Android Oreo Introduces Wi-Fi Passpoint Support For Easy Hotspot Switching
This is a big convenience that is coming to Android. Without it, roaming a city landscape and going from one hotspot to another is an annoying affair that requires multiple logins as you go about your business. Wi-Fi Passpoint eliminates that hassle by keeping you connected automatically as you hop over hotspots. It is akin to bouncing from cell phone towers for your cellular connection as you travel.
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"In Wi-Fi networks that do not support Passpoint, users must search for and choose a network, request the connection to the access point (AP) each time, and in many cases, must re-enter their authentication credentials. Passpoint automates that entire process, enabling a seamless connection between hotspot networks and mobile devices, all while delivering the highest WPA2 security. Passpoint is enabling a more cellular-like experience when connecting to Wi-Fi networks," the Wi-Fi Alliance explains.
While this is a great thing that is being introduced to Android 8 Oreo, there is a caveat—it is an optional feature. That means an OEM can choose not to implement Wi-Fi Passpoint support. With that in mind, be sure to check the list of features when buying a new phone to make sure it is included, if this is something that you want and would ultimately benefit from.