Google is seemingly planning to give Android users a helping hand when using open Wi-Fi networks, by routing traffic through its own VPN service.
The Pocketables site (via Android Central) has been trawling the new Android 5.1 Lollipop release for new features using a Motorola Nexus 6 handset and spotted a new Google Connectivity Services app.
Within that app, the blog found a Wi-Fi Assistant, which is likely to pop up when users attempt to log-on to an unsecured withheld network.
The on-screen message tells users that in order “to help protect you on open Wi-Fi networks, your data will be transmitted securely through a Google VPN.”
Related: Best VPN
After clicking “Got it” Android users will then be asked to confirm the connection to a Virtual Private Network, but the feature doesn’t appear to be operational as yet.
Read more: Android 5.1 Lollipop: New features
Google hasn’t officially acknowledged the feature yet, so it remains to be seen whether the company is simply testing a potential addition to Android or whether it plans to open up access in a future version of the operating system.
A launch would be good news for Android users as it would give them an opportunity to add an extra layer of security when using open networks in coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
