Socket Releases Wi-Fi Companion Software for PPCs with Built-In WiFi

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.socketcom.com/about/press/read.asp?ID=160' target='_blank'>http://www.socketcom.com/about/pres...read.asp?ID=160</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Designed for Pocket PCs with integrated 802.11 WLAN, the Socket Wi-Fi Companion is an intuitive, graphical software application that greatly improves the user’s experience detecting hotspots, setting up and monitoring a connection, performing basic site management functions, viewing access points and determining the strength of a wireless connection. &lt;...> Socket’s Wi-Fi Companion is compatible with HP, ASUS and Dell Pocket PCs with built-in WLAN capability."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/2659632.jpg" /><br /><br />Socket has always been known for their great hardware WiFi solutions, but nowadays, it seems most mid-to-high end PocketPCs all come with WiFi built-in. So Socket took the next logical step and decoupled their software solution. The intriguing part is that Socket claims all current owners of Socket CF or SDIO WiFi cards will be able to download this software for free starting on May 16th. So I still have an old Socket CF WiFi that I no longer use but would love to try this with my HP 4700! Otherwise, the software is available for purchase <a href="http://www.handango.com/brainstore/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=163641">here</a> for $24.99 USD (14-day trial is also available).

[beq]

Do we know if this software supports the HTC Blue Angel's Wi-Fi?

If so I'd really like to try it (I have Socket's original Wi-Fi CF card, the old model, so I wonder if I still qualify for the free download...).

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Do we know if this software supports the HTC Blue Angel's Wi-Fi?

If so I'd really like to try it (I have Socket's original Wi-Fi CF card, the old model, so I wonder if I still qualify for the free download...).
I'm hoping it's not wishful thinking to be able to download this and use it with my hx4700 based on the premise that I'm a Socket CF WiFi card owner.

As for the HTC Blue Angel, they don't list it as a supported device so it's hard to know if it's because it's not compatible or because they haven't tested it yet on that device. Of course, there is a trial version, so you could always just install it and see. :)

[Ward]

It claims to support VGA, but in fact it merely pixel doubles the GUI like most others. Secondly, avoid using the brute force hack since this triggers the demo timeout routine. My demo no longer works.

[makic]

I wonder how this compares to Cirond's PocketWinC. Anyone used both?

[Transfxb]

Yes.

At least a far better UI. Really nice!.
Launched automatically when WLAN is launched.

TransFXB

[rmac]

Looks like the same software that comes with the SDIO Wireless card. I hope they improve it because it takes a soft reset to get it to recognize the card and it keeps losing the WPA key after about 10 minutes.

[OSUKid7]

Nice program, but heafty price for stuff that's either included in the OS or freeware. Still deciding...I may go for it since I have my subscriber discount. (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/subscribe.php) :)

[JoshB]

Would love to give it a try, but the demo launches, and says it's expired (x50v).

My date is correct, and although I have SE_VGA installed, I'm running in native VGA mode.

A buggy demo isn't going to help me decide whether I want to plunk down $25 on what looks like a pretty nice WiFi management app. Guess I'll stick to WiFiFoFum and WiFi Graph.

[bbarker]

It's too expensive for such a utility.

[Darius Wey]

The intriguing part is that Socket claims all current owners of Socket CF or SDIO WiFi cards will be able to download this software for free starting on May 16th.

Based on the screenshots available on their product page, it seems like this product is already integrated into their recently-released (well, a couple of months ago, at least) SDIO/CF WLAN card drivers. Not sure if I'm missing something here though... :?

[q-live]

has anyone tried it with hp 6315?????? can you tell us how good it works or is there something better out.

[ctmagnus]

I installed it on my iPaq 5550 three or four hours aqo and was quite enjoying it. Then I decided to do a soft-reset a few minutes ago, just to make sure all the installation details stuck and it's telling me that the trial has expired. I was planning on buying it on Thursday, but it looks like I'll be doing so sooner than I had planned.

