Handy Nokia Wi-fi app goes missing in action

YET ANOTHER great bit of mobile software – in this case an app which automatically logs you into to available Wi-fi hotspots – is purportedly available through Nokia. Few can see it, however.

Called Easy Wifi, the software from Devicescape works on Wi-fi enabled N Series or E Series handsets – like the N95 – as well as on Nokia Internet tablets.

In theory, if you log onto Nokia's service you should be able to spot and download the software. On compatible handsets you click on the built-in 'Download' icon; refresh the catalogue; and then download it straight to your handset. For free.

With the Internet tablets you need to go to the Nokia Tableteer Folder. The catch is that few Brit network operators enable their subscribers to see every new app made available through Download.

On some handsets, for example, the Download icon is missing entirely. Don't despair because if you have a computer you can download the software from Devicescape's site and then side-load it onto your handset.

Devicescape's Dave Fraser told the INQ the app should work on any Series 60 compatible device. Hasn't Samsung just launched some Symbian handsets that are Series 60 based and support Wi-fi? Should work, then.

Oh yeah. It works on that popular touchscreen phone from Apple, too.

So what does Easy Wifi actually do? Well, first you need a subscription to one of the leading commercial hot-spot networks – like The Cloud or T-Mobile. When you get into range, the app will log you on automatically.

So there's no opening browsers or continuously having to type in your ID and password. Better still, if the software detects a free Wi-fi network it already knows, then it will swap you over.

How does that work? Well, Devicescape users send details back of free networks they want to access. Devicescape creates a suitable script and then everyone gets logged in automatically afterwards.

Within weeks, Devicescape has gone from a couple of hundred scripted networks to 750. It should also be possible to log yourself in automatically to your home Wi-fi network.

This is one of the most useful, time-saving mobile apps the INQ has seen. Let's hope it spreads like wildfire. µ

L'INQ
Devicescape

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