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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