rio to set up as many as 4 different SSIDs (WiFi access points), 8 Rio mesh extenders, and up to 16 SecureRooms™ at a time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $299 $549 ($250 off). Hurry, only 15/290 left! Raised over $136,000.

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WiFi router concept uses cork as material and design aesthetic

A wifi router is one of those devices that every house needs but we don’t really think about how it’s designed, what materials are used to make it, and other factors that come into it. As long as it does what it’s supposed to do, which is get you connected to the internet, then we’re almost always fine with it. However, most routers have a lifespan of 2-3 years and so it contributes to the million tons of e-waste that is generated annually by people who constantly change their gadgets and devices.

Designer: Connor Rusnak

A concept for a sustainable wifi router tries to solve that issue and at the same time give us a well-designed one that you will proudly display in your home office. The Pella uses cork in the design so you get an eco-friendly material that can also look good on your device. In theory, using this material should not interfere with the functionality of the device which is of course important since the only reason you’ll get a router is to be able to connect all your devices to the WiFi.

The cork is not just a building material but an integral part of the design. The router looks more like a smart speaker with its spherical shape which is also reminds me of a top but with a stable base. The basic controls, which are mainly the on/off button and what seems to be a reset button, are located on the base. There’s no need for any other controls or buttons so you get a pretty minimalist design, as all routers should probably have.

More often than not, these routers are hidden away in our home not just because it needs to be near a wall socket but because there isn’t any decorative aspect to it. But something like the Pella, which was designed with the brand Logitech in mind, can be something you put on your desk especially if you have an earthy or cork-like aesthetic.

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LAYER Design and Deutsche Telekom unveil the future of communication devices

As a huge fan of science fiction content, from books to movies to TV shows, I am excited to see which things from what I’ve read and seen will come true one of these days. And with the advances in technology, a lot of them are not far-fetched ideas anymore. There are some things that may be scary or at least creepy but it’s still pretty interesting to see what we’ll see next which we thought were just works of science fiction before.

Designer: Layer Design for Deutsche Telekom

German telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom recently unveiled the Concept T project which is a collection of advanced technology and gadget concepts that will show consumers what may be the future of communications. Concept View is a home hub with a twist: it has a 3D holographic AI-equipped virtual assistant called Emma to guide you through things like video calls and other digital world activities. It looks like a cross between a crystal ball and the Palantirs from Lord of the Rings but instead of showing you what the future holds, it will show you the future of technology.

A Wi-Fi router isn’t the sexiest gadget out there but Concept Level definitely makes it more interesting. It is a re-configurable router that is made up of different interchangeable, modular elements. The set includes a display unit, Wi-Fi sensing element, mesh repeater, and computational module for Web 3 use cases. The elements are designed using different geometric forms so it looks like you have interesting mini sculptures rather than an actual router.

Concept Buddy is your own personal robot at home, similar to the ones you see in malls and airports. It’s an AI-based digital assistant companion that is able to communicate through the “emotion and information display”. It is able to give reminders like taking medication and household chores and can also assist in calls, online shopping, and other tasks you may need assistance. It can even warn you of potential hazards and contact emergency services if needed. It is able to adapt to your routine and will only “come alive” when it is engaged with.

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D-LINK AQUILA PRO AI is a beautiful Wi-Fi 6 router that looks like an art object

Our Internet needs are becoming more complicated even at home. Multiple devices ranging from smartphones to smart appliances compete for bandwidth, while different services like gaming and streaming demand more data than, say, a smart thermostat. The simplistic routers of yesteryears are no longer sufficient to face the challenges of modern lifestyles, but as these boxes become more sophisticated, their presence also becomes more obnoxious as well. The latest and greatest routers seem to want to be seen as powerful monstrosities rather than helpful tools that make our lives easier. Completely bucking the trend, D-LINK launched its AQUILA PRO AI smart mesh routers that finally look more at home in your home, masquerading as a piece of sculptural art that hides the powerful technology inside its graceful curves.

Designer: D-LINK

Granted, those antennas on your router aren’t just for show, but that doesn’t always mean they need to be visible, especially with today’s technologies. It might simply be a matter of pride that some of these literally black boxes show off the number of spikes they have as if those indicate how much power they actually possess. The result is a design that isn’t just space-inefficient but also unaesthetic to most people.

In contrast, you won’t find sharp points or even sharp edges on the D-LINK AQUILA PRO AI (models M30 and M60). What you will find instead is an elegant object that belies its superior technology, looking more like a piece of decoration rather than a router. Its name and unique shape, whose ends curl up and inward, are inspired by the Aquila constellation and the eagle, a majestic bird that exudes both power and grace. That association goes even beyond the general shape of the device, with feather-like patterns on the router’s ventilation.

