The UK Mobile Phone Blog

Turn your HTC HD2 into a Wi-Fi Modem!

For those of you who kept an eye on CES last month, you may recall that Palm announced they were working on an app that would transform the Pre into a wireless modem. The app allows you to connect Wi-Fi enabled devices such as a Laptop or Netbook to the Pre and use the phones data connection to browse the web, thus transforming the phone into a wireless modem. Palm were understandably pleased with themselves and were keen to shout about it. Only problem is, HTC have only gone and beaten them to the punch with a little known feature already tucked inside the HD2.

Accessing the feature is fairly simple, no more rooting around in countless folders as was the case with Windows Mobile devices of old. Simply scroll to the ‘Settings’ tab on the Sense UI home screen, select ‘Wireless controls’ and select the ‘Wi-Fi Router’ option at the bottom of the list. Then it’s simply a case of defining the internet connection (which will be your mobile network), hitting start, switching Wi-Fi on on the device you wish to connect to the HD2 and entering the WEP key that appears on the HD2’s display.

The feature is great for quick web access on your Laptop or Netbook when you’re outside of a Wireless Hotspot though be warned; using the feature will drain both your data allowance and the phone’s battery life. With a 4.3 inch capacitive touchscreen on board, its easy to forget that the phone has so many features worth shouting about. It now becomes clear why HTC’s new ethos is ‘Quietly Brilliant’.