VPN featured found hidden in Android 5.1

Pocketables‘ John Frent discovered a new system application called “Google Connectivity Services” when he looked around Android 5.1 on his Google Nexus 6. The app appears to be a VPN service that is in the works.

To find it, go to Settings > Apps > All and scroll down to Google Connectivity Services. In order to start the app, the activity com.google.android.apps.gcs/com.google.android.apps.gcs.WifiAssistantOptInActivity must be launched. Frent was able to do this by using an app known as QuickShortcutMaker, which allowed him to create a shortcut to Google Connectivity Services on his home screen. When he launched the app, it read, “To help protect you on open Wi-Fi networks, your data will be transmitted securely through a Google VPN.”

The “Learn more” button takes you to a Google support page. “Got it” takes you to the VPN connection request screen.

Beyond this point, Frent was unable to get the service to work on an open WiFi network, a secured WiFi network, or LTE. He also states that he is unsure Google will launch this feature. After all, it has only just been discovered.

As he says, Google may be using it in its planned wireless service built with the help of T-Mobile and Sprint’s networks.

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