Microsoft Offers Free Wi-Fi in NYC, SF to Promote Windows 8

In a move to promote their soon-to-be-released operating system Windows 8, Microsoft is offering several free Wi-Fi sites throughout New York City and San Francisco from now until the end of the year.

Six Manhattan subway stops are now offering the free Wi-Fi, while a further 200+ hotzones across the city will go live on November 1.

Residents of San Francisco, meanwhile, can utilize the free Wi-Fi in hotzones located at the Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, UN Plaza, the Financial District and Nob Hill.

The free Wi-Fi is Microsoft's method of promoting Windows 8 and, in particular, to highlight the Windows Store for app developers. The software giant also hopes consumers will get accustomed to the Windows Store by browsing apps.

"At Microsoft, we know that amazing apps are being built in New York and San Francisco, and we want to give talented developers the chance to launch their businesses through the Windows Store," John Richards, a Microsoft senior director said. "We hope our Boingo Wi-Fi sponsorship will introduce the Windows 8 opportunity to app builders in NYC and San Francisco, while providing folks with Wi-Fi connectivity on-the-go."

Windows 8 officially launches on October 26.

Contact Us for News Tips, Corrections and Feedback

  • boyabunda
    Revolutionary!
    Reply
  • keither5150
    I have tried Windows 8 for the last 4 or 5 months. Although I don't dislike it. I find no reason to update my netbook, laptop, and HTPC's. They gave me nothing new with media center, so I will keep my money and take another look at windows 9.
    Reply
  • keither5150
    in about 18 months
    Reply
  • ricdiculus
    Will this help the climage of win 8? (I'm sorry i just couldn't resist)
    Reply
  • gerchokas
    One would think that the most dynamic city in the world would already have open wifi everywhere, at least in manhattan...
    I must be missing something here :/
    Reply
  • gerchokas
    double post... damned IE9 doesnt work with the website unless used in compatibility mode, any chance to get a fix? ;)
    Reply
  • Caffeinecarl
    Thanks for the free wifi, NO I will not buy your god awful operating system!
    Reply
  • lradunovic77
    Mmm Windows 8 ---> no thanks. My PC is not a giant smart phone.
    Reply
  • redyellowblueblast
    - Uh, no. Windows 8 has no place on my desktop or smartphone. That's what Ubuntu and Android are for.
    Reply
  • Pffff EVERYone knows that ALL Desktops magically get touchscreen capabilities when windows 8 is installed! Microsoft isn't THAT stupid, that they would promote a touchscreen singletasking interface on desktops! ..

    ..Damnit, I broke my sarcasm meter again.
    Reply