ASUS rolled out an update to its firmware (3.0.0.6.102_34791) that now requires users to be over the age of 16 and to send a slew of metrics and data back to ASUS. If you do not agree or do not check the box to verify you are 16y or older, you cannot use the router. At this time, I’m not sure if ASUS has meant to disable the router for anyone under 16 or if it’s a bug.
You can opt out at any time but lose access to a slew of features:
Please note that users are required to agree to share their information before using DDNS, Remote Connection (ASUS Router APP, Lyra APP. AiCloud, AiDisk), AiProtection, Traffic analyzer, Apps analyzer, Adaptive QoS, Game Boost and Web history. At any time, users can search the contents of the terms at this page or stop sharing their information with other parties by choosing Withdraw.
Moreover, ASUS disables automatic firmware updates and worse, all security upgrades unless you opt into the data sharing. Security upgrades perform the following:
Security upgrade incorporates security measures that continuously update its security file and scans to protect against malware, malicious scripts, and emerging threats in order to secure the router and ensure system stability. Some upgrades addressing important security issues or meeting legal/regulatory requirements will still be downloaded and installed automatically, even if "Security Upgrade" is turned off.
Edit: I have personally contacted their CEO's office, but if others would like to voice their disapproval as well, here is a link: https://www.asus.com/us/support/article/787/
I remember seeing that Openwrt is working on getting their own hardware sometime in the future. Might be worth looking at when the time comes. I'll stick with merlin until that goes the same way.
Isn't the Banana Pi R64/R3/R4 close enough to that?
I like Linksys for OpenWRT. They are cheaper and the chipset is often the same. They aren't high performance devices by any stretch but they are pretty solid in my experience.
I do wish OpenWRT would partner with a existing company instead of trying to go alone. There are several companies that make hardware specifically for OpenWRT. It would be nice if they would just work to have a "certified by OpenWRT" badge. They could then donate a percentage of the sale to the project.