wifi

Find hot spots with WiFi Free

No matter how robust a data plan you have on your phone, it's still probably limited and slower than Wi-Fi. It pays to do most of your downloading on your home's connection or on free hot spots. WiFi Free will help you find dozens of free places to connect, but it's nowhere near as seamless as other apps. It takes too long to set up and has a very simple layout.

When you install this supposedly free app, you'll be stuck either paying 99 cents or connecting it with your Foursquare account. If you don't … Read more

Transfer files between devices with Wifi File Transfer for Phone

If you ever needed to transfer a file from one Android device to another, you have probably wished that this app existed. Wifi File Transfer for Phone sets up your own private cloud between the two devices in the same Wi-Fi network and lets you transfer your files without much hassle.

Wifi File Transfer for Phone has a slick layout with bright colors and easy-to-read, intuitive icons. Once the app is set up, the devices can openly browse files between each other. Once the user finds a file they want, they simply select it for download and wait. If you … Read more

Use your phone as a Wi-Fi hot spot with Android-Wifi-Tether

The task of tethering devices to your phone has never been easier. Operating efficiently and quickly, Android-Wifi-Tether takes all the guesswork out of setting up a portable network.

Setup for Android-Wifi-Tether is very easy. The overall layout of this app is very good, too. It is easy to read and simple to use. After a quick browse through the main setup menu you are able to select the proper phone from a list of compatible devices. Click on a large Wi-Fi icon and you'll be up and running. Tablets and PCs should have no problem seeing your new Android … Read more

How to enable metered Wi-Fi connections in Windows 8

One of the new features of Windows 8 is metered wireless connections. In the past, you could run Windows programs to monitor your data usage, but they didn't do anything to actually reduce data usage. With mobile hot spot and broadband card usage on the rise and unlimited data plans nearing extinction, every kilobyte of bandwidth saved is a penny earned. Enabling metering in Windows 8 will limit your PC or tablet's data usage by preventing nonessential data transfers.

According to Microsoft's FAQ on metered connections, the effects of enabling a metered connection are:

Windows Update will … Read more

Fake a Wi-Fi network hacking attempt to entertain your friends with Wifi Hack

Simulating access to any type of Wi-Fi network, Wifi Hack can bring you a couple of minutes of fame as a hacker. However, even though it's fun to see your phone pierce its way through a Wi-Fi network in a fake manner, the entertainment with the Wifi Hack app only lasts once for every set of audience that you show your trick to.

Upon accessing the app, you are simply given a list of available Wi-Fi networks in the area. The list is of course based on the actual available networks that your unit can detect. Choose one of … Read more

DivX Plus improves player design and adds DLNA streaming over Wi-Fi

DivX Plus packs in a video player, codecs, and tools that cover the basic needs of streaming and converting your videos. It was considered one of the more popular video standards when high-definition content was first trickling to the Web. Version 9.0 brings with it updated features and some sleek changes to its look. So how does it hold up?

The core player has been skinned with an unobtrusive look and a dark, sleek interface. It doesn't compete for your attention with a bunch of bells and whistles or knobs. Nothing is meant to really distract you from … Read more

T-Mobile corrects reports on Wi-Fi calling for Nexus 4

Editor's note: T-Mobile has confirmed that the Nexus 4 will not support Wi-Fi calling. The carrier has corrected the support documents, which a spokesman said were originally posted with incorrect information.

It appears that the T-Mobile version of the Nexus 4 will support Wi-Fi calling after all. Provided online support documents for the handset prove to be accurate, the new LG smartphone will allow T-Mobile customers the option to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi connections.

The feature, which lets users take advantage of their own network instead of relying on T-Mobile's towers, can often provide a stronger … Read more

Facebook tests free Wi-Fi hot spots in exchange for check-ins

Facebook is testing a new Wi-Fi hot spot service for local businesses that lets users surf the net for free if they do a Facebook check-in.

First noticed by developer Tom Waddington today, the social network's experiment has businesses providing the Internet service in exchange for a Facebook router that will direct customers to the businesses' Facebook page after they check in.

Facebook confirmed to CNET that it's rolled out the "small test with a few local businesses," but didn't name any names.

"When you access Facebook Wi-Fi by checking in, you are directed … Read more

Linksys ships its first 802.11ac router and media bridge

Linksys today announced the availability of its latest Smart Wi-Fi router, the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro router (model EA6500). This is the company's first router to support the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard.

The new router is to compete with similar routers from other networking vendors, such as the Netgear R6300, the D-Link DIR-865L, and the Buffalo AirStation WZR-D1800H.… Read more

iPhone Wi-Fi glitch may affect users on other carriers

The software glitch that gobbled through the monthly data allotments of some iPhone 5 users may be affecting subscribers on carriers other than Verizon Wireless.

Last week, iPhone 5 users on Apple's online support community complained that they were blowing through their data plans even when they were spending the majority of their time on Wi-Fi. Over the weekend, Apple issued a software update that fixed the problem for Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon issued a statement saying that the glitch had been fixed and no one would be charged for any overages related to the glitch.

It's still … Read more