Eero Reveals 2nd Gen Router, Wi-Fi Extending 'Beacon', Internet Security Service, and iOS App Update

[MacRumors]

Whole-home Wi-Fi company eero today announced two new pieces of hardware, a refresh to its iOS app, and a new premium internet security service called "eero Plus."

The new, second-generation version of eero is the same size and form factor as the previous version, but includes twice the power according to the company. Simply called eero (2nd generation), the new router includes next-generation mesh network technology, which eero calls "TrueMesh," to ensure that eero can adapt to any home in which it's placed.

eero (2nd generation) and eero Beacon​

If users stock their home with three eeros, they can even gain access to tri-band Wi-Fi, which broadcasts on three wireless radio bands simultaneously, generating a multi-user experience that doesn't create lag for anyone in the home. As an example, eero said users will be able to download huge files, run a FaceTime call, or compete in a multiplayer game all at the same time, and the routers will provide the same Wi-Fi quality to each experience without compromise.

Once an eero (1st or 2nd generation) is connected to a network's modem, users will be able to introduce the company's all new eero Beacon into their network. eero Beacon is a full-fledged access point which the company says has 30 percent better performance than the original eero, but the Beacon is built for portability and plugs directly into any wall outlet.

Our vision for eero is to go beyond providing perfect connectivity by adding context and intelligence to our homes. As everything in our homes comes online, and we consume more and more content over the internet, we can imagine services and experiences -- whether built by us or partners -- relying on eero for WiFi and more. We can even imagine changing everything again, this time with another much bigger idea: that over time eero just might evolve into the underlying operating system for the home of the future.

The company said users can add as many Beacons to their network as they want in order to truly cover their entire home in reliable Wi-Fi. As a bonus, Beacon includes a built-in ambient light sensor that automatically lights up dark hallways and rooms at night, and turns off during the day.

In order to ensure that internet browsing is kept secure, eero has introduced a new subscription service called eero Plus, starting at $9.99/month. It includes the following features:

Advanced Security: Blocks you from accidentally accessing millions of sites associated with harmful content, like malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Unlike the built-in protections included in your browser or email client, the database of threats eero Plus protects against is automatically updated every single second.
Expanded Parental Controls: Lets you filter adult, illegal, and violent content, or enable SafeSearch for specific profiles on your network. eero Plus ensures that as new content is posted, it's filtered in real time.
VIP Support: Gives you priority access to our support team so you don't have to wait to speak with a WiFi expert.

Along with the hardware additions, eero is also updating its eero home Wi-Fi system iOS app [Direct Link], which it says will launch towards the end of June. The update brings a refreshed user interface and new tools, including a "home-type selector" that allows users to precisely detail the size and shape of their living space so they can get the most out of their eero devices.

The new eeros will use Thread, a low-power wireless protocol that uses IPv6 natively, resulting in more reliability and better encryption. Thread will also result in fewer hubs required by users to be scattered about their homes, and eero promised that over-the-air software updates "means your new eero system comes future-proofed."

One eero sells for $199, while an eero Beacon costs $149 on the company's store. Users can also choose from a few start-up packs to save some money, including a Small Homes pack (1-2 bedrooms) that includes one eero and one eero Beacon at $299, as well as a Most Homes pack (2-4 bedrooms) with one eero and two eero Beacons for $399. A Pro Wi-Fi System -- which fuels tri-band mesh capabilities -- packs in three eeros for $499.

The new devices begin shipping at the end of June, and can be ordered today from eero's website, or retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.

Article Link: Eero Reveals 2nd Gen Router, Wi-Fi Extending 'Beacon', Internet Security Service, and iOS App Update

 

[Craiger]

How much was Macrumors paid for this article?

 

[adamjackson]

I feel bad for anyone that JUST invested $500 for an Eero one. It wasn't anew product but has gained a lot of momentum lately.

Eero Plus seems like a great idea for people who don't want to fool with security.

to download huge files, run a FaceTime call, or compete in a multiplayer game all at the same time​

I really didn't think modern day routers were suffering at doing these 3 things simultaneously.

 

[polyh3dron]

I feel bad for anyone that JUST invested $500 for an Eero one. It wasn't anew product but has gained a lot of momentum lately.

Eero Plus seems like a great idea for people who don't want to fool with security.

to download huge files, run a FaceTime call, or compete in a multiplayer game all at the same time​

I really didn't think modern day routers were suffering at doing these 3 things simultaneously.

That'd be me. Literally just bought the 3-pack 2 weeks ago and replaced a ton of Apple AirPort stuff in the process. Now I feel kind of cheated.

 

[knemonic]

That'd be me. Literally just bought the 3-pack 2 weeks ago and replaced a ton of Apple AirPort stuff in the process. Now I feel kind of cheated.

Aren't you still in the return window?

I find it funny they're charging a subscription for what it seems is included free on most other routers.

