Adblock Plus Releases Android Browser Beta

Adblock Plus has announced a beta version for Android of a browser that blocks ads on websites by default, except for some “non-intrusive” ads. The Adblock Browser should make blocking ads on Android easier.

The browser is based on the mobile version of Firefox, more precisely Firefox 37, which integrates the Adblock Plus extension. It also disabled Mozilla’s Sync functionality in Firefox’s code, as well as the ability to install other add-ons in the browser. By default, the advertising filter blocks URLs from the so-called EasyList, but some ‘non-intrusive’ ads are shown based on the Acceptable Ads list. However, it can also be disabled, making almost all advertisements invisible.

Adblock Plus already has an application available that also blocks ads in Android apps, but that requires changing proxy settings for the relevant WiFi network. An Adblock Plus extension for the mobile version of Firefox is also available, but it also needs to be installed and set up manually to work properly.

With its own mobile browser, Eyeo, the company behind the ad blocker, seems to want to lower the threshold for Android users. In addition, the makers think that Google, which removed Adblock Plus from the Play Store in March 2013, will allow this application in its software store because it only blocks advertising within its own browser environment.

According to Till Faida, co-founder of Eyeo, an adblocking feature for mobile operating systems is a logical consequence of the fact that advertisers have “destroyed” the user experience by serving thoughtlessly designed ads to smartphone and tablet users. The underlying ad networks would also be full of security holes. Furthermore, Faida claims that an Android user can load websites faster with the Adblock Browser, less data is consumed and that the battery will last longer.

The beta version is currently only available after registration via Google+, although at the time of writing they are still awaiting publication by Google of the apk. The makers expect to be able to officially release a first version in July or August, possibly with extra filters that should better block tracking sites and malware. It is also being examined whether the browser will be available for other mobile operating systems.