ANDROID owners have once again been warned that a popular Google One service is shutting down in just two weeks.
Google One is a cloud subscription service that stores photos and videos – but also has nifty perks like VPN.
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A VPN – or virtual private network – essentially encrypts your internet data and masks your IP address.
VPN by Google One will shut down on 20 June.
Fortunately, there will be a replacement – but only for newer phones.
Instead axing the service forever, Google is simply rebranding it and giving it its own standalone app.
The new service is now referred to as Pixel VPN by Google.
It went live in the Google Play Store earlier this week.
While there was a brief error not allowing some users to log in, this has since been resolved, according to 9to5Google.
Users can now sign in successfully and complete the set-up process.
However, the app is only available to those with a Pixel 7 or a newer device.
“@madebygoogle sad to see Pixel6(a) users being left out,” one disappointed Android owner wrote on X.
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
Google doesn’t shy away from burying products and services before customers are truly finished with them.
“Wanted to download and use the VPN that comes with my Google One subscription and saw that the company has discontinued the VPN. Classic,” a customer added.
Another replied, saying: “Don’t worry there about to cancel another 2 VPNs they haven’t launched yet too.”
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