Google One VPN service set to shut down
What's the story
Google is discontinuing its VPN by Google One service. The information was disclosed in a customer email, which was accessed by Android Authority.
Although the email did not provide a specific date, it confirmed that the service would cease operations "later this year."
The VPN by Google One service was initially launched in October 2020, making it less than four years old.
Usage decline
Google One VPN service's underutilization cited as cause
Google has attributed the decision to discontinue the VPN by Google One service to its underutilization.
In a statement to 9to5Google, the tech giant revealed that "people simply weren't using it" as much as expected.
This decision comes despite Google offering three distinct VPN services, including those available through Google Fi and Pixel devices from the Pixel 7 onwards.
Strategic shift
Google One's focus shifts to in-demand features
In the wake of the VPN service discontinuation, Google has expressed its intention to "focus on providing the most in-demand features and benefits."
This announcement comes shortly after Google revealed that its Google One cloud storage service has amassed over 100 million subscribers.
The shift in focus could be related to Google's increased emphasis on integrating Gemini AI features into the Google One platform.