World's first 'VPN Blanket' turns staying warm into staying connected

The world’s first "VPN Blanket," created through a collaboration between ProtonVPN and Aries Streetwear, is a unique product designed to combine comfort with technology for expats and international students. Embedded with NFC technology in its woven tag, the blanket allows users to activate a free one-month ProtonVPN service, granting access to content from 120 countries. This innovation addresses homesickness by enabling users to stream familiar shows and media from their home countries, a need highlighted by research showing that 88% of expats feel less isolated when accessing home content, and 82% of foreign students experience homesickness. Designed by Italian expat Sofia Prantera, the blanket features a patchwork quilt style that reflects multiculturalism and the emotional experience of living abroad. The campaign promoting the limited-edition blanket targeted various diaspora communities in London through outdoor and digital advertising, emphasizing the emotional connection to home. Made in Italy from 80% wool and 20% polyamide, the blanket sells for $260 on Aries