Google is starting to roll out a new feature called Wi-Fi Assistant to Nexus users which will allow you to connect to free, open Wi-Fi hotspots. Unfortuantely it’s not coming to Australia, at least initially.
The option to connect to free, open Wi-Fi hotspots will allow users to access data, which is obviously a plus to Google. The feature was first introduced to Project Fi users, Google’s MVNO service that connects users to the best network, be it cellular with Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular, or a Wi-Fi network.
The assistant will connect you securely to the more than a million Wi-Fi hotspots available. To achieve this, Google uses a virtual private network (VPN) every time Wi-Fi Assistant connects to a network. To that end, you’ll see the familiar ‘Key’ symbol in your notification bar.
To access the assistant:
- Open your device’s Settings app Settings.
- Tap Google.
- Tap Networking.
- Next to “Wi-Fi Assistant,” tap the On/Off switch.
Google will begin rolling out the update to Nexus owners in the United States, Canada, Mexico, UK and Nordic countries – with hopefully support rolling out further, though Google hasn’t said anything about it at this stage.
