Froyo Wi-Fi hotspot feature to be left unblocked (read "free") by sprint???

[iamfunkyz]

Sprint says it will allow PDAnet tethering on EVO 4G, suggests it will also allow built-in Wi-Fi mobile hotspot capability in 2.2 'Froyo' update for Android | TECHNOLOGY Blog | dallasnews.com

This guy talked to a sprint rep who insuated that Froyo's wi-fi hotspot feature wont be blocked when its eventually released for the evo

I was also intrigued by the news that the next version of Android, version 2.2, codenamed 'Froyo,' will include both USB tethering and the free Wi-Fi hotspot capability that Sprint wants to charge for.


If Sprint wants to charge 30 bucks a month for this service, are they really going to let Google make it available for free?


So I asked Crystal Davis, my official contact at Sprint, about both those issues, and it sounds like good news all around for EVO buyers:

There's a difference between tethering (which the PDAnet app provides) and Mobile Hotspot (which HTC EVO 4G provides without needing to download an app). The PDAnet app requires a connection with either a USB cable or Bluetooth, so it can only provide connectivity for one device at a time. Therefore, the app wouldn't be a solution for someone who wants connectivity for multiple devices at once. In contrast, the 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot provides WiFi connectivity, so it can support multiple devices (up to 8) at once, without a need for a USB or Bluetooth connection. In regards to Froyo 2.2, it has not been released yet, so we can['t] make any assessments on that particular application. Sprint has always communicated to its customers that it does not block apps. We want our customers to be able to get access to what they want and enjoy a true Web experience on their mobile device, although we cannot guarantee the performance a customer will experience with third-party applications.
​

Perhaps Sprint's $29.99 hotspot app will offer 8 connections while the built in froyo hotspot will offer one...

 

[pingpongboss]

Sprint says it will allow PDAnet tethering on EVO 4G, suggests it will also allow built-in Wi-Fi mobile hotspot capability in 2.2 'Froyo' update for Android | TECHNOLOGY Blog | dallasnews.com

This guy talked to a sprint rep who insuated that Froyo's wi-fi hotspot feature wont be blocked when its eventually released for the evo




Perhaps Sprint's $29.99 hotspot app will offer 8 connections while the built in froyo hotspot will offer one...

The one connection thing he's talking about is for PDAnet and other wired tethering services. About 2.2's wireless tethering, he said that they "can['t] make any assessments on that particular application".

So the answer is no one knows yet.

 

[iamfunkyz]

The one connection thing he's talking about is for PDAnet and other wired tethering services. About 2.2's wireless tethering, he said that they "can['t] make any assessments on that particular application".

So the answer is no one knows yet.

To an extent yes...but the sprint rep clearly states that they don't block apps or functionality. At the very least there's reason to be hopeful.

 

[skinnyguy]

if i remember right, froyo's hotspot can handle up to 8 devices as well..

 

[IOWA]

Just because sprint won't be blocking the feature, doesn't mean they aren't going to charge you to use said feature

Tapatalk. Samsung Moment. Yep.

 

[pingpongboss]

i don't remember froyo even getting hotspot, just tethering

Hotspot is just another name for wireless tethering. Which Froyo will have.

 

[stevent76]

The hotspot feature isn't designed for people on this board. They know we will find a way around it. It is designed for everyone else.

 

[NiCK Crush]

Very pleased to hear this!

 

[legacy]

So, would this feature be considered an "app" though? It's basically part of the OS. I think it's just a play on words and the $30 charge isn't going away. It's not unusual for a wireless carrier to charge for tethering, so I'm not sure why Sprint would just start giving it away when even Google has said that the carriers may block it.

 

[Rigmaster]

Imagine reading this headline: "Sprint Releases Android 2.2, Drops $10 Fee, Make $20 or $30 Fee Mandatory On All New Premium Smartphone Plans"

What may happen is going to be a mystery for a while, but I'm just speculating another possibility that I would not like to see because it would allow full functionality but still be a price increase. That said if it was unfettered data, tethering, and everything Android and Evo are capable of, then I would consider $20 or $30 fair for no limits on anything.

Though it would be a price increase, I expect all carriers to price shift upwards implement 4G services and even more powerful phones.

Just speculating ....

