Google’s OnHub router can now control Philips Hue lights

Google today said that its OnHub internet router can now connect to and allow users to control Philips Hue lights.

They’re a common example of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and now that OnHub can control it, the router is looking smarter.

“Now anyone connected to your OnHub can type ‘On.Here’ in a computer, tablet, or mobile browser and control the most popular features of your Philips Hue lights from there,” Google product manager Ben Brown wrote in a blog post.

Google first introduced the TP-LINK-made OnHub a year ago. An OnHub from Asus appeared in October. OnHub has since gotten support for the IFTTT app-connecting service. And Google has also enhanced it with the introduction of user-customizable shells for the router.

Routers are not the sexiest hardware for the home. But now Google is pushing one with a simple onboarding experience, and startup Eero has also been getting attention for its network-connected routers that provide better connectivity by creating a mesh network.

Meanwhile, Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant has been racking up IoT-related skills, and Apple’s upcoming iOS 10 operating system will enable iPhones and iPads to control IoT devices through the Home app.

To celebrate the OnHub’s first birthday, Google is dropping the price of the TP-LINK OnHub from $199.99 to $179.99 on the Google Store and Amazon.