yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I am not sure how this is related to VPN/Sentry.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Well... me neither but i report this becasue i never had any problems with these few apps. The only app that was added was VPN/Sentry. Mostly the Athene is suprising is it only has some Google apps, Telegram and Aquamail installed. That's all. (FYI: i was not able to let the crashing stop. Only factory reset helps.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Since a factory reset fixes the problem, this is definitely not caused by VPN/Sentry. VPN/Sentry is "just" a normal app not requiring any special (root) permissions.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] sulasno:
Because VPN/Sentry is in trial, this would be the best time to test the speed of other servers
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I am not worried about the speed of the servers, since that is easily arranged by hiring the right servers at the right location. I am also not worried about the stability of VPN/Sentry anymore, but VPN/Sentry might not be completely bug free yet and that is why it is still in beta testing phase. I am not waiting for bad reviews because there are still some (minor) bugs.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] sotoLOTO-:
Thank you for the follow-up edit as well. I do wonder, though - how does VPN/Sentry fare against NetGuard in terms of firewall capability. Is it the same or is it any different?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Filtering on device has limitations. Filtering on a server has not. So, VPN/Sentry is actually a better firewall. See also here: https://www.vpnsentry.net/faq/#FAQ16
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] sotoLOTO-:
Thanks. So outside the free data allowance of 50 MB per day does the firewall capability of VPN/sentry still hold or does it (like the VPN) stop once I surpass 50 MB? (I am aware of the unlimited data usage available with a subscription, but am asking sth else here (I hope that's clear)).
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
After using up the daily free allowance all traffic will be blocked.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Hi,

Next problem, sorry. I just installed Spotify and immediatelly enabled "bypass" for this app. I started downloading my playlist but after a bit connection got blocked because daily limit was reached. I cannot check which app is responsible but i do can tell that only 2 apps are going throught the VPN and they were not running. Does the daily limit also count for apps that are bypassing?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
No.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
There is not any way to check the bandwidth of apps using the VPN?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
No, sorry. Maybe you can use the Android data usage view. Since this is built into recent Android versions, I will not add this to VPN/Sentry too.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Thanks, i checked this. Strange but since fresh install a few hours ago:

the 2 apps going through VPN used 12.19 KB and 363 KB. Spotify (which is bypassing) used 0.92 GB.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Some Android 5.0 and 5.1 versions have a bug that may prevent the bypass option from working. Else I don't know. This all is easily fixed with an unlimited data subscription ...
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] sotoLOTO-:
Sorry, I don't get it.

1. Does the firewall functionality of VPN sentry use up from the free 50 MB? I assume it does since it's filtering on the server end.

2. Again, after the 50 MB are used up, you said all traffic will be blocked - but I asked what happens with the firewall functionality once the 50 MB are used. I assume if indeed the firewall functionality is tied to the 50 MB then once those are used up 'all traffic will be blocked' (as u just said). From that point on is there no way then to allow/bypass some traffic, which you don't want to be blocked by the firewall?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
I know but i want to be honest: I donated more than once for Xprivacy and bought Netguard so it's not that i don't want to sponsor but due to some serious health problems i'm not able to pay for a monthly subscription for the moment, sorry. This is why that for now i only route a few apps throught the VPN.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
The server does the filtering = firewall. After 50 MB the server terminates the connection, but the local VPN service keeps running, so the traffic will go nowhere, hence everything will be blocked.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I just hope you'll recover soon.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
That's not sure yet. Thank you for your concern.

Sorry for off-topic.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] RBJ26:
Just a few follow up questions on subscriptions.

Once the app leaves beta, will there still be 50mb free?

And, will there be any tiers, or simply unlimited for the current price.

Thanks in advance.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
The free data usage limit is not guaranteed and may change without notice. Existing users can keep their current limit, but reinstalling the app will result in losing it.

There will be no tiers because I want to keep things simple and because the majority of the people will want unlimited anyway.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I have added a number of new FAQs: https://www.vpnsentry.net/faq#FAQ29

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
Hi,

This might be a stupid question: i wonder why VPN/Sentry shows all apps instead of only the ones that have internet permission.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Because else people will complain / rate low that they don't see all apps.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Droidphilev:
You always seem to start with project that Play Users don't understand. I remember you hated this before with XP. :)

Sad though, it would have been a lot easier to check the apps in Sentry IMHO.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I just try to live with the current reality.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] feb8born:
Hi! I am on 7.1 LineageOS and noticing a bug. When I go from Wi-fi to 3G (my phone doesn't support 4G), then it keeps working as expected, but when I return to Wi-fi, then many a times, the VPN icon shows disconnected in the notification while VPN service is running normally. When i open Sentry and disconnect and reconnect, it still remains disconnected, and there is no change in the notification. Going to flight mode and coming back helps get it back to normal sometimes or to disconnect VPN service from Android settings and then reconnect from there or by rebooting. I am using the latest version. If you need any further info, please let me know.

