Smartphone Hotspot

Smartphone as Hotspot

Posted by samc on January 11th, 2008

Owners of Windows Mobile 6 smartphones have a new software package that can turn their phone into a mobile hotspot.

Bit-tech explains that the software, WMWifiRouter, is designed to get your laptop online no matter where you are. Any WiFi device can use WMWifiRouter to get online, even multiple devices at once.

WMWifiRouter is still under heavy development. There is no userguide and most information is found at XDA-Developers. Still, it sounds like an intriguing application. A mobile hotspot (with a screen and keyboard) could prove handy (if a little pricey on the backhaul).

When you install the package it creates an Ad-Hoc WiFi connection named “WMWifiRouter” which offers a gateway connection to whatever data service is offered by the ‘phone. Right now that’s GPRS, HSPA or EV-DO.

I can’t wait ’til Mobile WiMAX is available for the backhaul — or is that wishful thinking.

LG’s Mobile WiMAX phone uses Windows Mobile 6 and combines WiMAX and cellular connections. It may be used by Sprint’s Xohm network. LG’s WiBro phone also has mobile television. LG’s ultraportable, based on Intel’s MID, may be pricey, but the rumored WiMAXed versions of the Asus EeePc (videos), Everex CloudBook (video) and Nokia WebTablet (video) seem rich in potential. And of course there’s OpenMoko and Android (right).

source : dailywireless.org