Devicescape today announced the Easy Wi-Fi Network, which provides an easy-to-use hotspot map finder, allowing users to find and connect to hundreds of thousands of free hotspots all over the world.
The Easy WiFi Network has been formed from a continuous process of discovery, classification, and monitoring of all the WiFi hotspots encountered by their users. The company says they ensure that the locations their users see are ones which everyone can see and use.
Users can buy a device — such as a phone or music player — and see the Wi-Fi locations on a map and sign on to them without the hassle of finding out passwords. The San Bruno, Calif.-based company says their Easy Wi-Fi Network is a good solution for manufacturers to bundle with their hardware devices. They can give users access to available “open” Wi-Fi hotspots, and don’t have to go to the trouble of setting up their own separate network.
Currently, the Easy WiFi Network has over 160,000 locations all over the world. They monitor over 2 million locations, filtering these down to the locations they feel have suitable quality to ensure a good experience. Members can personalize their other networks to include all their hotspot accounts, such as Wi-Fi that is bundled with their cellular or home service, commercial accounts or communities they may belong to such as university campuses.
Free WiFi is becoming ubiquitous:
- Barnes & Noble, the largest bookstore chain in America, allows patrons to surf for free, in a deal with AT&T announced this August.
- Borders, the second-largest bookstore chain in the United States, will provide free WiFi in about 500 of its U.S. stores. The company is working with Verizon to equip those stores with Wi-Fi, with service available this month.
- Verizon is partnering with Boingo to deliver free WiFi access. Free Verizon Wi-Fi hot spot locations include hotels, airports, restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, convention centers and public locations across the U.S. Boingo’s network of Wi-Fi hotspots – which includes more than 100,000 locations around the world – IF you’re a Verizon FiOS or DSL broadband subscriber.
- All U.S. company-operated Starbucks hot spots now support AT&T Wi-Fi service. A $5 or more Starbucks Card, will get you two consecutive hours of complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi daily.
- Google is partnering with Virgin America to provide free WiFi on every Virgin America flight between November 10, 2009 and January 15, 2010,
- Satellite broadband provider Row 44 and JiWire are delivering free in-flight Wi-Fi, supported by advertising.
The Easy Wi-Fi Network application is free. It’s available for the iPhone/iPod, Nokia S60 Phones, Windows Mobile Phones, as well as Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS.
Users can extend their map view to include Easy Wi-Fi hotspots with their other accounts. When a user has personalized their account, the map finder will be updated to include all their hotspots, allowing them to be logged in automatically everywhere.
