Android Oreo Introduces Wi-Fi Passpoint Support For Easy Hotspot Switching
For all the attention that has been poured onto Android 8.0 Oreo, one thing that has kind of flown under the radar is support for Wi-Fi Passpoint. This is a technology that was introduced by the Wi-Fi Alliance back in 2012 to make bouncing from one hotspot to another a smooth and seamless transition, and it is included in Google's Android 8.0 update, which Google describes as the biggest change to the foundations of Android to date.
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.
"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.
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.
"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.