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

The intriguing part is that Socket claims all current owners of Socket CF or SDIO WiFi cards will be able to download this software for free starting on May 16th.

Based on the screenshots available on their product page, it seems like this product is already integrated into their recently-released (well, a couple of months ago, at least) SDIO/CF WLAN card drivers. Not sure if I'm missing something here though... :?
However, the software wasn't previously compatible with the PPC's with the built-in WiFi (such is the case with my 4700).

So I am a current Socket CF owner (it's a very old card that wasn't even supported with their latest software) but my new 4700 has rendered that card useless for some time.

However, because I still own the card, I'm hoping I could just be able to download this software for free and then possibly install it on my 4700. This assumes of course that the installer is a one-size-fits-all installer. I suspect as the Socket CF WiFi add-on solution was once a very popular solution, there may be a number of others in the same situation as I.

[Stik]

So I am a current Socket CF owner (it's a very old card that wasn't even supported with their latest software) but my new 4700 has rendered that card useless for some time.

However, because I still own the card, I'm hoping I could just be able to download this software for free and then possibly install it on my 4700.

Ekkie, ( and others that have a Socket WLAN cards )

I haven't seen this caveat from Socket listed for their customer WLAN SDIO/CF card free software update, but I might suggest that users of these cards register them on the Socket website to get the free upgrade.

http://www.socketcom.com/prodreg/

Not saying this is the way its going to be, just know this is how Socket has usually done it in the past. :wink:

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

I haven't seen this caveat from Socket listed for their customer WLAN SDIO/CF card free software update, but I might suggest that users of these cards register them on the Socket website to get the free upgrade.

http://www.socketcom.com/prodreg/

Not saying this is the way its going to be, just know this is how Socket has usually done it in the past. :wink:
From my experiences with Socket, this will be how they determine who deserves the free download.

So point well taken... ;)

[Darius Wey]

However, the software wasn't previously compatible with the PPC's with the built-in WiFi (such is the case with my 4700).

So I am a current Socket CF owner (it's a very old card that wasn't even supported with their latest software) but my new 4700 has rendered that card useless for some time.

However, because I still own the card, I'm hoping I could just be able to download this software for free and then possibly install it on my 4700. This assumes of course that the installer is a one-size-fits-all installer. I suspect as the Socket CF WiFi add-on solution was once a very popular solution, there may be a number of others in the same situation as I.

Oh, I get where the benefits are at now. I was confused at first because as far as I could tell, the software was integrated into the drivers. And if you had the card, then why would you need the software to be free when you could just use the drivers? Sometimes I forget that people have *upgraded* their devices yet still own their old goodies. :lol:

[Matilda444]

I downloaded the trial to my iPAQ 4705. I liked what I saw, so I purchased the software. Later in the day I tried the software again, only to get an error that my trial period had expired. I received the registration code via email a few hours later, figured I was good to go. No way. I keep getting an error message - registration code invalid. I sent an email last night. No reply so far. I tried to contact by phone this morning, but their phones aren't working. I tried two different numbers from two different phone systems, same issue: Someone/thing picks up, says one word and the line is disconnected.

[Jerry Raia]

My 14 day trial expired after less than 24 hours. Buggy junkware. Deleted and forgotten.

[Pony99CA]

Yet another overpriced Socket product. $25 for a WiFi utility? Yes, it sounds like it can do quite a bit, but there are free WiFi locators out there and free Ping/TraceRoute tools, too.

For $10, this might be nice, but is this really as good as Pocket Informant? They must think so in order to justify a $25 price tag. :roll:

Steve

[ctmagnus]

...And in related news, I finally found out what the speech bubble I've seen in the topbar of so many screenshots is. :oops:

[badey]

Do we know if this software supports the HTC Blue Angel's Wi-Fi?

If so I'd really like to try it (I have Socket's original Wi-Fi CF card, the old model, so I wonder if I still qualify for the free download...).

