Ukraine VPN launches new, improved apps
ClearVPN has just released a new, more intuitive design for all of its apps.
This is the second time that the Ukrainian VPN has undergone a major overhaul to help its users, inside and outside the country, surf the open Internet with enhanced security. Launched in 2020, the ClearVPN 2 update was rolled out last year and introduced three key shortcuts (use cases) that allow less technical users to use the VPN service with just a few clicks.
With this new interface, available for the iOS, macOS, Android and Windows applications, the MacPaw team now aims to make secure online travel a “one-tap experience”.
ClearVPN new interface
Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN is a valuable piece of technology that allows you to encrypt your internet connections and access otherwise geo-restricted content, whether that’s a foreign streaming library or, more importantly, an application or website based in your country has been censored. That’s why, since the war in Ukraine began, ClearVPN’s quest to keep people connected became even more important.
“At MacPaw, our mission is to help machines better serve people through powerful yet easy-to-use software,” said Oleksandr Kosovan, CEO and Founder of MacPaw. “With this redesign, ClearVPN exemplifies that vision by offering a private, secure online experience through a beautifully designed app that works seamlessly across devices.”
Those familiar with popular MacPaw products, such as CleanMyMac and CleanMyPhone, will likely recognize the new one-button interface. This means you can connect to any of the VPN servers with one tap.
The goal here, according to ClearVPN chief product manager Ivan Ablamskyi, is to “unify MacPaw’s product suite under a cohesive, easy-to-use aesthetic that puts privacy and access at your fingertips.”
Say hello to the new ClearVPN, hassle-free, improved and full of pleasant surprises. ✨It’s your favorite app if you want to go online safely. Connect to the fastest servers in one tap and stay protected during all your online travels: https://t.co/smWV3ROkyT pic.twitter.com/iOdmHKejFUMarch 26, 2024
In addition to a new interface, the latest ClearVPN update also introduced new iOS widgets to provide a direct VPN connection. A new Siri Shortcuts integration has also been added, allowing you to automatically enable ClearVPN when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
The refresh also introduces ClearWeb, a new ad blocking extension for Chrome that aims to keep pop-ups and invasive ads at bay for an even safer web browsing experience.
ClearVPN prices
ClearVPN is available for $9.99/month or $44.99/year and comes with a free 3 day trial. The price may vary slightly depending on your region. At the time of writing, the service continues to exist free for all Ukrainian citizens– regardless of where they are located.
Over the past twelve months, the team of software engineers has also been working to develop an internal alternative VPN protocol to help users living in Russian-occupied territories bypass the Kremlin’s harsh censorship. Russia is infamous for its VPN censorship tactics.
“Technically it’s very simple, but it’s a combination of several technologies,” Ablamskyi told me, including the fast and secure WireGuard protocol, OpenVPN’s support of VPN obfuscation technology, and even SFTP proxy protection to better mask VPN traffic as regular traffic.
Although not fully released at the time of writing, people from occupied territories have already been able to harness its power. The plan now is to refine the protocol performance to make it widely available to all ClearVPN users.
ClearVPN promises to offer blazing-fast servers in more than 45 countries, an infrastructure powered by industry-leading encryption, and a strict no-log policy. With one subscription you can use the VPN app on up to six devices simultaneously.