(Not so?) Breaking: Boingo client for Mac OS X arrives!
I got word from the Boingo folks that they’re going to officially announce this news on Tuesday, but since we like to be ahead of the curve, you’ll get the scoop early. Next week, the wireless hotspot service will launch their Boingo Wireless Client for Mac OS X devices. This client will join the already existing ones for Windows 2000 (SP4), XP, and Vista plus mobile devices like Windows Mobile 5/6, Nokia S60 devices, and Nokia Internet Tablets.
Here’s the interesting part: you can actually grab the Mac client right now on the Boingo download page. I just did, but I’m in the home office at the moment and can’t try it out. If all works as planned, my Mac should automatically detect and connect to WiFi when it’s within range of a Boingo hotspot. With over 100,000 of ‘em out there, it’s pretty wide ranging network of hotspots. Of course, the wireless goodness isn’t free. Monthly plans for your Mac or PC start at $21.95 a month while your PDA or smartphone will run you $7.95 a month. For folks that don’t have, want or can’t get 3G, this isn’t a bad price for connectivity on the road, pending service availability in your area of course.
Update: since I don’t use the Mac when out and about – did I miss the fact the Boingo had a Mac client already?!? I’ve got an inquiry in to the Boingo folks on this version…
Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:
Subscriber content. Sign up for a free trial.
Yep, it’s new. We had an OLD version of Go Boingo Mac but never had the one available for the duo processor machines until this past week on the site, and just started letting people know about it.
The official press release goes out on Tuesday, but wanted to let key people know about it first.
Plus, it mirrors the experience the Windows user has – pops up and lets you know when you’re in Boingo Network and can use the login through the client.
Oh – and if people want to test it out, they can come to http://www.boingo.com/getgoboingo and get a free day pass.
Maybe you should also disclose that if you blog twice about this you will get the rest of the year !!! Disclosure helps sometimes.
Jeremy, thanks for the updated info; makes sense to me now.
Paul, I’m not quite understanding your point; what do you want me to disclose?
The fact that Boingo is giving out free service to bloggers who talk about the service two times…. I have seen other sites disclose this.
I see. I can’t speak for Boingo or for any other bloggers but I can speak for myself. I was provided a short-term reviewer account in the spring that I’ve actually never used. The account wasn’t provided because I mentioned Boingo two times, as you’ve alluded to. I don’t know that I had ever mentioned Boingo prior to that, but I can check if need be.
Regardless of any Boingo account, the news is worth covering as the new client supports Intel Macs. Hope that clears up any confusion you have.
Yes I see you got your second Boingo post to get your complete year paid for by boingo for blogging. about them Thanks for disclosing.
paul, you seem to be looking for something nefarious with free Boingo accounts but that’s not the case here. I was given a temporary Boingo account early this year to try it out and I liked it so I opened my own paid account which is what I use. Nothing hidden here and nothing to disclose. I’ve never heard from Boingo nor any other party of the “two posts and free account” that you allude to.
I wanted to pop in and clear the issues (what issue there might be).
Yes, there is a social media program – but it has nothing to do with this blog, or other blogs blogging twice on THEIR sites. The social media program is 100 percent separate from the media outreach program.
Paul, I’ve been doing review PR work for the past ten years. I offer product to reporters that write on the space, and if they review the product and service, that is great. Sometimes there are good reviews, sometimes there are bad reviews. But, that’s public relations.
The media accounts are for 90-days. That gives reviewers (MSM and social media) plenty of time to kick the tires, and get a feel for the service. After 90-days, I get an email from customer service to let me know the time is up, and I email the reporter or blogger to let them know the review period is over. Some ask for a little bit more time because they are about to travel and want to try Boingo on the road. Others thank me, and we both go on our way.
Nothing nefarious, nothing evil, nothing secretive. In today’s social media world – and as someone that has been hardcore about transparency – there’s no hidden agenda or story here.