Notable tech company Avast Software recently released a new Android application that will allow users to easily find secure Wi-Fi connections. The app called Wi-Fi Finder is the resulting invention of a crowdsourcing campaign that allowed Avast Mobile Security users to help the company in pointing out secure Wi-Fi hotspots.
The developers of Wi-Fi Finder claim that though a host of volunteers, the project was able to put together a massive map of Wi-Fi hotspots that adhere to the security protocols imposed by the campaign.
According to Venture Beat, Avast claims that it has mapped out one million hotspots located globally on its database, of which 120,000 are located in the United States. Avast added that about 5,000 new hotspots are being added by users every day.
Avast claims that users of Wi-Fi Finder should be able to connect to the fastest and most secure hotspots within their area. The list of Wi-Fi hotspots are submitted by other users through crowdsourcing, it is then evaluated by Avast as well as other users depending on its speed and security features. Users will still have the final decision whether to connect or not to recommended hotspots.
Another useful feature integrated into the Wi-Fi is the ability to connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots protected by passwords with the need of providing one. Avast's application users have already saved the passwords before so that new users need not to bother asking it.
One of the most interesting features of the Wi-Fi Finder is it allow users gauge the connection speed of a specific Wi-Fi hotspot without the need of connecting into it.
In a statement acquired by Softpedia, Avast president of mobile division Gagan Singh said, "Many of us have found ourselves in situations when traveling or working remotely in which we're unable to find reliable and secure Wi-Fi. With the Avast Wi-Fi Finder, consumers are now able to find a safe and fast Wi-Fi connection whether you're at the gym, hotel, airport, bus station, library or café."
Avast's Wi-Fi Finder app can be downloaded for free on the Google Play Store. The app is fully compatible with Android devices running on Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Avast has yet to confirm whether it plans to release the app in the iOS or Windows platform.