Hey Guys.....

I compared couple of other utilities that does provide wi-fi connection management. So far this seems to best one as compare to Windows Zero Config( Piece of junk). It connects faster and gives all the UI options that are not just a place holders. They actually have functionality. I have done some numbers with Netgear Accesspoint. And Windows Zero Config takes 8-10 seconds. Where this utility associates within &lt;3 seconds.

So far the best. Still one bug seems to be there where after you softreset this device after installation ( 14- day trial obviously) does not allow you to use it.

So be careful do not softreset u r puppy after this if u r not planning to buy it......

woooooooooooooo hooooooooooooooooo.....

I do not think it supports devices other then .....
Supported hardware

ASUS:
ASUS MyPal A730W
ASUS MyPal A716


Dell:
Dell Axim X3i
Dell Axim X30
Dell Axim X50/X50v

Hewlett Packard:
hp iPAQ hx241x
hp iPAQ hx275x
hp iPAQ rx311x
hp iPAQ rx371x
hp iPAQ h415x
hp iPAQ h435x
hp iPAQ hx470x
hp iPAQ h631x
hp iPAQ h545x
hp iPAQ h555x

[badey]

My 14 day trial expired after less than 24 hours. Buggy junkware. Deleted and forgotten.

hey did u warm boot ....that's bug. Gotta cold boot the device or buy it.

[badey]

Looks like the same software that comes with the SDIO Wireless card. I hope they improve it because it takes a soft reset to get it to recognize the card and it keeps losing the WPA key after about 10 minutes.

I tried the original and this one. It seems the structure seems to be same but lot of new features especially for advanced features and fast connect.

[Jerry Raia]

My 14 day trial expired after less than 24 hours. Buggy junkware. Deleted and forgotten.

hey did u warm boot ....that's bug. Gotta cold boot the device or buy it.

That's exactly what happened. So then if it is a bug it's even more sloppy. How can you let that get by when you are selling software that runs on devices that have to be soft reset every 20 minutes (sarcasm for those who don't recognize it)??? To me it makes the whole application questionable. Add that to the over bloated price and you have a very expensive turkey.

[gmusser]

Yup, I just tried to run the demo and got the same "trial expired" message. How pathetic.

George

[Matilda444]

Well, 30 hours later and I've been notified by Socket that I received the wrong instructions. I followed the new instructions and all is well. I'm well pleased with the software and can lighten my load by the weight of a Canary WiFi detector. I'm satisfied. Shabby practice on Socket's part, there's no excuse.

[Stik]

Well, 30 hours later and I've been notified by Socket that I received the wrong instructions. I followed the new instructions and all is well. I'm well pleased with the software and can lighten my load by the weight of a Canary WiFi detector. I'm satisfied. Shabby practice on Socket's part, there's no excuse.

Matilda444,

I agree that theres no good excuse that proper testing wasn't done before this product was ' unleashed '. :roll:

With that said, I'm glad to see that your pleased w/ the actual software itself. Socket is well aware of what happened :oops: , was contacted, and sent back this reply...

" We've identified the bug that terminates the Wi-Fi Companion trial
period when the Pocket PC is reset. A fix will be posted as soon as it is
tested, and those who have downloaded the software will be given
instructions to download the corrected version along with our apologies for the inconvenience. "

Apology? When I'm inconvenienced, I prefer groveling by the offending party. :bangin: :lol:

[ctmagnus]

I'm glad they're working on a fix. I figured This app would be useful for doing site surveys so I shelled out the $24.99-subscriber discount and registered the app. I did another soft-reset this morning as I'm on the road atm and dislike having to soft-reset in the middle of the day and found out the app had unregistered itself again.

[brianchris]

As most of you probably already know, the trial is not currently availible from the Socket Website, and the entire product page has been removed from Handango (can't even BUY it there now). Hopefully it missing from Handango IS related to the buggy trial software, and it will be back?

