AdGuard for Android v4.13: Faster filter updates and safer browsing

We set ambitious goals for this release, and did our best to deliver.

AdGuard for Android v4.13 introduces differential filter updates and presents notable improvements, such as secured integration with AdGuard VPN, CRLite and post-quantum cryptography support. Plus, we expanded the list of in-app instructions for installing HTTPS certificates. Let us elaborate further below.

Differential filter updates

Until now, filter updates could take a long time to reach the app. That created two problems: users had to wait too long for changes to arrive, and full filter downloads consumed a lot of mobile data.

We’ve solved this by integrating AdGuardTeam/FilterListManager into AdGuard for Android. Instead of downloading entire filters every time, the app can now get only what has changed. That makes updates much faster and much easier on traffic.

This also changes the product logic around filter update intervals. The idea of “updating filters every X hours” is becoming less important, because filters will now update automatically as soon as possible.

CRLite support for a faster and more secure browsing

We have implemented the CRLite technology by Mozilla in CoreLibs, our filtering engine. It is designed to verify revoked security certificates for websites. Compared to the more outdated Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP), or checking each certificate against the CRL (Certificate Revocation List), CRLite not only speeds up website loading, but also increases your privacy and safety while browsing. Instead of connecting to a third-party server to check a website’s certificate across an extensive and data-heavy list, the newer approach allows the app to do security checks locally on your device, making the process faster and keeping it entirely private.

A secured integration with AdGuard VPN

To improve security in Integration mode with AdGuard VPN, we changed the connection protocol, introducing the use of credentials. With the release of AdGuard for Android v4.13, our ad blocker and VPN cooperate seamlessly and securely, with no additional action required on the user’s part for them to synchronize. No third-party apps will be able to spy on your activities, as an added bonus.

More instructions for HTTPS certificates

In previous versions of AdGuard for Android, we added in-app instructions for installing HTTPS certificates, as the process could differ in regards to your device’s make and model. We try to keep up with the growing range of devices: with this release we added instructions for ColorOS, an Android-powered OS by Oppo.

In conclusion

We added post-quantum cryptography support to our DNS filtering engine, DnsLibs. Now AdGuard for Android, like our other full ad-blocking products, keeps your DNS requests protected against future threats.

Naturally, the release includes the usual round of bug fixes and internal improvements. These changes may not be evident, but they help make filtering more stable and reliable overall.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this latest release. Do not hesitate to share them on social media and send your ideas via GitHub.