HandyWi - Rediscover Mobile Wi-Fi

Rating: Looks like a tasty morsel!

I read about HandyWi this morning on gHacks.net and I have to say from what I can see and have read it looks like a very cool application!

Essentially HandyWi is for Nokia devices that once installed on a device will alert the user whenever a free Wi-Fi spot has been discovered. From their web site it seems the HandyWi “mobile client is able to connect to any WLAN 802.11a/b/c/g hotspot including WISPr enabled public WiFi networks FON (world largest WiFi network), BTOpenzone, The Cloud, Golden WiFi, Orange, AT&T, Japan Telecom, KPN and many others.”

Once connected it seems to have the ability to offer LBS such as “what is going on around the place where you are, latest discount offers from the store nearby, exhibitions in the museum over the corner, map of the district and many more.” This is only available on certain WLAN networks.

HandyWi also have partnerships with VoIP and chat providers.

The application and service is free and no credit cards or registration required apparently. Features also include:

*  Filtering of hotspots, separated view for public WLAN networks
* HandyWi clearly shows which access point is secure and which is not
* Single internet access point (HandyWi APN) for all applications (mail, web browser, char etc.)
* Easy account management, several user accounts possible (scratch card, prepaid etc.)
* Access to the location based media information, loaded each time you connect (works on selected                 WLAN networks only)
* Automatic hotspot discovery and alert feature
* Automatic connection to the hotspot which has stronger signal
* Secure RSA encrypted communication with HandyWi server
* Automatic application startup after install and on boot

New in version 1.2

* Support for more than 100 WISPr enabled Wi-Fi networks
* Support for Ad-Hoc Wi-Fi networks
* Public view shows all hotspots without security enabled
* About 20 community reported bugs fixed
* French and Dutch translations added
* JoikuSpot Light support

Being a geek I emailed them and am going to test the app on a Nokia E71 and I will report back with my findings. In the meantime check out the web site and give it a go yourself.

Related News:

1. Devicescape and Deutsche Telekom enable easier access for users and devices to T-Mobile Networks
2. T-Mobile offers free WiFi to T-Mobile Broadband customers
3. No luck of the Irish
4. Accor Vodafone WLAN in Berlin
5. Latest AdMob metrics report shows massive surge in both iPhone and WiFi use