Facebook is rolling out a new feature to help us save on data and locate open Wi-Fi networks, no matter where we are.
It's called Find Wi-Fi, and it shows network-needy users a tailored hotspot map of their immediate area, highlighting locations where they'll be able to find a connection. The feature was tested for iOS in a few countries last year to positive reviews, so Facebook is releasing it to all users around the world on both iPhone and Android.
It's not all wide-open public Wi-Fi — the maps are made up of businesses that have shared with Facebook from their Page — but it'll help you pick out which coffee shop would be best for a pitstop if you're in an unfamiliar place.
SEE ALSO:Facebook just hit 2 billion monthly active human content-sharing servitude machines (or: "users")Finding Wi-Fi using the feature is easy, at least if you're in an area surrounded by hot spots. Just head over to the "More" tab's "Explore" section, where you'll see the "Find Wi-Fi" button.
Yeah, I still have those bubbles.Credit: screenshot/facebookIf you haven't already, you'll need to allow the Facebook app to access your location in order to use the feature. Once the map pops up, you'll be able to search the area for the closest connection point.
All the potential Wi-Fi havens, mapped.Credit: screenshot/facebookCheck out the video below for a closer look at how to use the feature on Android:
There is one notable flaw to the feature: You'll need to have some shred of network connection to be able to access a hotspot map. That's fine if you're looking for Wi-Fi to conserve your precious data usage on the go — but if your mobile network is too weak, you might be out of luck.
Facebook reps told us Find Wi-Fi tested well in places with weak networks, however. The trial found the feature "especially useful in areas with poor mobile network connectivity,” as a way to bolster the connection, they said in an emailed statement.
It's just another step in Facebook's quest to make it possible for everyone — especially its now 2 billion strong user base — to get online. After all, if the social network is really going to bring the world closer together, we'll all have to be able to access digital space.
TopicsFacebookSocial Media
(责任编辑：熱點)
This German startup wants to be your bank (without being a bank)Apple's UAC port will help wired headphones work without a dongleYouTube cancels PewDiePie show after antiWatch this 81Florida hurricane forecast remains uncertain, but trends in state's favorCat gets stuck in the most awkward position ever
Anyone with a cat can tell you that although their cat's claws are impressive scratching and hunting
...[详细]It's time for Snapchat to convince Wall Street and the world why they should be worth more than $20
...[详细]Even Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter shared this Facebook post about how to resist Trump
"Don't use his name."That's the first bit of advice given in a viral Facebook post listing 11 tips o
...[详细]India's database with biometric details of its billion citizens ignites privacy debate
"Indians in general have yet to understand the meaning and essence of privacy," says Member of Parli
...[详细]'The Flying Bum' aircraft crashes during second test flight
Airlander 10, the world's largest aircraft, on Wednesday crashed at its Cardington Airfield base in
...[详细]Google is bringing a rainforest right to your smartphone
Most of us have never stepped anywhere near a rainforest, much less had a chance to explore it -- so
...[详细]I waited in the snow for several hours to buy stuff with Kylie Jenner's face on it
"We're literally just waiting in the cold for hours for makeup we can buy online," one girl explaine
...[详细]You can finally have a Cheeto that looks like Harambe ... for $99,999
First of all, RIP Harambe. Second, be really careful when you eat your Cheetos.
。The beloved gorilla,
...[详细]The five guys who climbed Australia's highest mountain, in swimwear
Climbing a freezing cold mountain is already hard enough work. But in briefs? Nope. 。It's too late fo
...[详细]Not content for those pregnancy portraits being contained to our phone screens, one muralist has tak
...[详细]