Midori Android v11.9.5 brings encrypted Sync, better ad blocking & performance improvements

Midori Browser has received a new update on Android, and this version brings a particularly interesting feature alongside several performance improvements.

The latest release introduces Midori Sync, which is Astian’s own sync service. It also addresses issues with resource consumption and improves the ad-blocking service. The entire list of changes was posted in an official blog, and a partial screenshot has been attached below for your reference.

When I checked the Google Play Store for this update, it was available immediately, as expected.

Here’s what’s new in Midori Android 11.9.5:

1. Midori Sync: Midori now has its own open-source sync service with end-to-end encryption. It can sync browsing history, bookmarks, form-fill data, extensions, and more across devices. The service is currently in alpha, so users should expect further changes as Astian collects feedback and continues developing it alongside the desktop version. It’s worth noting that you need an Astian account for this feature.
   
2. Improved ad blocking: Astian has made changes to the ad-blocking engines and filters that were affecting browser performance. This should help make browsing smoother.
3. Better history and bookmark handling: The way Midori queries, saves, and updates browsing history and bookmarks has been optimized. These changes also contribute to lower RAM consumption and reduced resource usage.
4. Faster suggestions: The browser’s suggestions feature has received improvements, which would potentially make search and browsing suggestions more responsive. In my personal test, the suggestions were basically instant.
   
5. Improved website handling, which processes websites more efficiently.
6. Color wallpapers: Users can now set colors as their wallpapers. It’s called “Solid colors.”
   

Undoubtedly, the biggest addition here is Midori Sync. Astian is developing its own solution with encryption, and it’s also open-source. You can find the entire changelog here.

Interestingly, this update also arrives alongside another important development for the Midori browser and Astian as a whole. Astian has recently announced that Midori has been accepted into the HeroDevs Open Source Sustainability Fund. The program supports open-source projects and their maintainers, which basically helps them to sustain the browser development over time. You can read more about this in the official announcement post.

Astian says that the backing will help the team continue maintaining Midori. That includes reviewing updates, fixing bugs, testing changes, and addressing problems. While this isn’t a new feature or anything, it’s still some encouraging news for people who are interested in Midori’s future.

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