And by the way, this app is fantastic and simple to operate :)
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Please reproduce the problem and take note of the time and send me a log file by tapping seven times on the title of the 'about' dialog and I will look into it.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
A little remark after using the navigation drawer myself for some time now: I like it more than the menu, for which I have to reach top right. I can make the navigation drawer visible with a simple swipe at the bottom of the screen, which is closer and easier IMO.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Primokorn:
Yes it's the same behavior with XDA Labs. We don't have to reach an icon at the top left corner.

EDIT : as for me you can leave it as it is since I've just noticed that we can open up the drawer by swiping from the left. It's working well in one hand mode.

There's a theming bug with the drawer. The shadow on the right should be dark.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
In the light theme the background is darkened with color #99000000 and in the dark theme the background is lightened with the color #99ffffff, so it works as it should. The first try was to darken the dark, but that doesn't work as there wouldn't be enough contrast with the navigation drawer. I see no other way, but maybe you do?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] iwanttoknow:
Hi Marcel,

I have read the VPN/Sentry privacy policy.

If VPN/Sentry application on the VPN server processes personal data, you have to indicate in the privacy policy :

- which type of personal data,

- its storage duration and

- the destination of this data.

You also have to precise how you protect personal data, and if you transmit it to countries which are not members of European Union.

It was the case particulary with French law, and it will be more true on May 25, 2018 with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applicable to all countries members of European Union.

You have to store those informations in a register as head of processing, and also the same obligation is mandatory for your subcontractor.

People using your application have to declare they accept you process their personal data with an explicit opt-in that you have to store to prove it if you are asked for it.

I hope it can help you from the legal point of view.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I am aware of most things, but it seems you are quite informed on this subject, so I have a few questions:

- isn't the type of personal data not defined already in the privacy policy and if not what is missing?

- I recently removed a sentence about 30 days storage, because 30 days is arbitrary. I planned to build an explicit 'erase' option in the app. Would that be acceptable, provided this is part of the privacy policy?

- I am not sure how to define the destination of the data other than on the selected server, which implies a country as well. Do you have any ideas on this?

- Same applies to protection of data. It is now "common practices". Data is sent encrypted in any case and server access is limited.

- I believe a small company doesn't need a register, but maybe I am wrong.

- I believe there is a proper accept in the app, please let me know if you think this is not sufficient.

Anyway, big thanks for this feedback!
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Loader009:
Another suggestion for the app:

If disconnected for several minutes (e.g. 5 minutes), do an automatic ping and show on the notification beside "disconnected" something like "ping failed".
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
VPN/Sentry already tries to reconnect automatically using an exponential back-off algorithm (so, after 2 sec, 4 sec, 8 sec, etc, with a maximum of 8192 seconds ~ 136 minutes). A connectivity event (connectivity becoming available or changing, like from Wi-Fi to mibile) will reset the back-off algorithm. Tapping on a disconnected notification will result in an immediately retry (but not in resetting the back-off algorithm). The notification already includes a time (since) as well.

So, automatic "pings" are already done and "disconnected" already means "ping failed".
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Primokorn:
IMO folks using a dark/black theme don't want light shadows. The more dark there is on the screen, the happier people will be.

Many things have to be done to respect the GDPR law. The penalty is a good motivation :)

Maybe this Privacy Policy Generator may help you: https://dg-datenschutz.de/privacy-policy-generator/?lang=en
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] iwanttoknow:
Hi Marcel,

In fact, I wrote my Post because I was not sure about my understanding of VPN/Sentry privacy policy.

My answers (Iwtk>) in your Post :

- isn't the type of personal data not defined already in the privacy policy and if not what is missing?

Iwtk> You have to indicate precisely the personal data, if you store it (e.g. IMEI, initial IP address of the terminal, or others data permitting to know who is connected at the VPN server).

