For many Android users, VPNs (Virtual Private Network) hold a crucial importance. They are currently the best and most efficient tools for those who prefer to navigate the internet more securely and those struggling with geo-blocking policies in their countries or business travelers who face the same problem when they are located in a country that restricts some web content and services. Surprisingly, it looks like Google is planning to treat its users and join the VPN world, though the service isn’t working at the moment.
This red hot feature was first spotted by John Freml from Pocketables while he was exploring his new Android 5.1 Lollipop on his Google Nexus 6 smartphone when he stumbled upon a bizarre application called “Google Connectivity Services”. If you own a Nexus device with Android 5.1 Lollipop, you can find this application yourself by heading to Settings > Apps > All, and look for the name on the list.
With a little tweaking you can run the app leading to an intriguing feature in a pop up message saying, “To help protect you on open Wi-Fi networks, your data will be transmitted securely through a Google VPN” with two options, “learn more” and “got it”.
∗ Here’s how you can run the app:
Use a shortcut creator app, like QuickShortcutMaker, to run the app through the activity: “com.google.android.apps.gcs/com.google.android.apps.gcs.WifiAssistantOptInActivity”
If you choose to click on “Learn more”, you will be redirected to the standard Google support page, but if you click on “Got it”, a VPN connection setup screen will be displayed. However, the service is not yet functional. The setup screen says, “Google Wi-Fi Assistant wants to set up a VPN connection that allows it to monitor network traffic. Only accept if you trust the source. [Key symbol] appears at the top of your screen when VPN is active.”
Although the service isn’t active at the moment, it indicates that Google might be planning to establish a service that allows users to connect to Google VPN services worldwide. “We are actually working with carrier partners. You will see us announce it in the coming months,” said Pichai. Pichai declined to give further details, however he added that “We [Google] don’t intend to be a network operator at scale”.