The D-LINK AQUILA PRO AI isn’t just all looks, of course, as it also boasts the latest connectivity technologies, especially Wi-Fi 6. And since it’s a mesh router, you can combine multiple units and spread them around your house to get rid of dead zones and ensure fast, stable, and uninterrupted connections. It also comes with the latest privacy and security protections, plus conveniences offered by smart home platforms and mobile app control.

The D-LINK AQUILA PRO AI’s ground-breaking design doesn’t stop there either. It also tries to give back to the planet we live in by making use of PCRs or Post-Consumer Recycled materials for its housing, reducing its negative impact on the environment. This smart mesh router is stunning and beautiful proof that power doesn’t have to look harsh and cold. After all, there is both power and elegance in the form of an eagle taking flight.

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Acer and Qualcomm debut World’s First 5G Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Routers at CES 2024

Putting themselves at the very forefront of high-speed, low-latency gaming, Acer has announced its latest foray into the world of networking hardware at CES 2024. The Predator Connect X7 5G CPE and the Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router are Acer’s bold statement in the high-stakes world of gaming infrastructure. These devices are engineered to provide the high-speed, low-latency connections that are essential for today’s immersive and competitive gaming environments.

Designer: Acer

The Predator Connect X7 5G CPE puts speed and low-latency at the very forefront, leveraging 5G as well as Wi-Fi 7 to do so. It features a sleek, angular design with customizable RGB lighting, appealing to gamers’ aesthetic preferences. The core of its performance lies in the incorporation of Qualcomm’s advanced quad-core processor, which drives the device’s ability to deliver extremely fast internet speeds of up to 3.5Gbps through the latest 5G networks. The X7 boasts latency as impressively low as 1 millisecond, crucial for competitive gaming and seamless streaming but also facilitates advanced features like Gaming Mode, which prioritizes gaming traffic to optimize online play. Additionally, AI-powered network optimization is used to continuously adjust settings and maintain peak performance, adapting to the dynamic nature of online gaming.

Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE

Meanwhile, the Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router focuses on providing expansive, reliable coverage throughout the home. Utilizing the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, it ensures a stable connection in every corner, supporting both gaming and other bandwidth-intensive activities. Tri-Band technology and a dedicated gaming band work in concert to minimize interference and prioritize gaming traffic, respectively, enhancing the overall online experience.

When used together, the Predator Connect X7 and T7 create a robust, efficient network ecosystem. This synergy ensures that all devices in the home network, from gaming PCs to streaming devices, benefit from optimal performance and reliability. The integration of Qualcomm’s advanced quad-processor in both the X7 and T7 exemplifies the high-performance hardware that underpins this ecosystem, driving the speed and responsiveness that gamers demand.

Acer Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router

“We are excited to announce the latest Predator routers with 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity options, empowering gamers to take their gameplay to new heights,” said Wayne Ma, General Manager, Connectivity, Acer Inc. “Thanks to Qualcomm’s Immersive Home Platform and quad-core processors, the new Predator routers bring next-level performance and speed output to a wider range of players and gaming environments.”

Gamers also stay in full control of the routers through the Acer Predator Connect utility app and can monitor network signal strength through the Predator logo’s multi-color lighting indicator located at the top enclosure. For an added layer of security, the devices are integrated with the Trend Micro Home Network Security engine built-in to keep networked devices protected against potential attacks and help examine network traffic. This comprehensive approach ensures that gamers not only enjoy a superior online experience but also maintain security and control over their network environment.

As Acer enters the competitive high-end gaming router market, these models stand out with their innovative features and strong gaming brand presence. They offer unique advantages over established offerings from companies like Asus, Netgear, and TP-Link, especially for consumers who prioritize the latest technological advancements.

The release of the Predator Connect X7 5G CPE and T7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router underscores Acer’s dedication to advancing the gaming experience through enhanced networking solutions. By focusing on both speed and coverage, Acer aims to eliminate the common obstacles faced by gamers, such as lag and unstable connections. As these routers reach consumers, they promise to elevate gaming sessions with their advanced features and robust performance.

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LAYER x Deutsche Telekom show how to hide tech in stylish home decor

Homes are getting more and more connected these days, mostly thanks to the new breed of Internet-connected devices scattered across the property. Many of these try to disguise themselves as part of your room’s interior design, like smart speakers that try to grab our visual and aural attention, but most of these devices are unapologetic in looking the part of a technical object. That doesn’t have to be the case, of course, and there are many ways to better integrate these devices into what look like everyday household objects and accessories. That’s exactly the proposal that Deutsche Telekom Design is making through LAYER, making interior design an integral part of the product’s design rather than an afterthought.

