A US-based mobile access company is launching a client for Android smartphones that will allow users to save on 3G charges by switching to wi-fi networks where possible.

iPass Open Mobile for Android (tinyurl.com/2de97qa) runs in the background, notifying the user when they’re in range of an available hotspot and lets them connect immediately if they wish. It provides connectivity to 150,000 company defined, free wi-fi and iPass commercial wi-fi networks worldwide.

iPass says Open Mobile "helps reduce the costs associated with smartphone support by providing a consistent user experience across virtually all network types and devices. It reduces expensive help desk calls and accelerates troubleshooting with connection usage and performance reports”.

For more about Android smartphones, see page 58 and www.androidmobile.co.nz.