US : Devicescape Software announced the second generation of its award-winning Wi-Fi software—Devicescape Connect 2.0.

This major upgrade expands coverage by allowing devices to instantly access potentially millions of free and open hotspots.

By combining out of the box connections to free or open hotspots with a growing choice of subscription networks, and auto-access to home and other personal networks, Devicescape 2.0 provides for network coverage that is global and fully customizable.

“Over the past year, we worked closely with device manufactures, operators, and our customers to create a solution that meets individual as well as global needs,” said Dave Fraser, CEO of Devicescape. “Devicescape 2.0 allows consumers to create the very best Wi-Fi coverage for them – with access possible at millions of locations, from all their devices.”

For device manufacturers, Devicescape now provides a comprehensive Wi-Fi solution that immediately connects any device to millions of hotspots around the world, without the consumer having to do anything. The device registers anonymously with Devicescape, and begins connecting to free and open hotspots immediately. Consumers can upgrade and expand their access when and how they want. Additionally, Devicescape is compatible with all Operator Networks and can also be customized for Operator Partners to include network credentials “out-of-the-box.” This allows manufacturers to easily work with any provider around the world to distribute bundled solutions on any type of device.

According to a recent In-Stat report entitled, “More than Just Laptops—Worldwide Hotspots are impacted by other Mobile Devices,” consumers want increased and easy Wi-Fi access from many devices such as handheld game systems and mobile media players. “There is a growing issue of how non-laptop devices connect. For consumer devices without a keyboard, network access can be tricky,” said Daryl Schoolar, senior analyst of In-Stat. “The work Devicescape is doing to make it easier for device manufacturers and service providers – ultimately the consumer – to connect their devices to Wi-Fi hotspots is crucial to growing the Wi-Fi device market.”

For consumers, Devicescape 2.0 provides immediate access from any device to millions of hotspot locations. Access to free and open hotspots requires no sign up. It simply works right “out of the box.” Also, the service is easily extensible to password protected networks and credentials can be entered once on the fly on the device or in advance via a web site. You can even add your home network and securely share with friends. Additionally, Devicescape constantly seeks hotspots, and notifies users when they have a secure and verified Wi-Fi connection.

Devicescape also announced today the launch of the Devicescape Developer Community. Now developers and device engineers can download Devicescape SDK source code for free via a simple online form and license agreement available at http://developer.devicescape.com. (Please see release titled “Devicescape Developer Community Provides Free Source Code for Fast Integration and Experimentation” for more information). By doing this, Devicescape is making it even easier for device manufacturers to speed their time to market and decrease their overall investment and support costs.

Availability:
Devicescape 2.0 is in the Devicescape SDK and for download for Windows laptops, Nokia series 60 devices, and will be available shortly for Windows Mobile Smartphones. Devicescape is also available for Mac OSX, Apple iPhone and iPod touch, and Nokia Internet Tablets. Devicescape is free for consumers and is available for download at www.devicescape.com