TapRoot's WalkingHotSpot transforms WiFi-enabled smartphones into hotspots

TapRoot has launched a new application-service combo called WalkingHotSpot to allow owners of the WiFi-enabled Symbian S60 and Windows Mobile smartphones to transform their 3G data connection into a hotspot. However, unlike similar solutions we've seen — including Joiku for Symbian S60 and WMWifiRouter for Windows Mobile devices — WalkingHotSpot also has a darker, Big Brother-ish side. In addition to providing an application for the end user, they are also offering WHS Server, which "provides carriers with the ability to manage and control subscriber accounts, authenticate WalkingHotSpot devices and clients, as well as collect subscriber usage information." Now, wait a minute I may not want to let my carrier know I'm creating a hotspot out of its 3G network. I've nothing to hide, it's just a matter of principle…

You still can't download the application, but you can sign-up to get an email when WalkingHotSpot is available for download. We can only hope they'll have hard time pitching mobile operators and we'll be able to use all that 3G data (in case you're on an unlimited plan) to get ourselves WiFi hotspots wherever we are…