Nice, but isn't it a safety risk to log on a Wifi network you know nothing about ? You should probably warn users not to do any kind of sensitive browsing on it.
Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotspot heuristics and crowd-input
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Re: Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotspot heuristics and crowd-input
#32Nice, but isn't it a safety risk to log on a Wifi network you know nothing about ? You should probably warn users not to do any kind of sensitive browsing on it.
Indeed, there are risks involved, but I'd argue that connecting to public Wifi is a pretty common existing habit already. There are good ways to stay protected though whilst doing this e.g. using a VPN.
Re: Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotspot heuristics and crowd-input
#33Nice to see London on a screenshot and not San Francisco for once! Congrats on the launch.
Re: Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotspot heuristics and crowd-input
#34Nice, but isn't it a safety risk to log on a Wifi network you know nothing about ? You should probably warn users not to do any kind of sensitive browsing on it.
Indeed, there are risks involved, but I'd argue that connecting to public Wifi is a pretty common existing habit already. There are good ways to stay protected though whilst doing this e.g. using a VPN.
You'd be surprised how many people don't even know what a VPN is... :/
Re: Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotspot heuristics and crowd-input
#35Re: Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotspot heuristics and crowd-input
#36Earlier quoted context omitted.
+1 Funnily enough, I'm in Argentina right now working on the Android version of WifiMapper as we speak.
Great! we can have lunch next week if you are available.
Sure, I'm on a super hectic schedule, so it may just be a drink and some empanadas, but let's set something up.
Re: Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotspot heuristics and crowd-input
#37Earlier quoted context omitted.
Indeed, there are risks involved, but I'd argue that connecting to public Wifi is a pretty common existing habit already. There are good ways to stay protected though whilst doing this e.g. using a VPN.
You'd be surprised how many people don't even know what a VPN is... :/
Totally appreciate this is not something the average user understands. In the long run it would be nice if we could offer VPN style functionality without users actually having to understand what a VPN actually is (e.g. an "Enter secure mode" button, but that's a longer term feature.
Re: Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotspot heuristics and crowd-input
#38If you are in Europe, take a look at the FON service. [1]
Re: Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotspot heuristics and crowd-input
#39Microsoft WiFi Sense does something very similar on Windows Phones.
There are a number of others building hotspot databases like this but mainly taking a purely automatic, heuristic approach. Our plan is to augment this with an engaged community of users who can help curate the database further in a way that isn't possible through an automated-only approach. See my comment below for more details.
Wifi Sense actually shares credentials with your contacts and vice versa, so you automatically connect to hotspots within your (social) network. Not sure exactly how it handles duplicate SSIDs and things; probably with the heuristics you are talking about.
Re: Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotspot heuristics and crowd-input
#40Out of curiosity, what is your reason for using wifi hotspots in today’s world? Personally, I don’t bother connecting to a wifi network anymore (except when I’m at home or at work) because the mobile network is just so fast and convenient. Even when abroad, I just buy a local SIM card and use that.
You know how I know you live in a major metropolitan area and have a good deal of disposable income?