The hotspots I use "regularly" aren't actually the issue- I could certainly remember the passwords for them easily. But over time I've built up a huge network of hotspots that I wouldn't like to lose- that coffee shop I went to a few months ago? That hotel I stayed in last year? It's quite nice to have that just connect automatically.
And you're presenting a false dilemma here. Of course I'd prefer this information be encrypted. I was simply replying to the OP that stated WiFi saving could be in "no way cast as user convenience".
Let's see, I've got a private side and a guest side wifi at home, no less than three at work depending on location, the motel I usually end up booked in for trips, local bars and restaurants.
So i'd say.. probably 10ish in a given month? Sometimes more?
The first time I traveled to my sister's house for Thanksgiving setting up the WiFi on our devices was a several hour ordeal that stressed out the whole family. They aren't used to keeping track of these things. I'm very glad I have never had to do that again through several device upgrades.
Do some windows versions still demand that your password fits a set format - length as character type as I recall? Trying to get a (?XP ?Vista) PC onto our until-then Mac only network just about caused its owner a stroke.
honestly, nope. I never had reception issues at a friend's place, but for coffee shops and hotels, even if reception is bad, i rather use 2G than go login in random networks.
i'm already exposed to the phone operator issues, don't want to have to worry about coffee shops and hotels.
...as using those networks is the very reason passwords in plain text is an issue! you guys are just making your situation 10x worse with this convenience.
And you're presenting a false dilemma here. Of course I'd prefer this information be encrypted. I was simply replying to the OP that stated WiFi saving could be in "no way cast as user convenience".