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Boingo Wi-Finder for iOS update enables iTunes subscription billing
Notice some fresh spring in Boingo's step? It's probably the new iTunes integration, bringing streamlined subscription billing to the company's Wi-Finder app. Free WiFi is always our first pick, followed by LTE, then 3G, EDGE, GPRS, a short-term WiFi pass, and then, far down at the bottom of the list, a monthly subscription from Boingo. But hey, someone must be keeping the lights on -- there are now a whopping 600,000 compatible hotspots worldwide. And if you're one of those aforementioned subscribers, there's a convenient new option for handing over your cash. Beginning today, iOS users can have the $7.99 monthly tariff billed directly to their iTunes accounts, joining up with a single tap. The new offering will presumably cover multiple mobile devices, but it's unlikely to get your laptop online -- you'll need to splurge for a much costlier plan for that. iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users can download the updated app today.
Boingo app for Mac and Windows adds VPN, keeps public WiFi sessions a secret
Some of us have important data on our laptops -- some more important than others -- which can make the idea of connecting to a public WiFi hotspot sound like an invitation to disaster. Boingo thinks it can make those hotspots nearly as safe as a clamped down work connection by porting its Boingo VPN from iOS to the Wi-Finder app on Macs and Windows PCs. The option gives habitual hotspot users an encrypted connection from a close-by server, preventing someone else at the coffee shop from casually snooping on their files while they sip on double-shot espressos. VPN access is considered a free perk of having an account and doesn't even require latching on to a paid Boingo hotspot. As such, we'd strongly advise grabbing the update to keep that secure option available, especially if you're a Russian spy.
