Netgear Launch Smart Router

Netgear launches a WiFi router with a built-in Harman Kardon speaker and Amazon Alexa capabilities.

19:06 10 September 2018

Netgear is now offering an Orbi WiFi router that features a built-in Harman Kardon speaker and Amazon Alexa capabilities.

 

The new multipurpose device works the same way as mesh-networking routers but it can also be used to play music and ask Alexa about the weather. It has been designed to work as a satellite in an existing Orbi system and requires a Netgear Orbi base station in order to operate. Once connected, the satellite will work by amplifying the network and by serving as an Alexa-enabled speaker. Because it uses the Harman Kardon audio technology, it sounds better than the standard Amazon Echo.

 

Netgear says that the Orbi wifi system can over 4,500 square feet with WiFi coverage at speeds up to 3Gbps. It also offers tri-band support, which means that users automatically get access to 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands. There is also a third 5Ghz band that the Orbi satellites use to communicate with each other and with the base station.

 

The complete Orbi system is priced at about £330. Consumers who already have the Orbi system can buy the Orbi Voice satellite as an add-on for £230.