 

[nycbhh]

My fear is that feature might inspire them to drag their heels on getting us the Froyo update.

 

[jason.sgtski]

My fear is that feature might inspire them to drag their heels on getting us the Froyo update.

I am afraid of this as well. I have a feeling that we will be rooting and installing a 2.2 rom before we actually get the official release.
i plan to get the hotspot at the launch and see if its worth it in my 4g city.

 

[TheBiles]

Sprint says it will allow PDAnet tethering on EVO 4G, suggests it will also allow built-in Wi-Fi mobile hotspot capability in 2.2 'Froyo' update for Android | TECHNOLOGY Blog | dallasnews.com

This guy talked to a sprint rep

That's where I stopped reading. Unless you're talking to some Sprint high-up executive, you aren't going to get an accurate response. Even then, Sprint may change their mind. I personally HIGHLY doubt that Sprint will leave in a feature that they charge $30/month for.

 

[dsarch21]

I know everyone thinks froyo will hit sprint 'soon' say within 2-4 mos of google release....I don't think we will see froyo for 12+ mos.

has the hero even been updated to 2.1 yet? (officially?)

 

[misticjeff]

i don't remember froyo even getting hotspot, just tethering

My buddy has Froyo on his Nexus One. Last night he turned on the WiFi Hotspot and I was able to connect flawlessly. It works beautifully...

 

[Rigmaster]

My fear is that feature might inspire them to drag their heels on getting us the Froyo update.

They're going to have to quickly get Froyo released. Froyo is a tremendous sell feature for Android vs iPhone and not releasing it just means fewer people will come to Sprint.

It's a $30 feature that can be turned on only when needed, and I don't think it has nearly the big $ potential that the $10 monthly fee has.

That's why I'm having a hard time not seeing how Sprint doesn't eventually turn the monthly $10 fee into a monthly $20 fee and remove hotspot restraints or a mothnly $25 fee to include everything they have, including the extra channels on SprintTV.

The nickel-dime approach they're using right now is distasteful in a big way and only hurts them every time something new comes up.

 

[legacy]

I know everyone thinks froyo will hit sprint 'soon' say within 2-4 mos of google release....I don't think we will see froyo for 12+ mos.

and I think you're out of your mind.

 

[Roman G.]

I know everyone thinks froyo will hit sprint 'soon' say within 2-4 mos of google release....I don't think we will see froyo for 12+ mos.

has the hero even been updated to 2.1 yet? (officially?)

Keep in mind this is just my opinion, but I believe that 2.2 will be out no later than a week after launch

 

[Fazz]

IMHO i think there is NO WAY Sprint will allow any type of native tethering for free.

 

[legacy]

IMHO i think there is NO WAY Sprint will allow any type of native tethering for free.

Tethering yes, mobile hotspot no.

 

[Rigmaster]

I'd heard that some of the testing was done with earlier builds of Froyo 2.2 but could not be test-completed prior to launch. I never bought that it couldn't be done. I've always believed the issue was that Froyo does so much that Sprint was shocked at what it could do without generating income to Sprint.

Can't see how blocking will work when simply doing some type of across the board plan changes is really going to be the option they're left with.

 

[random255]

I don't see much personal need for the hotspot features, but I know many people will. I'm in a 3G area, however, and the thought of having two or three PCs all connected via my phone to get their Internet fix doesn't appeal much to me.

That said, I'll probably look into rooting my phone (I've never done that) to get 2.2 installed (assuming it's a stable release). I do see the benefit of being able to connect a few devices to the Internet via my phone in the event my router goes down or I lose power. I like the idea of having a built-in backup connection like that. Of course, tethering would also accomplish that too.

 

[ekt8750]

has the hero even been updated to 2.1 yet? (officially?)

Umm yes? It's been out officially for weeks now.

 

[neodorian]

Tethering yes, mobile hotspot no.

Mobile hotspot is just a marketing name for wifi tethering. It makes more sense to consumers but tethering has always referred to using your phone as a modem, whether via wifi, USB, or bluetooth.

 

[talz13]

Anybody know if the mobile hotspot will show up as an ad-hoc connection or as an access point? Point being, I hear consoles and PSP and DS, etc. won't connect to ad-hoc.