The term “Wi-Fi” is quickly becoming a part of everyday language. For those who don’t know, Wi-Fi is a popular name for the technology that allows gadgets to connect to the Internet wirelessly. Laptops, gaming consoles and cell phones are now commonly Wi-Fi capable, and Wi-Fi hotspots are popping up more and more at public places like restaurants, coffee shops and hotel lobbies. Inevitably, several new gadgets have emerged for individuals constantly seeking out Wi-Fi signals.
The Wi-Fi Detecting Watch is just what the name states. Though it may look just like a standard digital watch, the Wi-Fi Detecting Watch is capable of determining whether there is a data connection in the area, and the strength of the signal. Rather than taking the time to pull out a laptop, start it up and try to find a strong, open signal in the area, a person can simply look down at their watch, press a button and see how many connections are available and their strength levels. For the businessperson on the go, this can help them find a public signal without wandering the streets with an open laptop or iPhone. Of course, the gadget also works as a normal watch (albeit an unattractive one) with a world clock, alarm, calendar and water resistance up to 100 meters.
For individuals who don’t like the subtle discretion of the Wi-Fi Detecting Watch, there’s the Wi-Fi Detecting T-Shirt. A person puts on the shirt and an animated antenna logo on the front displays the strength of signals in the area. It also lets the whole world know the person is a techno geek scrounging for free Internet connectivity. Not sure whether this design is intended for actual use or just as a gag gift (maybe a little bit of both), but it does effectively detect Wi-Fi signals. Best of all, the animated logo is attached by hook-n-loop fasteners (the generic term for Velcro), so a person can remove the Wi-Fi detector and actually wash the shirt on occasion.
For people looking for something more covert than shirts or watches, there’s the Wi-Fi Finder Plus keychain. This small device could easily be mistaken for a keychain to lock car doors, so a person isn’t necessarily screaming out their Wi-Fi search intentions. The user simply pushes a button on the keychain and it lights up to indicate the signal strength of any 802.11b, 802.11b/g networks within range. The keychain has a series of six progressive LEDs lined up in a row, and the strength of a Wi-Fi signal is indicated by how many of the LEDs light up. If just the bottom one lights, then the Wi-Fi signal is extremely week; if all of them light, then the signal is extremely strong. This device can be attached to a laptop case, has a built-in flashlight and comes with a 1-year warranty.
Whether practical or hokey, all the Wi-Fi indicators really just point to a necessary worldwide need – free Internet service everywhere, for everyone.
