Computers

AdTrap aims to block all internet advertising

AdTrap aims to block all internet advertising
AdTrap banishes adverts from computers, tablets, and any other devices connected to the local network
AdTrap banishes adverts from computers, tablets, and any other devices connected to the local network
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The prototype AdTrap unit
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The prototype AdTrap unit
AdTrap is powered by an Atmel ARM CPU and features 128 MB RAM
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AdTrap is powered by an Atmel ARM CPU and features 128 MB RAM
The AdTrap team are currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for bringing the device to market
3/5
The AdTrap team are currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for bringing the device to market
AdTrap is powered by an Atmel ARM CPU and features 128 MB RAM
4/5
AdTrap is powered by an Atmel ARM CPU and features 128 MB RAM
AdTrap banishes adverts from computers, tablets, and any other devices connected to the local network
5/5
AdTrap banishes adverts from computers, tablets, and any other devices connected to the local network
View gallery - 5 images

Most of us are bombarded by advertisements in one form or another throughout the day. While there’s not a lot we can do about the ads in the subway, or placed up on billboards, the internet is another matter. AdTrap is a new low-power, zero configuration device which promises to banish adverts from computers, tablets, and anything else connected to the local network.

The first question which arises when considering a hardware box like AdTrap is whether or not it can really improve on the free software-based solutions which are available on every major computer internet browser. In answer to this, AdTrap’s creators point out that their device works not only with full-sized PCs, but everything else connected to your home internet, such as Apple devices running iOS 6 – and without the need of third-party apps or jailbreaking.

The prototype AdTrap unit
The prototype AdTrap unit

In addition to blocking web browser ads, AdTrap is also reported to remove ads from streaming devices like Apple TV and Google TV. A configurable “whitelist” is offered too, so that users can allow adverts on websites of their choice.

The current AdTrap prototype is based around an Atmel ARM CPU, which sports 128 MB RAM, 256 MB Flash storage (upgradeable with an SD card), and an open-source Linux firmware which is said to be easily tweaked. As far as connectivity is concerned, the AdTrap packs two ethernet ports, two CAN buses, a USB port, an SD card slot, and a serial port.

The Palo Alto, California-based team of hackers behind AdTrap have turned to Kickstarter in an effort to raise funds to bring the device to market, and to get your hands on a unit, a pledge of US$125 or more is required.

The video below features the team's pitch.

Source: Kickstarter via Dvice

View gallery - 5 images
12 comments
12 comments
Jim Parker
Hilarious! The AdTrap video is being blocked by an ad, which says, "Congratulations, you won!"
Leonidas Kaplan
Useful, but will probably be bought out by a major router company, and probably integrated into their system.
Riaanh
Or perhaps bought out by GOOGLE. ;-)
SiteGuy
Nice try, Jim. But that "ad" was very much part of the video, and serves to highlight the whole point of the device. Did you miss the tongue-in-cheek "x 2, Bonus Goat"? It was an intentional gag!
FadAddict
I like the idea of an ad-free environment, but I am worried about the cost.
Not the cost of AdTrap units, but charges for the currently free-to-access sites I currently use once they lose their advertising revenue.
Because "there is no such thing as a free lunch" I will be asked to subscribe to Facebook, Yahoo or Google mail — and even Gizmag. (Don't tell me you never noticed the adverts they carry?)
Answers please anyone...
Jared Sheetz
I endure ads in lieu of paying for content. If this device takes off and the revenue stream that ads give content providers dries up, what will happen to free access to content?
ivan4
This has all the hallmarks of a solution looking for a problem.
I work with computers and I have to say, what ads, I don't see any on any of our equipment on the network. I suppose if I shut down the filters we have they might appear in browsers.
Gadgeteer
But if you block all of the ads, what will become of Gizmag, which is an ad-supported site?
Facebook User
Dell Optiplex GX620 SFF Computer: $50 Extra NIC: $10 pfSense router / firewall OS: Free
I use this on my home network, with the same outcome: No ads, ever.
Tony Pelliccio
$125 is a little steep for this device. I can take a $35 Raspberry Pi, add an additional net interface for < $20 and that can serve as my ad blocking server.
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