- Proton VPN launches “world’s first” VPN blanket
- Proton teamed up with luxury streetwear brand Aries
- It comes with one month of free VPN protection
Christmas is fast approaching and Britain has lately been abuzz with festive cheer, bustling markets and twinkling lights shouting that – yes – this is indeed the season.
But for expats and foreign students living in the UK, this period may not be all about joy. Clashing traditions and the absence of family and friends to celebrate with often intensify homesickness – a mood that no amount of mince pies, mulled wine or Secret Santa can quell.
If you fall into this category, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Proton VPN, the creator of one of the best VPNs, has stepped in to sweeten the deal by launching the “world’s first” VPN blanket.
Developed in collaboration with luxury streetwear brand Aries, the VPN rug integrates NFC technology directly into its woven label.
By tapping it, owners can connect to a URL that provides one month of free access to Proton VPN’s premium plan, which unlocks content in over 120 different countries while protecting users from digital snoopers thanks to Proton VPN’s impressive security suite.
The plush, cozy blanket keeps users warm and gives them access to familiar content, including TV shows that would otherwise be restricted due to their geographic location. The formula works as an antidote to homesickness and brings back a sense of familiarity when the distance becomes too much to bear.
Beat the homesick blues
The idea of combining these two contrasting worlds of digital security and everyday convenience stems from a recent survey by Proton VPN of 2,000 UK-based expat adults.
According to 88% of respondents, access to familiar content helps reduce feelings of homesickness, as a staggering 79% report suffering from the disease.
International students were particularly homesick and reported emotional distress caused by being away from family and personal traditions. The participants also missed food and daily habits from their countries – and of course the weather, which was cited by almost half of those interviewed.
Founder and creative director of Aries, Sofia Prantera, an expatriate herself, explains that she intended to provide a solution to the unique feeling of displacement, recreating the mix of longing and warmth that one feels when encountering memories of their homeland.
The rug was chosen as a vehicle for the experience, to symbolically convey a sense of intimacy, familiarity and warmth as we navigate a digital world where content brings us closer to familiar rituals, intimate memories and the comfort of home.
“The VPN blanket isn’t just about technology, it’s about feeling close to the places and people you miss,” explains Prantera.
The aesthetic is also symbolic: the carpet looks like a patchwork quilt with quotes, images and references celebrating multiculturalism.
If this sounds like Christmas cheer to you – or indeed your distant loved one – the world’s first NFC blanket can be yours for the tidy sum of £195.
And while it’s not the cheapest blanket on the market, there’s perhaps no gift that says ‘I care’ more to your digitally vulnerable loved one than the world’s first NFC blanket.
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