I didn't download the trial before it was pulled, and am waiting to try it out, so hopefully a new trial version will be availible soon.

[Matilda444]

Someone tell me it's my imagination that I've entered the Registration Code at least three times in as many days now . . . . . . . . .

[ctmagnus]

If you've soft-reset at least three times in that period, you probably have ;)

[Shail Talati]

Dear Pocketpcthoughts users,

I would like to thank Eric who started this online thread. Our response for Socket’s Wi-Fi Companion Software has been great. We recognize that we have an issue with our 14-day trial version when a user soft resets their device. We really appreciate everyone’s patience and Socket’s engineering team, who worked around the clock to resolve the issue.

We would like to offer complimentary Registration Keys to those who posted messages before May 8th 2005 noon. Our latest trial software is up on our website http://www.socketcom.com/product/SW1221-596.asp and www.handango.com.

Please send me a personal message with your Pocketpcthoughts user id, Windows Mobile Owner Name and email address.

Shail Talati

Product Marketing Manager
Socket Communication Inc.
www.handango.com
http://www.socketcom.com/product/SW1221-596.asp

[brianchris]

Dear Pocketpcthoughts users,

I would like to thank Eric who started this online thread. Our response for Socket’s Wi-Fi Companion Software has been great. We recognize that we have an issue with our 14-day trial version when a user soft resets their device. We really appreciate everyone’s patience and Socket’s engineering team, who worked around the clock to resolve the issue.

We would like to offer complimentary Registration Keys to those who posted messages before May 8th 2005 noon. Our latest trial software is up on our website http://www.socketcom.com/product/SW1221-596.asp and www.handango.com.

Please send me a personal message with your Pocketpcthoughts user id, Windows Mobile Owner Name and email address.

Shail Talati

Product Marketing Manager
Socket Communication Inc.
www.handango.com
http://www.socketcom.com/product/SW1221-596.asp

That is extremely generous of you Socket! Thank you very much!

For a long time I've heard great things about Socket's Pocket PC WiFi drivers, and was looking forward to the trial version of this utility, but it was removed (due to the soft reset issue) before I downloaded it.

Thanks again!

[ctmagnus]

:D No more reregistration required after a soft-reset!

[ctmagnus]

We would like to offer complimentary Registration Keys to those who posted messages before May 8th 2005 noon. Our latest trial software is up on our website http://www.socketcom.com/product/SW1221-596.asp and www.handango.com.

What about those of us who paid for the software before this point?

[Stik]

We would like to offer complimentary Registration Keys to those who posted messages before May 8th 2005 noon.

My 14 day trial expired after less than 24 hours. Buggy junkware. Deleted and forgotten.


Yet another overpriced Socket product. $25 for a WiFi utility? Yes, it sounds like it can do quite a bit, but there are free WiFi locators out there and free Ping/TraceRoute tools, too.

For $10, this might be nice, but is this really as good as Pocket Informant? They must think so in order to justify a $25 price tag. :roll:

Steve

I'm really curious if either of you have taken advantage of Shail Talati's offer since it seems the 'issues' have been resolved.

If yes, Steve in particular, just how does it stack up to Pocket Informant or the other ' free' utilities that you mentioned. TIA!

[Pony99CA]

I'm really curious if either of you have taken advantage of Shail Talati's offer since it seems the 'issues' have been resolved.

If yes, Steve in particular, just how does it stack up to Pocket Informant or the other ' free' utilities that you mentioned.
I sent Shail a PM on May 9 but haven't heard anything back. I did download the application but haven't installed it yet because I was waiting to get a registration key from Shail.

Steve

P.S. Pocket Informant has nothing to do with WiFi; it's a PIM tool. I mentioned it only because it cost about the same as WiFi Companion (well, I thought Pocket Informant used to be $24.95; it's $29.95 now).

[xycury]

Question:

So when will Socket be offering the software for current owners, of registered products on their websites?

Would be nice to use it, since I own one.

