New TDUK App to provide System-Wide Ad blocking

Hi all,

I have been working on a new app for the last 6 months or so but the concept has been on my mind for over a year.

Initially it was going to be for both Firetv & Android TV devices but with the Amazon ADB block changes, the app will only be for Android TV Devices.

What is it ?

The app will allow your Android TV device to use Encrypted DNS (DNS over TLS)

What are the benefits of Encrypted DNS?

As the name implies, all your DNS requests will now be encrypted which means your ISP can’t see what you are requesting. It also means, any DNS blocks from your ISP will also be removed.

How will this improve my cord cutting life ?
The main benefit for us cord cutters is that we can use ad-blocking encrypted DNS servers, this means any streaming app that was previously showing adverts will now become ad-free :grinning:.
Any app on your streaming device that make a request to load an advert will be blocked by the encrypted DNS.

How does this compare to Blokada or another ad-blocking app ?
Blokada uses a virtual vpn connection to block ads. This means if the app is terminated, then you lose the ad-blocking functionality. It also means that you can’t run a VPN whilst using Blokada. My app does not have these limitations and once you have set the encrypted DNS server, you don’t need to keep my app running.

What does this app look like?


The app will have a familiar interface. You will just need to make an ADB connection (once you have enabled USB or Network debugging). You can then choose an Encrypted DNS server from a predefined list or you can manually enter one in. Click on Start and your device will now start using the encrypted DNS server.

How can I get it ?
Right now, I am looking for a few testers to help test the functionality of the app. I’ve personally tested it on my Onn 4K pro and using apps like FilmPlus, CinemaHD. Those apps were showing a banner advert when the links were loading and a big fat video advert when you back out of a movie. Once I enabled encrypted DNS - I didn’t see any of those adverts :grinning:. If have an an Android TV device and can help me test the new app, please email me on tdoctoruk at gmail. I only need about 5 - 10 people.

How much will this app cost?
The app will cost $1.99 and it will be a lifetime license for unlimited devices. Even if you have 10 different Android TV devices, you can buy the app once and your license will cover all devices. You will get unlimited lifetime upgrades.

Are you allowed to create posts like this ?
I did ask for permission first and @Miki graciously obliged :pray:

Update 1 since sharing my app
Testers have confirmed my app successfully blocks adverts in Rumble. Also reports of reduced buffering in IPTV APPS (if ISP’s were previously throttling connections, then that would be removed by using encrypted DNS)

Update 14th September
I have uploaded a new version with some minor bugfixes. You will need to uninstall the old version and install the new one. The new one has the version 1.0.1. This new version will expire on the 29th Sept.

17 Likes

Installed easily and I have personally been using it on my 2019 Shield Pro for about 6 hrs. without any issues. Tx TDUK. I have noticed one advantage since switching the DNS source but I will wait until others have tried this app and see if they also noticed this improvement. Ok, now I can mention this improvement. I have one IPTV service that I get occasional buffering so I rarely use it, now since activating this encrypted DNS service the buffering is gone completely. I am sure @TXRon will know more about why than I do.

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So is this a vpn replacement or used with it? I am not familiar with blockada so the comparison flew over my head.

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It replaces your present DNS supplier, providing you with an encrypted DNS source.

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Would this work with Youtube?

This is an ad-blocker for your browser and any apps you have installed on your Android TV device

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the delivery mechanism that Youtube use to serve adverts will not be stopped with my app, however any other streaming app on your device will become ad-free

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Will this block ads on FAST Apps like TUBI, Pluto, etc.?
Will it block ads on verified apps like Hulu, Frndly, Netflix, etc.

With the popularity of Kodi, Stremio and other ad-free apps, FAST Apps and paid subs are very important!

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I never get ads in Stremio, but this definately doesn’t block ads on Live IPTV in TiViMate. I believe live IPTV has the ads baked right into the stream so blocking those ads would also interrupt the Stream.

Yes, Kodi and Stremio are ad-free. Live TV has ads. My question is concerning FAST Apps like TUBI and Verified apps like Hulu that are sources of movies and TV series on demand. VOD sources verified and legal?

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Sorry I don’t have any FAST apps any more. Hopefully someone who does can chime in.

If this gets rid of ads on Rumble app I’ll be buying :+1:

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Im thinking it works for apps like RBTV77 that was recently mentioned on TP.

It has annoying ads that pop up when you open it that are app based not content (stream) based ads.

Am I close?

Never tried that app until now so not familiar with the frequency of ads on it but with TDUK app I just opened a bunch of streams and had 0 ads :+1: Best of all, happy to say no ads on Rumble app anymore either. :clap:

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PapaS confirmed that all ads were blocked in RBTV77 and Rumble

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Once it’s available to the public, where will this be sold?

The test version of the app will last for about 7 days and once all feedback confirmed and any issues addressed - I will submit the app to the Google play store for approval

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Will this app stop ads on streaming apps such as PlutoTV, Samsung+, Tubi, Freevee, CW, Roku Channel, Xumo, etc.

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I think it depends on how the ads are integrated into each app. Pluto has their ads imbedded into the video itself, so it doesn’t seem to work on those. Cinema and Tubi seem to have their ads in a more “pop-up” style within the app, and it does seem to get rid of those. I also tried LocalNow and the ad plays but it is because I believe it is imbedded within that video stream/file.

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Ok, I understand. Thanks for the info.

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