22 June 2009

Users Can Download Various Themed Groups
of Data-Intensive Mobile Applications Powered by WeFi’s High-Performance Network of Wi-Fi Hotspots

WeFi Inc., creator of the world’s largest community-based global Wi-Fi network, today announced the launch of WeFiApps, the first Wi-Fi powered launch pad for mobile applications.

WeFiApps aims to revolutionize mobile Internet use by providing a home for data-intensive mobile applications, powered by WeFi’s high-performance global Wi-Fi network.

Users can download and enjoy varied groups of mobile applications, and let WeFi automatically connect and maintain the best Wi-Fi connection, wherever they are located.

When downloading, users can choose between various application palettes, each with a different theme.

These applications include communication services such as Instant Messaging, mobile email and VoIP; entertainment software such as games, sports, Mobile Video and TV; information sources such as dictionaries, encyclopedias and maps, social networks, news and more. Companies that have already signed up to incorporate their applications in WeFiApps include fring, Joiku, Nimbuzz, Shape Services, NewACT, HOVR and more.

These applications benefit from the automatic bandwidth boosting, as well as exposure to an audience of Internet-savvy users. Free to download from www.wefiapps.com (though some of the applications do cost money to use), WeFiApps is currently accessible on any Wi-Fi enabled Symbian S60 mobile phone.

WeFiApps is powered by the WeFi backbone connectivity layer, which dramatically enhances the wireless network user experience with mobile and portable devices. It provides a high performance, open and global broadband wireless network by combining a community-generated database, a smart connection manager and a dynamic Access Point/Hotspot directory. WeFi always seeks to connect users to Wi-Fi access points where Internet access has already been verified by other WeFi-enabled devices – dubbed “community-verified spots” - in a growing network of over 25 million access points recorded.

While the notion of application stores have recently been launched by several vendors, who provide online catalogs of arbitrary applications for direct download, WeFiApps is distinguished by focusing on enabling data-intensive mobile Internet applications to be launched and automatically get connected to Wi-Fi, thus providing an unrivaled user experience and convenience.

According to a recent report by research group Juniper Research, mobile Internet is expected to jump to over 1.7 billion users by 2013. Yet this presents a challenge. The bandwidth capacity of a cellular network is limited. However, Wi-Fi’s higher bandwidth capability creates a better user experience, especially when using high-data mobile applications, providing a significant easing of traffic away cellular networks. WeFi’s ability to locate, connect and maintain a Wi-Fi Internet connection from its rapidly increasing global network of access points allows users to enjoy high-data mobile applications and an unprecedented level.

“With a sharp increase predicted in mobile Internet use over the next few years, increased Wi-Fi availability is significantly useful in unleashing mobile Internet applications and services,” said Zur Feldman, CEO of WeFi. “WeFiApps enables users to enhance their mobile Internet activities in their personal and professional lives, all the time utilizing a PC-like Internet experience over a mobile phone. It is yet another example of WeFi consistently coming up with innovative ideas for leading Wi-Fi technology forward, and raising the standard of the wireless experience. ”