Google has begun beta testing software called Google Secure Access that, as its name suggests, provides secure access to wireless networks. The software connects to Google's VPN server.The software is available from certain Google Wi-Fi locations in San Francisco. It's not clear how expansive Google Wi-Fi will be as a network -- the company won't comment about its future plans. But whatever areas it eventually covers, Google Wi-Fi will likely be free and supported by ads.

Google spokesman Nathan Tyler offered this explanation: "Google WiFi is a community outreach program to offer free wireless access in areas near our headquarters. The project was started as part of an engineer's 20% time project, and we are currently testing it at a limited number of locations."

In April, Google partnered with a wireless company called Feeva to sponsor Wi-Fi hot-spots in San Francisco.

All that remains for a complete Google experience is an operating system and software that competes with Microsoft Office...