Google to End Support for Four-Year-Old Service: Google officially announced that Google One VPN will be discontinued on 20 June 2024. Google One VPN was launched in October 2020 as part of Google One subscription. It provides an extra layer of privacy and security to users. This announcement is a major change in Google’s approach to VPN services.

Transition to Built-In VPN Services for Pixel Devices

With Google One VPN coming to an end, Google is shifting its focus to embedding VPN features directly into Pixel devices. And this shift is reflected in Google’s plans for Pixel 8 and beyond. Google says that Pixel 8 and beyond will have a VPN built-in as part of the system settings. It’s a sign of Google’s intention to improve its product offerings and simplify the user experience by embedding essential features directly in the operating system.

Google has announced a system update for the Pixel 7 series, which includes the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, as well as the 7a and Fold. The company is planning to roll out the update on 3rd June 2024. The system update will allow users to run VPN directly through their device’s settings. Google has made it clear that users of the Pixel 7 series will be able to continue using a VPN service after the phasing out of Google One VPN. The update is a sign of Google’s desire to maintain continuity for its current users while also encouraging them to migrate to newer devices.

Impact on Google One Users

Google has provided a step-by-step guide on its support page on how to remove the VPN service from your devices. If you have been using the VPN service through your Google One subscription, then you may be wondering how to remove it from your device. This step is essential to ensure a smooth transition and to avoid any confusion or disruption in service.

Please note that the VPN will not be the same for every Google One user. For example, the VPN by google one will not be available in India. The VPN by google one was never launched in India. The localized approach shows that Google’s strategy is focused on particular regions and their specific user and regulatory needs.

Strategic Shift and User Implications

Google’s decision to ditch Google One VPN in favor of adding VPN functionality to Pixel devices is part of a larger strategy. By adding VPN functionality directly to its devices’ system settings, Google is most likely trying to provide a smoother and more unified user experience. It could also be a way for Google to stand out from its competitors in the highly competitive hardware market by emphasizing the value of having a Pixel device.

There are pros and cons to this change for users. On the one hand, having an integrated VPN makes it easier to keep track of your online activities. You don’t have to worry about downloading and managing a separate app anymore. On the other hand, it also means that your VPN service will be optimized for your hardware and software, which may improve performance and reliability.

However, if you don’t use Pixel devices, or if you prefer to manage your VPN services separately from your device manufacturer, then this change might not be as welcome. You’ll need to look for alternative VPN services after Google One VPN comes to an end. Since there are so many VPN services available in the market, you’ll have plenty of options, but some of them may come with extra fees or subscription services.

Conclusion

Google One VPN discontinuation marks a major shift in Google’s approach to VPN services. Embedding VPN functionality directly on Pixel devices is Google’s way of making the user’s experience easier and improving hardware offerings. It’s a testament to Google’s commitment to embedding key features in its ecosystem, making sure that its users get streamlined, secure and high-performance services. With Google One VPN coming to an end on June, 20, 2024, users will have to adjust to the new reality, whether that’s by switching to the native VPN on the Pixel devices or by exploring other VPN services available on the market.