- I recently removed a sentence about 30 days storage, because 30 days is arbitrary. I planned to build an explicit 'erase' option in the app. Would that be acceptable, provided this is part of the privacy policy?

Iwtk> Where in the privacy policy ? It's a good idea to build an explicit 'erase' option in the app. But as you are not sure if the user will use it, you have to define an explicit period of time by default after which data will be automatically erased.

- I am not sure how to define the destination of the data other than on the selected server, which implies a country as well. Do you have any ideas on this?

Iwtk> If you don't transmit data outside the selected server or to another entity, it's ok and you can ignore this item.

- Same applies to protection of data. It is now "common practices". Data is sent encrypted in any case and server access is limited.

Iwtk> "common practices" is ok but not sufficient. You have to indicate explicitely the tools used to protect STORED data (e.g. Encryption...). It's also ok by specifying that server access is limited and recorded.

- I believe a small company doesn't need a register, but maybe I am wrong.

Iwtk> Unfortunately, also a small company has to use a register. It could be for you a simple Excel file. The goal of the register is that in case of authorities audit, you have to be able to show them what you do in your application from personal data protection point of view. It's mandatory in GDPR.

- I believe there is a proper accept in the app, please let me know if you think this is not sufficient.

Iwtk> I didn't see it in the app because I don't install it :)

But if there is an explicit accept in your app, it's ok. With GDPR you have to permit also the user to change his/her decision.

I hope it will help you.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
IMO this does define exactly which data is transferred and stored, am I missing something?

"To be able to define and apply rules and conditions to selectively block or allow internet traffic, the IP addresses and domain names your apps are connecting to and the rules you define in the app	will be stored on these servers.

App names or other app information will not be transmitted or stored by default, except for a unique app identifier (Android uses a separate uid for each app for security reasons). Package and app names and whether apps have internet permission and are enabled will be transmitted and stored when remote management is enabled (this is disabled by default).

To apply the correct rules, an indication if the screen is on, if the internet connection is metered (mobile) or unmetered (Wi-Fi) and if the device is roaming will be sent to the servers. These indications will stored for use by the in-app real-time logging function.

To limit data usage, the total number of bytes received and sent for the current day will be stored.

Alpha and beta versions of the app will send the device name and the Android version to the servers for debugging purposes. In the production version of the app this can be disabled. All versions of the app will send the Android ID to detect fraud.

No other data will be sent to the servers."
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Hurkamurka:
Hi there?

I have a question: in the near / distant future will i be able to use the app (or Netguard) without using the VPN? Root access would be preferable. I'm asking it, because i'd like to use my VPN subscription too.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
NetGuard will not support VPNs, see also the NetGuard FAQ.

See here about VPN/Sentry: https://www.vpnsentry.net/faq/#FAQ22

Root is not required by NetGuard and VPN/Sentry.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] iwanttoknow:
Sorry Marcel, but what is the meaning of IMO ?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
In my opinion.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] OSheden:
In My Opinion
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I have just released

beta

version 0.21.

Changelog:

Added menu 'show all apps' to show system components

Added menu to import/export all settings

Added option to purchase unlimited data usage

Added support for fragmented IP packets

Small improvements and bug fixes

It can take a few hours until this release is available in the Play store.

Edit: existing users will lose their rules and conditions, this is because of a library update of Google ("Sorry for the inconvenience"). It was too much work to workaround this for just a few users. Hopefully there won't be a next time, but then you can at least import your rules again.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] sulasno:
How much is unlimited data usage? My current speed is 100 Mbps and my average usage is 80 Gb a month

---------- Post added at 05:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:05 PM ----------

It's usd5 a month for unlimited usage
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Unlimited means that your connection to the server will never be terminated for exceeding a usage limit. The available bandwidth is shared though, see also the terms of service. Currently the chance that you have 100 Mbps available on the server is high, but there is no guarantee that this will be available at all times. I will hire bigger servers as the number of users increase to have a reasonable amount of bandwidth available for everybody. However, guaranteeing bandwidth cannot be done for a few euros per month.

Edit: to be exact the price is 4.50 euros excluding local taxes, which is comparable with most VPN providers. Note that there doesn't exist a VPN provider offering a configurable firewall and that both the client and server had to be developed from scratch to make this possible, which took me quite some time and effort.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
When trying yesterday morning, it happened that changing a single application's settings would also change default settings (main profile)

However, I could not reproduce that using todays version (0.21). So, pls disregard

Different items:

1) would it be possible to import settings from Netguard backup?

