Android is set to revolutionise the way we share internet on our phones with a new, intelligent Wi-Fi hotspot feature currently in testing. This update directly addresses the age-old problem of choosing between blazing-fast speeds and wide device compatibility.
The End of the Hotspot Dilemma: Speed or Compatibility?
Currently, when you create a mobile hotspot on an Android smartphone, it typically broadcasts on either the 2.4 GHz or the 5 GHz band. While the 2.4 GHz band offers better range and works with almost every device, it is slower. The 5 GHz band is faster but has a shorter range. This system, however, locks users out of the even greater speeds offered by the newer 6 GHz band, which is supported by modern devices and is a cornerstone of advanced Wi-Fi 7 technology.
The 6 GHz band provides significantly higher throughput thanks to wider channels, but its shorter range and lack of support on older devices have been major hurdles. This has forced users to manually select a band, making them sacrifice either performance or connectivity.
How the New Dual-Band Hotspot Works
The ingenious solution being tested in the latest Android Canary build is a dual-band hotspot that broadcasts both the 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz signals simultaneously. This approach is smart and user-friendly.
Here’s what happens: when you activate this new hotspot mode, newer devices like the latest flagships that support Wi-Fi 7 will automatically connect to the 6 GHz band for the fastest possible internet speeds. At the same time, older devices that cannot see the 6 GHz network will seamlessly connect to the familiar 2.4 GHz band, ensuring they get online without any issues. This mirrors the behaviour of modern dual-band routers and completely removes the need for manual intervention.
Rollout Timeline and Future Impact
This groundbreaking feature is expected to see a broader release with the Android 16 QPR3 update. As is common with new Android features, it will likely debut first on Google Pixel phones before expanding to other Android devices from various manufacturers.
This innovation is made possible by recent regulatory changes in regions like the United States, which now allow smartphones to create 6 GHz Wi-Fi hotspots. With this update, Android hotspots become more intelligent, offering a seamless experience that perfectly balances high performance and broad device support. This is a significant step forward, especially as adoption of Wi-Fi 7 continues to grow in the coming years, allowing users to fully utilise the hardware in their latest flagship phones.
