Feature on Android 8.1 will help you connect to the fastest public Wi-Fi hotspot available
Speed Labels is coming via an update to those handsets currently using Android 8.1. This feature will give you speed estimates of public Wi-Fi hotspots. Armed with this information, you will be able to connect to the faster Wi-Fi network if you have a choice between multiple options. Once the update is disseminated (it is expected to be pushed out starting this week), open Wi-Fi networks will be characterized on your phone's display as being Very Fast, Fast, OK and Slow.
Obviously, the speed of your Wi-Fi connection can determine the capabilities you have with your phone. According to Google, these are the features that are available to you at different Wi-Fi speeds:
- Slow: If you can use Wi-Fi calling, you can make phone calls and send texts.
- OK: You can read webpages, use social media, and stream music.
- Fast: You can stream most videos.
- Very Fast: You can stream very high-quality videos.
Right now, the only handsets that run Android 8.1 are the Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, Nexus 5X and the Nexus 6P. The new feature will be enabled by default. If you want to disable it, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Preferences > Advanced > Network rating provider > None.
Public Wi-Fi can be spotty. For the first time, #AndroidOreo 8.1 lets you take out the guesswork & see the speed of networks before you hit connect. Rolling out now: https://t.co/lSzvCFgNk7 pic.twitter.com/60EmoPxUX4
— Android (@Android) January 22, 2018
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