Google One Announces Changes: Goodbye VPN, Hello Streamlined Services
In a recent update, Google has unveiled a series of changes aimed at refining its services and meeting evolving user needs. Google has announced that they are closing down VPN by Google One which was previously bundled with their Google One Service. This was revealed through emails which were sent to existing Google One users. Along with this, there will also be changes to to Google Photos shipping policies.
Discontinuation of VPN by Google One
Google has notified its users via email about the discontinuation of its VPN service, VPN by Google One. Although a specific shutdown date hasn’t been disclosed, the service is slated to be phased out “later this year.” Launched as an alternative to popular VPN providers like Nord VPN and Express VPN, it was accessible across all Google One plans, even the most affordable tier at $1.99/month. Citing low usage as the primary driver, Google is redirecting existing users to third-party alternatives, though Pixel users with Pixel 7 or newer models will retain access to Google’s VPN through Pixel settings.
Changes to Google Photos Shipping
Effective May 15, Google One subscribers will lose the perk of free shipping for select print orders from Google Photos in Canada, the UK, the US, and the EU. This alteration affects users reliant on the VPN service, necessitating alternative methods to safeguard their internet connections.
Reasoning Behind Changes
According to a Google spokesperson, the company is shifting its focus towards bolstering features in higher demand within Google One. This strategic pivot underpins the decision to discontinue the VPN feature, despite its inception in 2018 with promises of enhanced online security. With insufficient user engagement over time, the feature is being retired to make way for more impactful offerings. According to a Google Spokesperson, “We’re refocusing our efforts to support more in-demand features with Google One. To keep our subscription service fresh, we’re discontinuing the VPN feature, as we found people simply weren’t using it.”
Google One Subscription Plans
Google One’s subscription plans, ranging from $1.99 to $19.99 per month, encompass a variety of features such as cloud storage, dark web monitoring, and Google Photos editing tools. By streamlining its offerings, including the discontinuation of the VPN feature, Google aims to optimize its services and cater to user preferences effectively.
Future Outlook
The discontinuation of VPN by Google One follows recent updates in Google One’s ecosystem, notably the integration of AI editing tools in Google Photos. Despite these changes, the free Pixel VPN introduced alongside the Pixel 7 series remains unaffected. Furthermore, older Pixel models are slated to receive an upgrade to the VPN service introduced with the Pixel 8, bolstering their online security capabilities.
Google’s decision to bid farewell to VPN by Google One and adjust Google Photos shipping underscores its commitment to adaptability and user-centric innovation. By aligning its offerings with evolving preferences and market demands, Google reaffirms its dedication to delivering relevant and impactful services within its subscription plans.
