WifiTrak (Find FREE WiFi), from Bitrino, is the equivalent of a Geiger Counter for people who are looking for nearby Wi-Fi networks and devices.

WifiTrak is a simple tool that searches for Wi-Fi nets and tests each for accessibility, whether the Wi-Fi network is open or secure, type of security it employs, whether it’s visible or hidden, signal strength and channel. WifiTrak will also let you know if the net is being redirected.

When networks come into range, each will appear on a list with an icon adjacent to it, indicating its status (open, secure etc.). Tap any one of the networks on the list and you’ll get a closer look at it: MAC address, channel strength, noise and type of authentication. You’ll also see two buttons — one to connect and the other to forget (temporarily) the network.

You can put WifiTrak to work in a variety of ways: Automatically scan for Wi-Fi networks at preset intervals of 1 to 60 seconds,  or by signal strength and then automatically connect to one of the networks that passes your predetermined threshold. You can also choose to have the app audibly notify you, send an email or launch your browser when a Wi-Fi net is in proximity.

You have a few other options: show details (channel, strength etc.) of each net when it’s displayed on a list; show the network name only and show the list of networks that you’ve chosen to forget. Forgotten networks are those you choose to ignore. They’re not saved in preferences but “forgotten” for the session.

Setting WifiTrak to scan, notify you and the everything else draws on your battery so you probably won’t want to set the app to scan automatically. The better thing to do is turn it on only when you need it.

WifiTrak (Find FREE WiFi) is streamlined and requires virtually no learning curve. It’s a good tool to have when you’re wandering around the mall, in a restaurant, or other public place where you might want to find an accessible network.

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category: Editor's Picks, Productivity