Cool product! I wouldn't worry about the HN naysayers too much (very "just use rsync to a VPS"-esque vibe here). I think you should clarify on your site that the app is only required for setting up the block, and that your guests won't need it -- I knew that from using the NFC wifi feature before, but not everyone does, and right now centering the app makes it seem like everyone will need it. You could also maybe make a business-centric landing page? I think this would go over GREAT with coffee shops etc. Especially if you have the option to get a logo image engraved instead of just text. Not sure how possible that is with your current setup, though -- I know laser cutters can do an image, but it needs to be SVG or another vector format I think? Maybe you could use the Inkscape auto-vectorizer to do that conversion for raster images, though (it's usable from a script IIRC).<p>Cool business! Good luck!
So it's a $40 piece of wood with a NFC sticker in it? Feels like it would be cheaper to just print out a QR code and get people to point their camera at it to connect. Could even order a super cheap NFC sticker and stick it to the back of the QR code.
It it's anything like the Wifi Porter (<a href="https://tenonedesign.com/porter" rel="nofollow">https://tenonedesign.com/porter</a>) i purchased a few years ago, then it's a somewhat decorative way of getting guests online.<p>I have a couple of them, one for guests, one for the kids network, and they're in use almost daily. Still need a couple for my vacation house, so maybe this will fit :)
Interesting! You’re using NFC to pass over the WiFi keys etc? How is it that you’re negotiating and getting the NFC to trigger the WiFi password input?
I did my own cheaply-made "WiFi Block" for my guest network with an old CD jewel case, a printed piece of paper with a WiFi symbol, the SSID name and a QR code specially formatted to create a connection, as well as a small NFC sticker under that piece of paper programmed with the same information.<p>So far it works well, and makes a nice conversation piece with new guests :)
> device must have nfc capability and be connected to the desired wifi for programming<p>How does that work? Does the user have to open the Wifi settings page on their phone, tap on the correct SSID, and then tap their phone on this NFC device?
I am more curious about the technical aspect.<p>I could not find any android documentation on building wifi nfc tags that are automatically connected to by the system.<p>Can someone explain how this is working? Hidden apis? A NFC spec, or something else?
Pardon my ignorance but how would this work if you're trying to connect your laptop or a non-phone device (Chromebook, Kindle tablet, etc.).<p>Is this for only connecting NFC-enabled smartphones?
Should definitely also engrave the name + password or at least a QR-code.<p>I had an NFC sticker in my kitchen and for many it didn't work. QR worked much better.
This is for largely android Users right?<p>If you’re at my house but not in my or my wife’s contacts (and thus it can’t request access to our wifi automatically) I doubt I want you to have wifi access anyway.