Designer: Benjamin Hubert (LAYER Design)

It’s not that difficult to spot devices and “smart appliances” inside a room. Even the smart speakers that try to be stylish and eye-catching don’t always blend well with their surroundings. And then there are devices that don’t even try to hide their presence and advertise their true nature. Routers and network meshes are the biggest culprits here, looking like alien structures inside an otherwise cozy abode, but set-top boxes and wireless speakers are sometimes just as bad.

This visual and design inconsistency is no small matter when it comes to creating a conducive atmosphere for your home. There are psychological consequences to visual clutter as well as the nagging feeling of not everything matching your desired aesthetics. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be the case, especially with today’s technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes. That’s the kind of smart home that Deutsche Telekom is trying to present with this “eclectic family” of connected devices that look more like decor than tech products.

At the very top of that list is the router, which actually looks more like a desk mirror. In fact, it does function as one when the router’s display isn’t active. Even then, it only displays text rather than icons and images, making it a very minimalist piece of tech equipment. Joining it is a mesh repeater that masquerades as an upright wooden bowl decoration. They might even resemble some smart thermostats when hung on a wall, except without extraneous details and interfaces.

The set-top box/speaker does have telltale signs of an audio device, mostly due to the typical fabric-like surface that marks almost all speakers. Its minimalist design and text-based display, however, still make it a good candidate for interior design accessories. An interesting part of the product, however, is an accompanying webcam that’s no bigger than a can of tuna. There’s also a more typical set-top box that isn’t shaped like a box at all. Instead, it looks like a ceramic bowl that would be carefully put on display in the living room.

In addition to the designs themselves, this Home Harmony connectivity concept also tries to steer the ship towards more sustainable shores. Electronics are often made using plastics and unfriendly substances, but the use of wood, ceramic, and alternative materials will help make these objects not only blend in visually but also become a better part of people’s lives at home.

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This circular router tries to be an island of calm and privacy in your room

Home routers are often depicted as alien or futuristic objects in the room, but this privacy-focused design goes in the opposite direction to bring a sense of serenity instead.

Home networks have changed a lot in the past few years. The number of Internet-connected devices in our houses has multiplied, and that’s just counting the phones, tablets, and computers that connect to a single access point. Smart home devices often need to also connect to that same network, sometimes all of the time, often only occasionally. The more complex requirements of home networks have seen a rise in routers that try to spread the wireless waves across small spaces. Most of these routers are designed to look technical, geeky, and sometimes downright overwhelming. That doesn’t exactly help reduce mental and visual stress at home, which is why this router is designed to look like no other in an attempt to soothe people’s eyes and assuage their privacy fears.

Designer: Kritzer Design Studio

The minimalist and more human aesthetic that has started to grip computer accessories seems to have stayed clear of routers and modems. This class of devices has long passed a point where they could be conveniently hidden in a corner or on a shelf, especially considering how that could affect Wi-Fi network quality. Modern routers, especially the most advanced ones, seem to be designed to call attention to themselves by being more conspicuous. Often that’s through their sharp lines, multiple antennas, and dark, brooding colors.

The Island stands in sharp contrast to this conventional design by being round and white. There is probably no shape that is more calming than circles, so this router has five concentric circles that seem to ripple out of a central sphere. These circles also rise ever so slightly, creating the appearance of a low mountain on top of that island metaphor.

While the Island router is already visually calming, its features are also intended to relieve people’s stress, especially over their privacy on the Internet. The router offers a built-in VPN service that can hide you from malicious actors that try to snoop into your browsing activities and eventually steal your information. Ideally, this VPN is already configured out of the box, so no software or app is needed to get it working, another source of stress for some less tech-savvy users.

The Island smart router is an example of how form can still follow function, even for something as technical as a router. Playing on the metaphor of a resort island that is guarded against unwelcome intruders, the Island tries to invoke feelings of peace and calm that have become critical in today’s workplace and home offices. It doesn’t even need foreboding antennas to transmit its signals, much like many mesh routers today that have eschewed the stereotypical router design. Its minimalist design and more generic form also make it a decorative piece that you can set on your desk or even stick to your wall.

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OPPO 5G CPE T2 Hub offers fast network speed and a sustainable design

The power and potential of 5G haven’t really been achieved, but we can expect that in the coming years, more companies and tech giants will work together to make it happen. There are now dozens of 5G smartphones available in the market. 5G tablets are slowly joining the bandwagon. We’re hoping more 5G notebooks will also be ready in the near future.

