New Belkin 802.11n Router Features Torrent App

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Belkin's new wireless routers enlists the help of various apps focused on torrents, network printing, and more.

A wireless router that uses apps? Apparently so. Thanks to Apple and the way it has re-invented the consumer's need for small dinky programs (rather than over-bloated, over-priced software), we're witnessing a change in the "gadget" industry that has now infiltrated into our beloved wireless routers. Belkin is now the latest to jump into the apps craze, offering its new line of Surf, Share, Play, and Play Max 802.11n routers.

According to the company, the devices will be integrated with apps that are designed to "enhance users' wireless experience." One such app--called the Self-Healing App--automatically detects and resolves network problems. It also runs routine maintenance scans to give users the clearest wireless channel. The Print Genie app allows the user to connect a compatible printer directly to the router and print from any PC on the network.

Now here's the real kicker: the Torrent Genie app. "Don't wait around for large torrent downloads like movies, music and games," the company said. "The Torrent Genie App lets you continue downloading even if your computer is shut down or asleep. When you come back, your large media files will be fully downloaded and ready to enjoy."

The name of each router should speak for itself, indicating its primary focus. PC and console gamers would want to grab the Play and Play Max routers while web surfers who don't push around large amounts of data may want to consider the Surf Wireless Router. As for pricing, here's the list:

All four routers will be available this month.

Kevin Parrish
21 Comments Comment from the forums
  • lauxenburg
    Sounds like an evil little router...
    Reply
  • tipoo
    *Looks at DI-524 with disgust*


    You have to go.
    Reply
  • nottheking
    So I wonder how the Torrent Genie works... Perhaps the router has a built-in hard drive, essentially making it a combined router/NAS, or more likely, since it has its own apps, that its hardware is more microprocessor than microcontroller, making this closer to a combination of "personal server" and router... All told, an interesting idea, that I'm surprised hasn't been done before.

    Of course, the prospect of it offloading torrenting from the PC when the PC's not available makes me wonder if it'd handle seeding, too.
    Reply
  • JohnnyLucky
    "Self-Healing App--automatically detects and resolves network problems. It also runs routine maintenance scans to give users the clearest wireless channel."

    Sounds interesting!
    Reply
  • razor512
    Routers like the wrt54g's had torrent downloading for years, it is nothing new, it just required a custom firmware like openwrt.
    Reply
  • DarthPiggie
    I sure as hell got my eye on this....Been looking to a solution for this for a long time. Was thinking abouta dedicated PC for donwloads, till i saw this! Killed the idea in its track. Good Job spotting this Kevin.
    Reply
  • sicpric
    This would be awesome, but it smells like an April Fools joke.
    Reply
  • thaisport
    Unless it's Belkin site is also playing April Fools, here is a link which confirms the article:

    http://www.belkin.com/networking/apps/
    That feature will be available for their "Play Max" line of routers.
    Reply
  • iomega home media storage network drive already does this
    Reply
  • anamaniac
    tipoo*Looks at DI-524 with disgust*You have to go.*Looks at DIR-825 in contempt*
    You're staying. I just bought you, expensive POS... Wireless N at wireless G speeds, YAY!
    Reply