[zinekeller]

Before you say anything about this feature (which is apparently called HomeCare, https://www.tp-link.com/homecare/), you should probably know that Asus also has a AiProtection feature powered by Trend Micro (https://www.asus.com/content/aiprotection/) and D-Link having McAfee Secure Home Platform built-in (https://www.dlink.com/en/latest-news/d-link-introduces-new-e...). Definitely not vindicating TP-Link here (especially the alleged continuous querying despite the feature being off), just noting that this is not exclusive to TP-Link.

[webmobdev]

Damn. Seems like they have all "discovered" a new revenue model - harvest and sell user data to third-parties / data brokers.

[jnwatson]

These are all premium features you have to sign up for.

[zinekeller]

So why is the first line of their marketing material says "lifetime subscription for the life of the device" and not for a monthly fee? Also, I have an Asus Router with AiProtect and it didn't upsell me, and definitely no monthly dues (I'm not shocked if the data collected is resold however though).

[Pxtl]

Yes but the feature is optional, and tells you how it works if you turn it on.

And realistically, most of the extended features on consumer routers are ineffective at best and network-destroying in typical cases.

For example, I've never used a router ever turning on QOS did anything but trash network performance.

I use and recommend Asus routers because in spite of them being shitpiles when you turn on anything but the basic functionality, the industry standard is that low that consistently good basic functionality is a stand out success.

The router industry makes printer companies look like Apple.

[sloshnmosh]

I came here to say the same. I even purchased a LAN throwing star to look to see if my Asus router was sending anything to TrendMicro but never did get around to it.

But I will now for sure.