Alongside these 5G devices, the 5G technology must also be checked, if not improved. This is happening; That is why we are also seeing other 5G gadgets, including this 5G Hub by OPPO. At this week’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (MWC 2022), OPPO has launched a number of new products. The OPPO 5G CPE T2 is built for the Internet experience. This 5G CPE device is not the first from the Chinese OEM. It’s a follow-up to the Omni and the OPPO 5G CPE T1.

Designer: OPPO

OPPO 5G CPE T2 Features

What makes this more interesting apart from the improved speed and other system enhancements is the fact that the company used recycled materials for the body. It also boasts an all-new design because, from a rectangular box, the new OPPO 5G hub is now a cylinder. The T2 also takes advantage of OPPO’s recent innovations, including the O-Reserve 2.0 smart antenna technology.

OPPO 5G CPE T2 MWC 2022

OPPO 5G CPE T2 Pricing

OPPO teamed up with Qualcomm to work on optimizations. The new 5G hub is poised to offer more stable and fast 5G connectivity. It’s mainly for home and office use, so you can now enjoy a 5G network as it is definitely more convenient and speedy compared to other Wi-Fi networks. It works well by converting the 5G signals into Wi-Fi or LAN connections. This way, multiple devices can connect.

OPPO 5G CPE T2 Featured Image

The 5G hub shares the 5G connection to more phones, tablets, and laptops at home or in other establishments. There may be areas that don’t have broadband but with 5G internet available. You can opt for the 5G network and just share connectivity with everyone.

This thing runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF system. OPPO did some optimizations to it, so data transfer speeds are faster. Compared to the platform’s baseline speed, the T2 is 20% faster. With additional research and collaboration with Qualcomm, OPPO can offer ultimate connectivity. The Snapdragon modem used enables the hub to work with numerous devices operating in different networks and markets.

The new antenna used by OPPO here is the O-Reserve 2.0 smart antenna technology. It’s able to keep high antenna gain in all directions, thanks to the eight antennas receiving signals. Only four antennas are actually used at once, depending on the signal strength and quality. The result is a super-fast downlink speed.

To compare, OPPO tested the speed when the O-reserve 2.0 is turned on/off. When enabled, download speed is faster by ten percent. OPPO also has the Wi-Fi Channel Selection Technology working and monitoring network channels in real-time. The goal is to always select the channels offering the fastest connection; that is why the hub is always at work.

OPPO’s latest 5G hub offers an innovative design and a sustainable build. It is easy-to-use and is very reliable if you’re really demanding a fast Internet connection. Its form makes it an artistic conversation starter, whether indoor or outdoor. It seems smart hubs and devices like the OPPO T2 are going for the minimalist look, and this one is a perfect example.

The cylindrical body in pure white color is a testament to the brand’s minimal design philosophy. The device comes with a textured surface which makes it stain-resistant and dust-proof. The hub’s simple form makes it an elegant gadget that can fit any interior. It definitely won’t be an eyesore with its simple but beautiful design.

OPPO 5G CPE T2 Where to Buy

The OPPO T2’s shape isn’t just for aesthetics. It serves a purpose as there is a central ring suction ventilator inside that helps dissipate the heat. When it comes to such a device, heat dissipation is important because long hours of non-stop usage can make it really warm. Gadgets heat up, but there are now effective cooling systems that can be implemented. If device components are working properly and are not heating up, the antenna and system performance will work as intended.

OPPO 5G CPE T2 Release

OPPO is starting to become friendlier with the environment. The materials used on the T2 are Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic, at least, on the body. This means OPPO is doing its part by supporting sustainability initiatives and helping to reduce carbon emissions. It’s about time these big OEMs help Mother Nature by working more on sustainability. Sustainable design is possible now without the quality being compromised, so we’re all in for this campaign.

OPPO 5G CPE T2 Availability

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Linksys reveals a WiFi 6E mesh system starting at $450

We're starting to see more WiFi 6E routers and Linksys is getting in on the action with its latest mesh system. The Linksys AXE8400 has full access to all three frequency bands — 2.4GHz, 5GHz and the newly opened 6GHz. Linksys says each node can cove...

Netgear’s first WiFi 6E router offers plenty of bandwidth for streaming

The past year has put a lot of strain on our connections at home, meaning that better wireless tech like WiFi 6E can’t come soon enough. That’s right, not just WiFi 6, which began its rollout in 2019, but WiFi 6E, which adds in the 6GHz band as well...