Facebook is testing a feature that'll help you find free public Wi-Fi
A handy new Facebook feature has been discovered.
The world's largest social network is reportedly testing a public Wi-Fi finder feature within its mobile apps, TheNextWeb reports.
The experimental feature is still in testing and has yet to officially roll out. Mashable didn't find the feature on two iPhones (iPhone 7 and 7 Plus) and an Android phone (OnePlus 3T) running the latest version of the Facebook app.
"To help people stay connected to the friends and experiences they care about, we are rolling out a new feature that surfaces open Wi-Fi networks associated with nearby places," a Facebook spokesperson told Mashable.
The feature is currently being tested in select countries.
The feature is different from, say, opening up your Wi-Fi settings and looking for an open network. From the screenshots TNW's Matt Navarra took, it appears you'll actually be able to see the specific places that have free and public Wi-Fi available (at a nearby McDonald's or Starbucks, for instance).
There are already apps for iOS and Android like this one that show you places with free and public Wi-Fi. But building the feature right into Facebook would be a bit more convenient than using different apps.
Not to mention, a solid Wi-Fi connection would further the company's mission to help people access the internet (even if it's through its platform).
Topics Facebook
Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.
