The Morning Briefing: Expanding Wi-Fi

"The Morning Briefing" is SmartPlanet's daily roundup of must-reads from the web. This morning we're reading about the expansion of Wi-Fi in both products and our environment.

1.) Carriers could force 3G/LTE iPhones and iPads to use Wi-Fi to conserve spectrum. The wireless spectrum crunch is forcing most mobile carriers to consider options to address a future in which there simply isn't enough frequency available to easily meet the ever-growing demand for 3G and LTE connections. One idea that has been floated is developing systems that can offload mobile data onto Wi-Fi networks.

2.) NYC starts offering free, unlimited WiFi via payphone kiosks. You may start "using" public payphones a lot more: New York City officials have announced a pilot program to provide free, unlimited WiFi to the public through public payphone kiosks.

3.) In-car WiFi for Audi A4 and A5 2013 models. If you've been shopping for an Audi A4 or A5, here's one more (geeky) reason to be interested: both 2013 models will come with in-car WiFi, which is connected to a 3G modem, which will work on the T-Mobile network.

4.) AT&T's rumored FaceTime fees are unfair -- and unsurprising. Since Apple introduced FaceTime video chat in 2010, iPhone owners have grumbled about its WiFi-only restriction. Video chat is great, but how often are you and your friend both on WiFi? It's no wonder iPhone video calling hasn't exactly taken the world by storm.

5.) Panasonic Lumix SZ5 WiFi camera brings on the cloud. This week Panasonic has revealed a collection of devices that are made to blow your mind in many different ways, the LUMIX SZ5 being a web-connected camera also made to do just that.

Bonus: Bet on it: WiFi, craft beer

Image credit: Yahoo Blog

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com