In the retro-computing world (Oric-1/Atmos) we are using the PicoW as a way to get our old machines on the Internet, not by implementing USB-CDC drivers on the old machines, but by having the PicoW imitate an old-school modem interface, albeit one that 'dials in' to a web site address instead of another modem ..
It's pretty cool, I have to say - especially for us old Oric folks, who never did quite get a full BBS ecosystem for these machines, unlike others. Its on like donkey kong now though, thanks to wonderful PicoW projects like this!
Author here: good point - I do hope the retro computing community enjoys this tool. It does remind me of the Espressif line if ESP8266 and ESP32 devices which have Wi-Fi devices which are available on UART and respond to AT modem commands. Pico-usb-wifi is a nice tool which some clever YouTubers will hopefully be able to use to get old internet appliances, or systems that didn't have Wi-Fi, online.
Personally, I rescued a dozen PogoPlugs from the trash a decade ago and used one to practice self hosting a word press instance. Having a dongle like this would have allowed me to stick it in a corner and run something like librespot or snapcast. Instead, I eventually sent them to the recycler when I moved.
I've been using an ESP8266 as a wifi/modem adapter with my original Commodore 64. Works really well! You may be able to get away with something cheaper if you push.
It's pretty cool, I have to say - especially for us old Oric folks, who never did quite get a full BBS ecosystem for these machines, unlike others. Its on like donkey kong now though, thanks to wonderful PicoW projects like this!