It was designed to scan every packet entering the home to protect "smart" devices (like cameras and thermostats) that couldn't run their own antivirus.
Reviewers at PCMag and CNET highlighted its unique balance of aesthetics and hardware:
While it may still transmit a Wi-Fi signal, its core selling points—advanced network security, parental controls, and the "Security Score"—are no longer active without the discontinued subscription service. Key Features (at Launch)
A faceted, grapefruit-sized sphere intended to be displayed openly for better signal coverage.
An AC2600 dual-band router powered by a 1.7 GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM.
Official support and security updates ended on April 15, 2022 .