Adblock Launched an Application for Android Devices with Automatic Update

Google recently started removing several ad-blocking applications from Play Store, claiming that they violate part (section 4.4) of its Developer Distribution Agreement. One of the apps that was yanked from the Play store was Adblock Plus, made by the same people behind the immensely popular ad-blocking browser extensions with the same name.

In a blog post, Adblock Plus said it was taken aback by Google's move, but that it would soon release a new version of the Android app. That day has come, as Adblock Plus just released version 1.1 of its Android application, which will obviously now need to be side-loaded, i.e. installed from places other than the Google Play store.

Install Adblock Plus for Android

Adblock Plus for Android is now available on the ABP website but the application is also still listed on a range of alternative app stores. Adblock Plus is asking people who previously downloaded its Android app to manually install the new version, as it comes with automatic updates for future versions, in addition to some bug fixes.

Download Adblock Plus for Android here

Before you download Adblock Plus to your Android device, make sure app installation from unknown sources is allowed by Android:

• Open Settings and go to Unknown sources option (under Applications or Security depending on your device)
• Tap the checkbox and confirm the upcoming message with OK

Needless to say, the removal from Google's Play store makes it that much harder for Adblock Plus to get its app noticed by end users, although you can argue that it has built up enough brand recognition and a vast fan base over the years that should allow it to stay current.

Meanwhile, Adblock Plus claims the userbase for its Google Chrome browser add-on ballooned ever since Google removed the company’s app from the Play store, with 9 million users and counting.

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