ExpressVPN, widely known as one of the best VPNs, has released two new updates that aim to improve its connections by making them faster and more seamless.
First is its new Fastest Location feature, which auto-connects users to the optimal VPN server for their network.
Automatically connect to the optimal server
As of the time of writing, Fastest Location is available on iOS, macOS and Android. This means that users will automatically connected to the optimal server for them. These optimal server is chosen based on real-time conditions, with the aim of decreasing both connection time and latency.
Fastest Location has also brought with it a redesigned home screen, with ExpressVPN removing its “Smart Location” and “Recent” sections in favour of highlighting connection indicators like time protected throughout the week and Secure Device Assistant.
More transparency has been added to ExpressVPN’s server list with this update, too, by displaying the connection strength of the top three or top five fastest servers. These top servers automatically refresh when a new optimal location is detected, giving users the most up-to-date information on the fastest servers.
Shay Peretz, Chief Operating Officer at ExpressVPN, explains this decision: “We built Fastest Location to make secure connections completely effortless. It takes care of performance behind the scenes so users can focus on browsing safely, streaming smoothly, and staying protected without missing a beat.”
New native Mac app aims to give a first-class experience
ExpressVPN is already one of the best Mac VPNs. However, it’s looking to go a step further with its new native Mac app. The app has been designed specifically for macOS, with the aim of making it launch faster as well as feel more responsive and integrated on both laptop and PC.
Up until the launch of the new app, ExpressVPN’s macOS app was using a version originally built for iPad, and made available on macOS due to Apple’s cross-compatibility features.
Peretz noted the reason for the new macOS app: “We wanted the Mac version to feel just as refined as our other platforms. With this new native app, everything from startup to window resizing feels smoother, faster, and more in tune with macOS.”
The new app has been built using Apple’s Mac Catalyst framework, meaning that it is now more deeply integrated within macOS and, as such, has macOS-specific optimizations. This means that it benefits from faster startup times, smoother visuals, and improved multitasking performance.
Both Fastest Location and ExpressVPN’s new native Mac app are available now.
