Project Fi's Wifi Assistant to serve all Nexus devices soon

Project Fi is lending its Wi-Fi Assistant app to all Nexus devices running Android Lollipop 5.1 or higher, without requiring a subscription to the wireless service.

Previously exclusive to Project Fi subscribers, the Wi-Fi Assistant plays switchboard operator, discreetly keep your mobile device connected to the fastest available network as you move between supported cellular towers and the millions of Wi-Fi hotspots included in the service. The WiFi Assistant automatically signs into available Wi-Fi hotspots that’s part of Project Fi’s mobile virtual network, unless the available speed is slower than your device’s cellular connection.

Furthermore, Wi-Fi Assistant encrypts each connection it makes with them, so you don’t have to worry about the app compromising your security whenever it switch you off of cellular and move over to Wi-Fi. You’ll get a like key icon in your Notifications bar, indicating you’re connected to a virtual private network.

Google says the Wi-Fi Assistant will roll out to newly supported devices over the next few weeks in the US, UK, Canada, Mexico and Nordic countries. Remember, you just need a Nexus device running Android Lollipop 5.1 in order to use the Wi-Fi Assistant. So even if you’re still using a Nexus 4 or a 5, you’re in!

If you haven’t given Google’s mobile virtual network operator a second glance since it’s release early last year, now might be a good time to give it another look. Back in March, Project Fi dropped its invite system so that consumers in the US can join up without having to wait around for their invitations. Plans start at $20 per month for unlimited talk and text domestically, unlimited international text and the ability to turn your device into a hotspot. You can combine this plan, Fi Basics, with a standalone data packages that costs $10 per GB and refunds what you don’t use.