Microsoft is working on a cross-platform service designed to make it easy for users to connect PCs, tablets, and smartphones to WiFi hotspots.
It’s called Microsoft WiFi, and it appears to basically be an updated and rebranded version of the Skype WiFi service… which makes sense, since Microsoft owns Skype.
The MicrosoftWiFi website has been pulled offline, but not before it was spotted by @h0x0d. Microsoft has confirmed to VentureBeat and ZDNet that it is working on a new service called Microsoft WiFi, which it promises will “bring hassle-free WiFi to millions.”
The site included information about Microsoft WiFi apps available for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows, and OS X. Eligible participants in the program can just download an app, fire it up, search for WiFi hotspots, and connect. The service is said to be available at more than 10 million hotspots in 130 countries.
Skype WiFi lets users connect to a network of WiFi hotspots around the globe while paying for access with Skype credits. It looks like Microsoft WiFi will do pretty much the same thing. But it’ll have a new name… and the biggest difference seems to be that Microsoft WiFi will be included as a perk for Office 365 for Enterprise customers through a new Microsoft WiFi for Business service.
Microsoft isn’t sharing many other details about the program publicly yet, but the website said that the Microsoft WiFi is available to active Skype WiFi subscribers, employees of organizations using Office 365 for Enterprise, or customers who received a WiFi offer from Microsoft.