Here in Portland a company called MetroFi is setting up municipal wifi coverage over the entire city. How well it’s working thus far is beyond the scope of this post, but let’s just say, there a lots of hotspots that give you free internet access in this town provided you log in first.
And there’s the rub. Here’s the average scenario: I’m out and about downtown, and want to look something up. My iPhone notices I’m trying to use the internet, and pops-up a list of access points in the area. Now despite being free, I have to go to a website, fill out a form, and only then get access to the site I’m looking for. Which means for almost all things EDGE because it lacks the registration process.
Enter Devicescape. Install their application, available through Installer, and register on their website for free. The website allows you to add your personal networks, any pay networks you may subscribe to (like T-Mobile Hotspot), and has a list of free services like MetroFi. Now, any time you’re in a spot that has a recognized hotspot, just press the “Connect” button, and it will log in automagically. That’s it!
The list of free spots is kind of slim, it does have MetroFi and PDX, but it doesn’t have very many others I use, like Fred Meyer’s or Personal Telco. The list seems most useful if you live in San Francisco, with a few Portland spots. But I’m sure it’ll grow with time.
Still, the fact that I can now finally use MetroFi the other 90% of the time I need quick internet access is heavenly.