 

[RMo]

If users stock their home with three eeros, they can even gain access to tri-band Wi-Fi, which broadcasts on three wireless radio bands simultaneously, generating a multi-user experience that doesn't create lag for anyone in the home

Would be great if MR reported on actual reviews or just stated objective facts as opposed to regurgitating companies' marketing speak ("doesn't create lag for anyone in the home"). I was wondering what they meant with "tri-band," given that the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are, to my knowledge, the only ones allowed in at least the US for this purpose. What they mean is that they're splitting the lower and upper portions of the 5 GHz band into "5.2 and 5.8 GHz bands" (so the lower and upper few channels, the ones allowed without much restriction in the US). Anyway, the whole set of products seems a bit overkill unless you live in a McMansion with 15 kids who all have laptops, smartphones, and tablets of their own (please don't use this in densely populated neighborhoods if you don't ), but I'm sure some people can find a use for it and I hope it does work as well for them as claimed.

 

[UnseenLlama]

Would be great if MR reported on actual reviews or just stated objective facts as opposed to regurgitating companies' marketing speak ("doesn't create lag for anyone in the home"). I was wondering what they meant with "tri-band," given that the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are, to my knowledge, the only ones allowed in at least the US for this purpose. What they mean is that they're splitting the lower and upper portions of the 5 GHz band into "5.2 and 5.8 GHz bands" (so the lower and upper few channels, the ones allowed without much restriction in the US). Anyway, the whole set of products seems a bit overkill unless you live in a McMansion with 15 kids who all have laptops, smartphones, and tablets of their own (please don't use this in densely populated neighborhoods if you don't ), but I'm sure some people can find a use for it and I hope it does work as well for them as claimed.

...and considering that the second generation eero is not even shipping yet, how do you suppose they link to "reviews"?

Triband connection is key for these types routers. It wasn't until Orbi came out with the dedicated backhaul that I was finally able to get the full speed of our paid internet through out our house, 2 floors and a basement.
[doublepost=1497363143][/doublepost]

I feel bad for anyone that JUST invested $500 for an Eero one. It wasn't anew product but has gained a lot of momentum lately.

Eero Plus seems like a great idea for people who don't want to fool with security.

to download huge files, run a FaceTime call, or compete in a multiplayer game all at the same time​

I really didn't think modern day routers were suffering at doing these 3 things simultaneously.

Prior to this announcement, 1st gen eero 3 pack is $399, not $500.

 

[RMo]

...and considering that the second generation eero is not even shipping yet, how do you suppose they link to "reviews"?

I didn't mean in this specific case; this is not the first or only example of them doing so. I also mentioned that they could simply state objective realities, like the technical specifications, which would certainly be possible here--or even just qualify the marketing speak they're repeating as a claim the company is making and not necessarily a fact that MR sounds like they've verified.

As for reviews, don't worry; I'm sure they'll post a link to a review as soon as it comes out like they've done even for products where the announcement and release were only days apart. I hope they're getting paid for these promotions.

For the record, I do enjoy reading about this type of product (especially in cases like this where Apple has products, albeit more or less abandoned ones, in this category, which most people would use some form of); I just think the story could be framed differently.

Triband connection is key for these types routers. It wasn't until Orbi came out with the dedicated backhaul that I was finally able to get the full speed of our paid internet through out our house, 2 floors and a basement.

Ah, yes, the other use case: people with super-fast home Internet connections who want to make sure the full speed is available on Wi-Fi. (I kinda forgot about this because it wasn't too long ago where common forms of Wi-Fi were much faster than most people's Internet connections, and I use Ethernet for anything important, most of which is just around my home LAN anyway. I would say I'm old-school, but 802.11b is faster than most home Internet connections I've had, so if I were to suggest areas where someone could make fun of me, I'd choose that over my preferences for wires.)

 

[adamjackson]

That'd be me. Literally just bought the 3-pack 2 weeks ago and replaced a ton of Apple AirPort stuff in the process. Now I feel kind of cheated.

Depending on where you bought them, Apple Store has a 14 day return Policy and Amazon is pretty lenient as well.

I think it's worth paying a restocking fee to move to the latest tech but since it's not shipping immediately, you'd be out for a few weeks. Tough situation for sure. Some people will say "that's just how technology works" but I'd still feel cheated.

 

[nt5672]

I can see now why Apple got out of the WiFi market. Apple just could not innovate fast enough and Apple could not make their products thinner than the competition. Now I understand.

 

[acegreen]

How much was Macrumors paid for this article?

1 million dollars

 

[DoctorDoctor]

How much was Macrumors paid for this article?

Does it really matter especially if it keeps you from having to pay to access this site ?

 

[DogHouseDub]

That'd be me. Literally just bought the 3-pack 2 weeks ago and replaced a ton of Apple AirPort stuff in the process. Now I feel kind of cheated.

So how's it compare to an Airport-based network? I've been adding 2nd hand Aiport Extremes - easy to configure, fast and reliable - rather than buying a whole new wifi ecosystem.

 

[noah82]

Not sure that there's much value in a $9.99/month subscription when you can use OpenDNS for free.

 

[Kabeyun]

Now that Apple's getting out of the router game, I'm wondering about how native these products feel. One of the things I like about Airports is how integrated it is, both with UI aspects like menu bar inclusion and pref panes and with the Airport config utility.

