Joiku Turns Your S60 Handset into a WiFi Hotspot

Posted by Zach Epstein on Feb 5, 2008 5:25 pm 5 comments
Filed in HSDPA, Nokia, Symbian, UMTS, Wi-Fi

No, the image to the right isn’t from the Blair Witch Project. It’s the logo of mobile developer Joiku, the Finnish team that has finally brought hotspot capabilities to the S60 platform. Windows Mobile users have had this capability for a while, and now S60 device owners can kiss laptop tethering goodbye for good as well. As if that news wasn’t good enough, JoikuSpot Light is 100% free! Yes, this application turns your handset into a pocketable HSDPA-backed WiFi hotspot and it is absolutely free. JoikuSpot Light is currently in public beta phase and users have not encountered any major problems from what we’re hearing so far. There are some limitations for the time being, namely that you cannot create an encrypted access point. As such, your handset becomes a public hotspot and access cannot be restricted. As the app is tagged with "Light" in the title, we have to assume that a full version will be released at some point with additional supported features such as WEP / WPA. In the meantime, just keep looking over your shoulder and if your connection slows down, you know what to do. Oh, and for the love of god, don’t even think about playing with this app unless you have an unlimited data plan.

[Via Cellular News]

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5 comment(s) for this post.

  1. On Feb 5, 2008 @ 5:29 pm, Jeff B. Said:

    Read the title and was like sweet, then I remembered I could do that on my Tilt.

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  2. On Feb 5, 2008 @ 5:36 pm, Charlie Said:

    Can anyone explain this in simple terms for me?

    I seriously don’t get it.

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  3. On Feb 5, 2008 @ 7:17 pm, dimsum05 Said:

    Yes, but this can make an access point that multiple computers can connect to, not to mention the huge difference in bandwidth when comparing WiFi over Bluetooth…

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  4. On Feb 6, 2008 @ 8:50 am, Snidely Said:

    Zach - not only do you need unlimited data, you also need to call your cell phone company and tell them to enable “phone as modem” support. Otherwise, that “unlimited” plan may leave you $26,000 in the hole (like the Canadian oil worker).

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  5. On Feb 6, 2008 @ 3:55 pm, Druu Said:

    wait bg, by eliminating the whole BT tethering does that mean we don’t have to get those expensive tether plans? Or is it as snidely above just said?

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