Android 5.1 Lollipop has a little secret: it hides Google's Virtual Private Network (VPN) in its folds.
With privacy concerns gaining traction, it is no surprise that Google VPN is tweaked into the latest Android 5.1. In case you're wondering what the brouhaha is all about, having a VPN will keep a user's device secure even if they are accessing public Wi-Fi.
Now that VPN is available in Android 5.1, there is a strong likelihood that Google will make this a regular feature. However, it is currently not functional.
Pocketables was the first to encounter the new system application dubbed "Google Connectivity Services" on a Nexus 6 that was running the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop update.
To locate the app, a user simply needs to navigate to Settings > Apps and scroll to the same, which occupies 4.92MB. However, Google Connectivity Services is only viewable on the list. Pocketables recommends a few tricks. Once launched, the user will see the pop-up "Google VPN." This pop-up reads: "To help protect you on open Wi-Fi networks, your data will be transmitted securely through a Google VPN."
The pop-up has the "learn more" and "got it" options. However, since the feature is currently not functional, one gets redirected to a support page from Google.
Alternatively, if one clicks on "got it," you are taken to the regular VPN connection request window. You are then asked if you would like the Wi-Fi assistant to set up a VPN connection "that allows it to monitor network traffic." One is also asked to accept only if they trust the source.
While Pocketables was unable to use Google VPN using an open/secured Wi-Fi network or LTE, the presence of this feature in Android 5.1 is a clear indication that Google has plans of launching this functionality. Just when exactly is a different question.