 

[utsava]

I'll be getting 200mps internet in a couple weeks. Anyone know how big a difference, generally speaking, going from a full tri-band setup (like the $499 three Eero pack) versus a mixed setup (like the $399 one Eero, 2 beacon) would be? Trying to determine if it's worth the extra $100 for a full tri-band setup.

 

[macduke]

How much was Macrumors paid for this article?

You're right—MacRumors should never write articles about anything that isn't 100% related to Apple, especially if it has to do with interesting technology that 99% of their readers use in their home every day and even more so if it's a market that Apple is rumored to be exiting, leaving many MacRumors readers in the lurch wondering what they should buy to replace their expensive AirPort Extremes. Yeah, they should definitely not ever do that. Shame! Shame on MacRumors!

What an unpleasant person you are.

 

[Craiger]

You're right—MacRumors should never write articles about anything that isn't 100% related to Apple, especially if it has to do with interesting technology that 99% of their readers use in their home every day and even more so if it's a market that Apple is rumored to be exiting, leaving many MacRumors readers in the lurch wondering what they should buy to replace their expensive AirPort Extremes. Yeah, they should definitely not ever do that. Shame! Shame on MacRumors!

What an unpleasant person you are.

If anyone is being unpleasant here, I think it would be you. I simply asked a question.

What I was trying to get at with the question is that these paid article should be labeled. It's extremely dishonest of macrumors to display this article as if it was regular content if it was in fact paid for in some form or fashion.

 

[rvinny]

That'd be me. Literally just bought the 3-pack 2 weeks ago and replaced a ton of Apple AirPort stuff in the process. Now I feel kind of cheated.

Can you return it?

Did you look at Google's WiFi? They were selling the 3-pack for $260 recently. I was in the same boat of considering Airport replacements (had a mix of generations and speeds). I tried Google's and first impression is, it was pretty good. Not as simple as Airport set up but good, and seemed to have lots of features built in (that Eero is charging a premium for).

The downfall for me on G Wifi was they require NAT / router mode turned on for 1/2 the features to work. I run a central router with ethernet to the APs and doing it Google's way would create a double-NAT situation. In bridge mode, 1/2 the features are disabled.

I returned G WiFi and ended up going with a couple of refurb Aiport Extremes. They are 802.11ac so speeds are good and still solid, reliable performers. Not to mention, I have some lingering security / privacy concerns with all these newer web-connected / monitored systems. At a refurb or used price, Airports are still a great value. I am sticking with them until Fall 2017 when Apple's plans (and possible direction with WiFi) becomes more clear.

 

[macduke]

If anyone is being unpleasant here, I think it would be you. I simply asked a question.

What I was trying to get at with the question is that these paid article should be labeled. It's extremely dishonest of macrumors to display this article as if it was regular content if it was in fact paid for in some form or fashion.

That might be the case if you were a newbie but you've been here nearly as long as I have. Arnold Kim has said numerous times that they clearly state when an article is a part of a paid promotion. This is not a new comment on a post like this. They happen all the time. MacRumors just doesn't do that. Arn is an upstanding guy, and I trust what he says until he gives me reason not to. Sorry if I came across sounding harsh but I only did so because you're an old timer and should know better than to say something so ridiculous about this site that has been repeatedly refuted.

 

[drewyboy]

Just go with Ubiquiti Unifi. Problem solved.

 

[jdogg836]

Just go with Ubiquiti Unifi. Problem solved.

Most people have already moved on from Wireless N.

 

[Koodauw]

You're right—MacRumors should never write articles about anything that isn't 100% related to Apple, especially if it has to do with interesting technology that 99% of their readers use in their home every day and even more so if it's a market that Apple is rumored to be exiting, leaving many MacRumors readers in the lurch wondering what they should buy to replace their expensive AirPort Extremes. Yeah, they should definitely not ever do that. Shame! Shame on MacRumors!

What an unpleasant person you are.

I'd have to disagree. I think the site was better when they didn't have these articles. Back when, people used to post their experience with these products, so it felt more genuine. I was more a fan of that.

 

[snebes]

Just go with Ubiquiti Unifi. Problem solved.

Or the Ubiquiti Amplifi. Not as many features, iOS configuration app, but provides solid coverage with the 2 repeaters.

Pair it with an EdgeRouter and you're really good to go.

 

[26theone]

I have tried multiple brands of these "mesh" setups. The problem I had is that my device (such as my iphone) would connect to a particular access point but as I moved throughout the house my iphone would stay connected to the initial, distant AP and performance would be poor. Even though I had an AP in the same room with me, my device would stay connected to one on the far side of the house. Since there was some signal, the device didnt switch to another AP. Performance was poor though. Turn off/on wifi then it would connect to the close AP again. Walk to another part of the house and the device would stay connect to the initial AP. If you have dead spots and want some connectivity, these setups are probably fine. If you are paying for 200mb+ Internet bandwidth and want to fully utilize your bandwidth, these mesh setups may not work for you. The article needs to include an actual test of the equipment...