2) option 'show all apps' resets to unchecked whenever switching to different task

3) will there be other sorting & grouping options anytime soon? Currently it's cumbersome to work through a long list of apps, where many apps differ from default (blocked) profile settings. Any app will immediately jump to top of list, when changed from blocked to unblocked

4) will blocking of single adresses work as in Netguard? Currently, when tapping an adress, it will change its color to orange - does that mean it gets blocked?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Maybe I will add this later, but right now there are things with more priority, like a real-time log. Edit: this will be in the next version.

Yes I know, I will fix this later. Edit: 'show all apps' will stick in the next version.

Apps with changed settings (relative to the selected profile) are sorted on top / moved to the top, which is IMHO quite convenient. I like to keep the UI elements to the minimum, so for now there are no other sorting/filtering options planned. You can always use the search to quickly find an app, which is what I do all the time myself.

Yes, blocking addresses works the same as in NetGuard (yellow=blocked, blue=allowed, black=app rule). A little secret: long press to allow when the screen is on (this can't be done in NetGuard).

Thank you very much for your feedback!
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
I agree, grouping changed apps on the top is very convenient, once the system is set up completely.

However, initial setup for a list of 200+ apps (or refining after modifying defaults) will make you curse. At least, that's what I felt and many (potentially) new users might feel the same.

Of course, this would not be a high prio request, just something to enhance ease of use.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
Do you have an idea how this can be improved, preferably without introducing a new setting?
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] Gerolianis:
Without new setting? That's a challenge, hehe...

My first thought would be to have the list ungrouped as long as VPN/S is inactive and grouped when active.

But first thought might not be the best, less techie users might get confused by that approach. Maybe another idea crosses my mind...
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] water1309:
Hi Marcel,

I Really like your work and have great respect for all the work you put in these apps, even if it's "fun to do". I hope there will be a donation button in this app soon :) I will test the app and report any feedback I have.

Are you considering dutch servers by any chance? And/or the possibility to choose server locations?

And (off-topic) are you considering a version of xprivacy for more recent versions of android? I am hooked on this app!
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
There is a button to buy unlimited data usage if you want to support this project.

Feedback is very welcome, especially in this stage of development.

If there were hundreds of Dutch users, I would consider adding a server in the Netherlands, but there are not even enough users yet to justify servers on the main continents (America's and Asia beside Europe). As soon as there are multiple servers, I will add a server selector to the app.

The latency from France to the Netherlands is quite low, about 15 milliseconds, so there is not much to gain anyway.

There are less and less people able to root their devices and the official Xposed version is quite dated, so there is no sound basis to put a lot of work into XPrivacy anymore.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] iwanttoknow:
Hi Marcel,

I have convinced a lot of people around me to use NetGuard. I also recently talked to them about VPN/Sentry.

I would like to be sure about my VPN/Sentry understanding.

After reading VPN/Sentry features and FAQ, I understand that :

- VPN/Sentry exports "filtering" process concerning applications, on an external server instead of doing it locally on the device,

- communication between the device and the server is encrypted, and only that one,

- IP address seen by the target server is external server IP address, and not device IP address,

- battery usage is lower on the device.

Is my understanding globally right ?

Thanks for your engagement and all your work in privacy.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
You understand everything correctly :)
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
In the next version changed apps will not be sorted on top anymore. The slightly darker background color will stay, so that changed apps are easily recognizable.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] IronRoo:
Mmmm, I liked that way of sorting :D
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I liked it too, but I see no solution for the reported disadvantage yet.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I have just released

beta

version 0.22.

It might take a few hours until Google makes this version available in the Play store.

If you are impatient, you can take a look at the updated screenshots in the opening post ;)

The main change is the addition of real-time logging, which is meant for troubleshooting only.

For blocking/allowing apps you should rely on access notifications.

The handling of the app list and the address list of apps has been improved. The address list of an app is fetched asynchronous when the app settings are expanded. This might result in visual anomalies, because the size of the app details changes. This can probably not be fixed without causing other problems (I have tried in several way). This is the price that needs to be paid for having the address list inline instead of on an separate screen, which is IMHO worth it.

Feedback is still very welcome.
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] sulasno:
User interface

The ability to rename profile 1, 2, 3 would be nice to reflect on the usage. At home, at office, at public area, etc
[Paid Software Announcement and Discussion] M66B:
I will see what I can do.