Google One VPN Disappearing Soon: What You Need to Know
Android users have been warned that a perk on their Google account will disappear in a matter of days. Google One is the company’s popular cloud subscription service for all your photos and videos, as well as extra space for Gmail. It has 100million subscribers worldwide. The platform also has a handy VPN as part of the package as well. But earlier this year the tech giant announced that the tool will be removed. At the time, Google bosses said “people simply weren’t using it”. Those who did take advantage of the perk have not reacted well to the change. “I’ve given up on Google and its technologies,” one user wrote on Reddit in response. “Google is annoying,” another commented. “I am afraid to buy Google products.”
Google has confirmed that the VPN feature will be axed on June 20, which gives people only a few days left to make use of it. Fortunately, those with a Pixel 7 or up will still be able to use Google’s separate VPN feature that’s on offer. The move comes after a number of closures from Google recently, starting with the Google Podcasts app that went dark in the US on April 2. It’s set to be discontinued for the UK and other countries on June 23. In more positive developments, Google has recently made a number of premium photo editing features free for everyone – including those on iPhone – which you can see in the video above.
Free VPN alternatives
There are some free VPN alternatives around that affected users might wish to try. Ensure you do your research before to check on their privacy policies.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN has a free option allowing users access to servers in the Netherlands, Japan, and the United States. You can only use it on one device at a time.
Opera browser
The Opera web browser has a free VPN built into the app on desktop and Android. There are three general locations available.
TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear VPN allows users to access any of its global servers. However, it’s restricted to just 500MB of data per month.
The Google Graveyard – past apps and services that have died
VPN for Google One is the latest in a long line of gadgets and services to join the dreaded “Google Graveyard”. According to the Killed By Google website, the number currently stands at 295. Here are some you may remember:
– Google Hangouts
– Google Duo
– Google Stadia
– Google+
– Google Cardboard
– Loon
– Google Gaming app
– Google Glass
– Google Spaces
– Nexus