Last year, Facebook launched a new feature in several countries, which helps users find free Wi-Fi from anywhere. The functionality now extends to the world.
This feature can be particularly useful when traveling abroad and must find a place to put you online. It can also make your life easier if you are in a bad connection area or if you are using little mobile data. Facebook added the "Find Wi-Fi" feature to the iPhone and Android versions of its mobile app.
You can activate this function by dragging the "Plus" (also called hamburger menu) indicated by three lines. In the "Explore" section, you should see the "Find Wi-Fi" for iPhones users. It is in the "Applications" section for Android users. You may need to allow Facebook to access your location even if you do not use the application, so the feature continues to work.
Once permission is granted to Facebook to access your location, it will locate the Wi-Fi hotspots nearby. You need to be up-to-date on the Android apps (version 131.0.0.29.69) and iPhone (version 99.0) for this to work.
"We're starting to deploy Find Wi-Fi anywhere in the world, on iPhone and on Android. We had already launched it in a handful of countries last year, and have come to the conclusion that it is not only useful for people who travel, but that it helps significantly in places where cellular data are Limited, "said Alex Himel, the director of engineering for Facebook. "Finding Wi-Fi helps you locate efficient Wi-Fi points available nearby that businesses have shared through their Facebook page. No matter where you are, you can easily map the closest connections when your own connection is weak - or nonexistent. "
This feature even tells you the name of the Wi-Fi network of the company that offers its connection for free. So companies with free Wi-Fi will appear on a map, or you can use a list to view the different locations, sorted by walking distance. This option also shows you which category these companies belong to, such as a restaurant, a coffee shop, a furniture store, an ice cream shop ... These companies, and by clicking on their name, you will either directly access their Facebook page or get directions through your default mapping application.
By offering free Wi-Fi to its customers, businesses will be able to communicate and encourage the purchase of items, at low cost promotion. Research has shown that 98% of consumers prefer sites that provide Wi-Fi access, and that they are more loyal if they have one.
