Google Nexus 6P receives Project Fi data-saving feature; $300,000 hacking prize announced for Nexus 6P & 5X

Google has announced that all its Nexus devices including Nexus 6P will start running a data-saving feature that has been limited only to its Fi Network. This will be for devices not yet on the Fi Network, Google Wi-Fi Assistant.

The feature will be made available to users of Google Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6 and Nexus 5. The feature is similar to Windows 10's Wi-Fi Sense. Google explained via Google+ that Nexus 6P and all other Nexus devices not using Project Fi, would be able to save cellular data by taking advantage of Wi-Fi Assistant.

According to iTech Post, the feature is a move forward from being limited to only Google Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X and also the Motorola-manufactured Nexus 6 of 2014. The data-saving feature will allow the devices to scan for Wi-Fi hotspots automatically and then connect users to the best option available.

Thus, users will be able to save on their data expenses yet enjoy the connection with free Wi-Fi spots. As Google Project Fi uses a VPN for the best protection, users need not worry about security and privacy on Project Fi.

Google has stated that it always watches out for any abuse so that it can better its services. The tech giant has also claimed that it neither records nor views content sent over VPN. Only Google Nexus smartphones running on Android 5.1 Lollipop or above have the Wi-Fi Assistant feature.

Thus, Google Nexus 4 users are also included in the update. In order to use the Wi-Fi Assistant on Google Nexus 6P, users need to go to Settings, then to Wi-Fi and tap on Configure. Next they need to enable the “Use open Wi-Fi automatically” option.

Meanwhile, Google is launching the “Project Zero Security Contest” for hackers where they will have to hack Nexus 6P and 5X. The contest has over US$300,000 (AU$401,700) in prizes for those who will be able to hack the devices with only the device’s email address and phone number, reports TNW.