Devicescape has released the first stable version of its automatic WiFi connection utility for mobile devices. The “Devicescape 1.0” client automatically logs in devices — even devices without browsers, such as VoIP phones — at thousands of free and commercial WiFi hotspot locations, the company says.

Devicescape began beta testing its eponymous Devicescape client and service in December of last year, releasing a version for Nokia's 770 Internet client, along with versions for Windows XP SP2 laptops, Windows Mobile 5.0 devices, and Linksys's WIP300 VoIP phone.

Since the beta release, Devicescape says the utility has gained:

• Client-side certificate checking for enhanced security
• CAB file installation process on Windows Mobile 5.0 devices for advanced users
• Connection notifications on Windows Mobile 5.0 devices
• Simplified device registration mechanism and automatic start-up on the Nokia 770

Additionally, the Devicescape service has gained compatibility with some 30 hotspot and municipal networks, in addition to the FON, Google WiFi, and T-Mobile HotSpot USA public hotspots previously supported. Newly supported services (on at least one OS), according to the company, include:

• FatPort
• OpenSpark
• Gordon Biersch
• KPN Hotspots
• McCarran Airport (Las Vegas)
• Sprint PCS WiFi
• The Cloud (UK)
• Union Square Wireless (San Francisco)
• University of Calgary

Devicescape says it is “adding new networks every day,” and invites users to suggest additions, using an online form.

Devicescape, formerly Instant802.11, is best known as a vendor of commercial WiFi stacks and an active participant in the WiFi Alliance. The company says its stack is used by the Alliance as a reference implementation, in dozens of labs around the world, where new products are tested for compatibility with the latest standards and real-world interoperability with the newest devices.

Devicescape also recently contributed an advanced WiFi stack to the Linux kernel community.

Availability

The Devicescape 1.0 utility is available for download now, for the Nokia 770 (Tablet OS 2006), Linksys WIP300 Wireless-G IP phone, Windows Mobile 5, and Windows XP SP 2.

 
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