TapRoot Systems today announced new Windows Mobile and Symbian S60 smartphone software, claiming it enables users to convert their 3G phones into mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for a handful of users at one time. The company said its software allows users to have up to five connections to the same Wi-Fi connection at a time. TapRoot is reportedly working on a free trial edition that lets users try the software with just one connection at a time. The company hopes to approach mobile providers and have them deploy the software as a service for a monthly fee. Many users today find it a hassle to try and connect a smartphone with a notebook via Bluetooth or a cable, and have been left with very few alternatives for mobile Internet. Utilizing an EV-DO card is the most common way, but connections can be spotty and the service can be too expensive for a casual user to bother buying the card and paying for the monthly service. Wi-Fi connections tend to be easier to set up and manage, but this is one of the first commercial products aimed at helping users create hot spots. Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint and Alltel […]