14 DAY TRIAL // Another day, another leak pointing to features that could be part of the new and until now very exciting Windows 9 operating system.
This time, a screenshot posted by the Germans from WinFuture reveals that in addition to Storage Sense, Microsoft is also working to bring Wi-Fi Sense options on Windows 9.
First introduced in Windows Phone 8.1, this new feature allows devices to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks to protect mobile data plans and update apps or perform other background tasks faster.
As usual, Microsoft isn’t willing to say anything on features that could be implemented in Windows 9, but the screenshot shows that the company is already working on such an option, so the preview build coming out this month could actually bring it.
Not yet ready for public testing
As you can see for yourselves, this screenshot actually points to a registry entry which serves as reference that Wi-Fi Sense is coming, with no other screenshot currently being available to show the feature in action.
But if this entry is already there, Microsoft is most likely working on it as we speak, so expect the feature to make the first public appearance sometime in the coming months.
Still, it appears that Wi-Fi Sense for Windows 9 might not be ready for the first preview build of the operating system scheduled to be unveiled later this month, which means that Microsoft could actually roll it out at a later time for users who need it.
Of course, Wi-Fi Sense would make much more sense on tablets and laptops, where connecting to new wireless networks is really important when working on the go, but the feature is also expected to be released for PCs, just in case you need it.
How it works
Basically, Wi-Fi Sense is a fully automated option that makes it possible to connect to public Wi-Fi networks on the go without interrupting your work.
The feature is already available on Windows Phone 8.1, and Microsoft says that it can help save mobile data by joining new networks for you.
Here are the main features of the option, as provided by Microsoft:
• Automatically connect you to open WiFi networks it knows about by crowdsourcing networks that other Windows Phone users have connected to; • These are usually open WiFi hotspots that you see when you’re out and about; • Automatically accept the terms of use on your behalf for networks that require it; • Provide additional information on your behalf to networks that require it; • Let you exchange WiFi network access with your Facebook friends, Outlook.com contacts or Skype contacts to give and get Internet access without seeing each other’s WiFi network passwords.