Browsing on open wireless connections through a Virtual Private Network(VPN)can certainly make things feel more secure, and in the spirit of more security Google may be looking into launching their own built-in VPN service and application for Android users in the near future. The first appearances of this potential VPN popped up for a user on a recently updated Nexus 6 now running Android 5.1 Lollipop. An app called Google Connectivity Services appeared in the “all” section of the apps list inside of the settings menu, which opened up a panel on the screen that is labeled with Google VPN, giving options to learn more about the service, or move on to what we would have assumed would open up the app and turn on the VPN when tapping the second button that says “got it.”
The author on Pocketables who discovered the feature states that launching the app can only be done by launching a specific activity string,(listed on the source page)and simply tapping on the listing inside of the all apps section won’t do the trick . What’s more, is that while you can launch the application, the Google VPN never actually runs although you are taken to the standard VPN connection request screen when you tap “got it” and attempt to move forward, so we’d assume that things probably have to be turned on by Google from their end. Hitting the learn more button also gives no information about Google Connectivity Services and simply redirects users to the regular Google support page.
While Google have given no details on adding a VPN into Android as part of the built-in available services and features, finding this here would suggest that it might end up being available in the near future. When and if Google decides to launch their own VPN for Android users is unknown, and it may only be limited to Nexus 6 users if it ends up being patched in through a software update. The appearance of the Google Connectivity Services feature joins a growing list of other new functions and perks to come along with Google latest version of the Android OS, and would be the second security feature alongside the Device Protection.
