Use WiFinder to discover wifi access points in your general vicinity. WiFinder reports back to you open and closed networks. You can then go into your iPhone settings and configure your iPhone, laptop or other device to use that network.
Price: $0.99
App Store Link
Developer Link
October 5, 2008
#1
ok cool app, but what does this do that the 1.4 and 2.x built in wifi settings don’t do? My phone scans for all available wifi connections every 10 seconds and tells me if the ones that were found were secure or open. I’m not trying to take anything away from the developer but that has been my question for all of these wifi apps for the iPhone. I just don’t get it.
October 6, 2008
#2
It may sound hard, but it is pretty useless, as the iPhone already does that by default …
I don’t see any further interest in that app …
October 6, 2008
#3
Actually both of you are wrong. The iPhone does not report hidden or other devices that are in the area. It only shows you open or password protected Wifi points. It is also much faster at locating access points then just opening up Settings and hoping for the best. This App may not be for you two but for many of us who have a career in the technology industry the app is great.
October 6, 2008
#4
The default UI also doesn’t tell you if the “open” network is actually usable – many open networks either redirect to a login page or do MAC address filtering. This application will tell you if it’s a useful open network or not.
Additionally, for the network admins among you, there’s a details page where you can drill down to see MAC address and as many other details about the access point as I could request from Apple’s APIs (I’m the author).
October 6, 2008
#5
Ok, got it. Thanks for the details.
I work in the technology industry, but I have an unlimited 3G access, and I heard that the Wifi does empty the battery faster than 3G, so, that’s why I don’t rely on it.
October 6, 2008
#6
i got this App. on the day it hit the App. Store. i like it, and is one of my most used Apps. here in Louisiana, we do not have 3G. so i check, where ever i go for an open wifi, and it works great. it took La. ” ten years ” to totally convert, from TDMA (analog) to GSM (digital), so that’s not an option for me. i too have one of those Keychain wifi finders from Kensington, it’s nice has five LED’s for signal strength, and also has a Bluetooth LED, and a mini LED Flashlight, but this App. finds more locations, and offers much more, like: Router Name, WPA, WEP, Open, Locked, and Hidden.
October 6, 2008
#7
Wow, thanks Greg for that info. I semi feel your pain here in my town where we have a few 3G towers but the coverage is real patchy. My favorite Starbucks locations have poor quality so I am always hoping something is available to use besides the weak 3G signal.
October 17, 2008
#8
Just used the app to get online at Sacramento airport. Helped out a lot when i fired up the old macbook there was only one wifi connection shown. so i fired up WiFinder and found out there were six and one had a signal strength of 31 when all the rest were at like 12. without WiFinder i would be sitting here with a slow connection like everyone else.
March 18, 2009
#9
This isn’t on the app store anymore
July 8, 2009
#10
has channged its name: new name = WiFi Checker