[Stik]

I sent Shail a PM on May 9 but haven't heard anything back. I did download the application but haven't installed it yet because I was waiting to get a registration key from Shail.

Steve

Still nothing Steve? 8O

The reason I ask you specifically is that although I don't personally know you, I respect your opinion, and would do the same on the capabilities of this specific product.

Come on Shail, get this man his key! :twak:

[LeonO]

On the website of Socket Communication (http://www.socketcom.com/product/SW1221-596.asp) it reads:
Existing Socket CF and SDIO Wireless LAN Card customers can download the Wi-Fi Companion at no charge beginning May 16, 2005.
Has anyone received further information on this upgrade? Has it been delayed?

[Shail Talati]

On the website of Socket Communication (http://www.socketcom.com/product/SW1221-596.asp) it reads:
Existing Socket CF and SDIO Wireless LAN Card customers can download the Wi-Fi Companion at no charge beginning May 16, 2005.
Has anyone received further information on this upgrade? Has it been delayed?

Dear Pocketpcthoughts users,

We are really excited to introduce Wi-Fi Companion for our Socket SDIO and CF card users. Please visit our website and download version of Wi-Fi Companion and driver. It is available @ no extra cost for our current Socket CF and SDIO customers.

For CF card users:
http://www.socketcom.com/product/WL6004-322.asp

For SDIO cards:
http://www.socketcom.com/product/WL6200-480.asp

For Built-in Wi-Fi PDAs:
This release works with built-in Wi-Fi radios on ASUS, Dell and HP devices.

http://www.socketcom.com/product/SW1221-596.asp

Regards,

Shail Talati

[Shail Talati]

I sent Shail a PM on May 9 but haven't heard anything back. I did download the application but haven't installed it yet because I was waiting to get a registration key from Shail.

Steve

Still nothing Steve? 8O

The reason I ask you specifically is that although I don't personally know you, I respect your opinion, and would do the same on the capabilities of this specific product.

Come on Shail, get this man his key! :twak:


Pony99CA - has a key now....

[Stik]

Pony99CA - has a key now....[/b]

Shail,

Really appreciate a product manager that keeps their word, thanks! :rock on dude!: :mrgreen:

Ride it hard Pony ( if you'd be so kind ), see what its got! TIA! :)

[Pony99CA]

Pony99CA - has a key now....
Yes, I do have a key now. Thanks, Shail.

In just a little playing with it, it certainly looks very nice. I haven't compared it with my current WiFi scanner (Pocket WiNc) for functionality, though.

I did have a bit of trouble registering, because I thought the key sent was what I entered into the Register area of WiFi Companion, which didn't work. The key is like a CD key, and you have to use that to get a registration key. Once I did that, it registered fine.

Steve

[emmfan]

So how do we register the Wi-Fi Companion if we already own a Socket Wireless LAN Card?

[Shail Talati]

So how do we register the Wi-Fi Companion if we already own a Socket Wireless LAN Card?

Just download version from www.socketcom.com website for specific card. It should work.

Go to

www.socketcom.com\prodreg for registering your product.

What type of card you are using ?

[emmfan]

I had the original CF version. Thanks for the tip.

[Shail Talati]

I had the original CF version. Thanks for the tip.

there you go ...

For CF I

http://www.socketcom.com/support/support_wlan.asp?Type=CF1

For CF II

http://www.socketcom.com/support/support_wlan.asp?Type=CF2

[ToddJ]

I had a problem with the trial version I downloaded....When I downloaded mine (the earliest I could find in my e-mails that I got from socket was May 10th, but I thought I downloaded it earlier) it expired within 24 hours....i figured i was the only one so I didn't post it in the forum...I contacted Shail about it via PM, but haven't received a response....

[ToddJ]

are you out there Shail?

[ToddJ]

I am starting to get really frustrated....i finally got a pm from him, and it said to email my info to him, but then I have received NO response whatsoever...I hope that is not an indicator of what their customer support is like.