411sms updates location-based hotspot finder

While we all wait around for WiMax, we're stuck searching for WiFi hotspots in order to get our Net on. Sure, war-chalking is one low-tech solution, but 411sms has just made the task a little easier, allowing cellphone users to text "wifi: my location" to their SMS servers, and receive a list of local hotspots in response. Users with certain GPS-enabled phones don't even need to enter their location, as 411sms's servers will pull that data automatically. Even better, free hotspots are given top billing, so you can eschew Starbucks and Mickey D's in favor of a local library or coffee shop. No word yet on pricing, but it better be cheap, because what's the point of spending a grip in order to find something that's free?

[Thanks, James]

[A. Davis @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

There's no colon. The article says to do "wifi: ". This doesn't work. It should be "wifi " (sans the colon). Ex: "wifi 92009" or "wifi Carlsbad, CA"

[OddManOut @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Anyone know if they got a similar service in Japan ?

[mehool @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

"spending a grip" you say, does anyone know where the term "grip" came about, i know it's in that Jay-z song "spend a grip for the jeans" any insight?

[KBrew @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Grip

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=grip

[tz @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

This is great, but do I really need 25??? It took 8 SMS messages to send them all. I had to shut the phone off, it was so annoying.

[James Kilm @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Thanks, Evans I hope this is helpful. I emailed 411sms support to find out if they supported "wifi: ...." (with a colon, but they said they didn't but because the article was out, they would add the protocol to their SMILE technology so it would still work. I just tried it and "wifi: 90025" works now even though the easier way of "wifi 90025" works just fine (http://www.411sms.com/wifi.php). They made the changes to your program literally minutes after I emailed them, now that's what I call customer service.

Don't forget that a for more accurate results you can text 'wifi' and an address Ex: "wifi 10000 wilshire blvd, los angeles, ca" (commas and periods are optional.

They also emailed me and told me that the service along with all their other services (like movies, translations, directions, etc) is completely Free (except for whatever your cellphone provider charges you for send a text message).

I know this will come in handy to a lot of people just like it does for me.

James.

[TJ @ Jan 3rd 2006 1:19AM]

I liked how www.411sms.com doesn't need a location, how it just sends you the wifi spot, or whatever you need by just where you are calling from. I also noticed a real neat program they have called t.i.m. It seemed like a useful program, once you find that WIFI spot. :) I think the link is www.sendtim.com



TJ (acepro)