Manage updates with the Download App
InstaWifi for Android shares Wi-Fi access via NFC or QR code
Instead of having to tell your wireless password to each person that needs access for their smartphone or tablet, just try using this simple app.
(Credit:
InstaWifi)
InstaWifi lets you share access to your wireless connection by using NFC tags or a generated QR code. This is a great tool for business owners who have customers or office guests who want to connect to their wireless connection. It's definitely a faster option than giving them a password to type in, or keeping said password written down with the potential of getting lost.
If you need a quick recap on how to create NFC tags, check out Jason Cipriani's How to program an NFC tag with your Android device before you get started. The entire process will only take you a few minutes at most, and the resulting convenience factor is well worth it. And if you don't have any of your own NFC tags but want some, the developer is doing a special where he will send you some Android-themed tags if you make a donation for the app (done through the in-app menu). Sweet deal, huh?
Now let's get started:
First you'll need to install InstaWifi on your Android device. Then, open the app and choose NFC or QR.
Two special notes to keep in mind from the developer:
If you rooted your phone, InstaWifi will ask for root on startup so that it'll automatically grab your Wi-Fi password and security type so that you don't have to manually type it in. Root access is not required.
DO NOT share the QR code to people you do not trust. The QR code has your Wi-Fi network password embedded in the image, and should only be used to share with family or friends.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
Pick the corresponding SSID for your wireless network from the pop-up list, and the type of security used on that network. Then enter your password on the password line.
Tip: If you're going to be writing an NFC tag or printing the QR code, you should enable the Show password option when you type it in -- just to avoid wasting time later due to a typo.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
For NFC: Tap the NFC picture to write to a physical tag. Then, make sure NFC is enabled on your device before physically tapping an NFC tag. After that's done, users can tap their NFC-enabled device on the tag to connect.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
For QR: After entering the password, just close/minimize your keyboard and you'll see a message saying that the image has been updated. Then you can choose to share the QR -- to a e-mail, your Facebook ,or Web site -- with the Share button at the top right-hand area of the app, or just have people scan it from your device with an app like Barcode Scanner.
Which do you think is more useful, NFC or the QR code?
(Via AndroidPolice)
