Block Ads in Android Apps
 

EDIT: You don't need my instructions below unless you want to experiment. manekineko says is simpler just to download AdFree from the Market.


OK, I just tested this out and it works. Basically, listed below are the instructions to block ads from showing up in Android Apps (usually the free ones from the market). I found this trick by searching through Google.

So here are the instructions. This assumes you know how to edit the conf/froyo.user.conf file. For illustration purpose, I assume your Android files (zImage, rootfs.img, system.ext2, startup.txt, etc) are located in the "andboot" directory on your SD card (if not, adjust the instructions below accordingly):

1. Download the attachment (hosts.zip) and extract it. The extracted file is "hosts"; copy it to your "andboot" directory on your SD card.
2. Edit the froyo.conf.user file located in your andboot/conf directory and add the following line to the custom_shells section at the end:
   
   Quote:

   mount --bind /sdcard/andboot/hosts /system/etc/hosts

3. Save froyo.conf.user
4. That's it! When you boot into Android, the ads should be blocked.

NOTE: I don't know of any bad side effects as I just started testing for a couple hours. I hope this prevents wasted data communication bandwidth used to download unwanted ads.

EDIT: I have tested this on the FRX04 and Tiad8's BLAZN builds.
Hope you enjoy this "early" easter egg.

Re: Block Ads in Android Apps
 

Say goodbye to free apps...

Re: Block Ads in Android Apps
 

Hmmm... you're right. That's how Google makes their money.

Re: Block Ads in Android Apps
 

Yea as much as I hate the ads, that's how they're able to provide so many free apps... As I understand it, the Apple Store doesn't have nearly as much free stuff... I don't want to see that happen to the Market.

Re: Block Ads in Android Apps
 

There's a lot easier way. If you want to block ads, you can just download AdFree, which does the same thing with the hosts file for you.

Re: Block Ads in Android Apps
 

I guess I'm a moron. Didn't know such an app existed. It'll be an irony if there's ads showing up in AdFree. I'm surprised Google allowed that app on its Market. Thanks for the heads up.

I was searching how to replace the phone dialer in the FRX04 build last night and came across the "hosts" hack but I guess I never researched a little more.8-[

EDIT: that hosts file is HUGE! I guess the negative effect of this (besides Google taking away free apps) is that IP stack has to go through that huge list every time there's a DNS request, which means more processing time or slower connection time.

Re: Block Ads in Android Apps
 

Hi guys just trying the ad removing script. i currently have this...

.....allow allocation)
}

# custom shell commands, these commands run last
custom_shells{
chmod 777 /etc/dbus.conf
#echo "Hello!!!" # example
rm -f /sdcard/*.rec
modprobe ipv6
}
question is where do i imput this line of code below oh yeah im not using andboot so i took out the andboot folder and using this instead if thats ok?

"mount --bind /sdcard/hosts /system/etc/hosts" i know remove the quotes right? help very new to this. i do not have any problems running andriod right now. even OC'd to 787 no problems at that speed. except battery life SUCKS... Thank you for your help guys.

Re: Block Ads in Android Apps
 

Just download AdFree from the Market; it's a lot easier.

Re: Block Ads in Android Apps
 

AdFree works great. It pays to check the most popular & can't live without app threads.

Re: Block Ads in Android Apps
 

i know it would be easier but im thinking i dont really need another app running and taking up cycles and memory. just a thought for my own "sh*ts and giggles". thank you for the responce. ill just guess where the line goes.