Free Newsletter
Consumers fuming over Android smartphone bloatware
Android smartphone users are voicing their displeasure over a growing number of preloaded third-party applications and trial software that cannot be deleted by consumers. Known as "bloatware" in PC parlance and a catch-all for non-essential software and media files bundled with hardware to boost revenue and introduce users to new services, the preloaded Android apps include services like mobile television, location-based search and games--according to Wired, specific examples include the new Samsung Vibrant, which ships with MobiTV, GoGo Flight and Electronic Arts' The Sims 3, along with the Motorola Backflip (including location-based solution Where and Yellow Pages app YPMobile) and the HTC Evo (featuring Sprint TV and Sprint Football).
"It's different from phone to phone and operator to operator," said HTC spokesman Keith Nowak. "But in general, the apps are put there to meet the operator's business and revenue needs." According to a Samsung representative, the preloaded applications "highlight the key features and performance" of the Vibrant--operator partner T-Mobile USA adds the apps exist to showcase the phone's processor and display.
Wired notes that the preloaded apps are integrated into Android devices in a manner that blocks users from removing the software short of jailbreaking the handset. A thread on the AndroidForums.com website details subscriber concerns over the trend. "It's a throwback to the days of the feature phones," said Forrester Research analyst Charles Golvin. "Handset makers and carriers would bundle messaging and music clients with feature phones hoping to provide some differentiation. They are now trying that with smartphones." In regards to the inability to delete the applications in question, Golvin said "I suspect that a lot of operators think consumers won't notice or get to a point where they would want to get rid of them."
The Android bloatware debate follows on the heels of AT&T's (NYSE:T) decision to block non-market Android applications from devices like the Motorola Backflip and HTC Aria. "AT&T selected Android Market as the exclusive source for applications because it forces developers to be accountable for the apps they submit," reads AT&T's Android FAQ. "If the Android community has issues with an app, the app can be flagged and removed. This minimizes the risk of malicious apps harming customers and provides more protection to the customer's private data stored on the phone."
AT&T released the HTC Aria, its second Android smartphone, in June 2010--the device does not include the "Unknown Sources: Allow Install of Non-Market Applications" default option present on Android smartphones from rival U.S. operators, a precedent established with the March introduction of AT&T's first Android device, the Motorola Backflip. Android proponents tout installation of non-market software and beta applications as one of the open source platform's biggest advantages over Apple's rival iPhone.
For more on Android bloatware:
- read this Wired article
Related articles:
Google: Android searches up 300% over first half of 2010
Google introduces do-it-yourself Android app tool
Google's next Android update targets user interface revamp
Google unveils Android 2.2 in escalating war against Apple
Nielsen: Android users younger than iPhone peers
Comments
Posted by BigOldBear | July 23, 2010 - 12:46pm
Everyone seems to be hollering, screaming, crying "foul" because they haven't gotten Froyo as yet.
Everyone is painting Motorola and suppliers into a corner. EVIDENTLY it is not ready for final publication. Evidently the companies feel they don't want to have an "antenna-gate". Do you want it correct, do you want it right, or would you rather have problems? Duh?
Posted by Dave12345 | July 23, 2010 - 5:56pm
Any proof of this besides a "thread on the AndroidForums.com"
Posted by Patrick Mork | July 23, 2010 - 6:15pm
AT&T's rationale for blocking non-market apps is like the rest of it's Android strategy: absurd.
If you look at the amount of apps coming to Market and the amount of low quality apps in particular it's clear that there is little to no moderation of the content being submitted to that channel. Ask any developer and they will tell you the same story: the lack of moderation and deluge of apps being submitted not only makes it difficult for consumers to find quality apps in Market but also risks swamping consumers with tons of low quality and - at times - useless apps. Particularly when you consider new tools being released to allow consumers to develop their own apps without really coding the risk is greater - not less - that the crapps problem on Market will grow.
If AT&T were so concerned about Android content they would either a) moderate the content themselves or b) impose stricter guidelines from the folks at Market to ensure higher quality. The result is a frustrating experience for consumers and a loss of revenue for developers who are locked into one, imperfect, distribution channel.
Why AT&T has resorted to pre-historic distribution policies that hark back to the days that made carriers infamous partners for content publishers is probably explained by their close partnership with the folks from Cupertino. A relationship that's bound to end once Apple sees the clear benefit of opening up distribution of it's Antenna-plagued device to other carriers.
P
Posted by jay Schlock | July 23, 2010 - 8:35pm
bah, all smartphone - yes you iphone and pre - have quote bloatware unquote. its how the carriers make money. however, i have the evo and while there was a link to the nascar program, when clicked it asked if i wanted to install it. same with sprint tv. if sprint continues to give me great deals on phones and plans im willing to let them add these harmless links that ask if i want the app installed. this is such a apple fanboy article since iphone has the same thing. surprised it didnt mention android has google mail and calendar installed too. i mean come on.
SHARE
WITH:
Comments (4) | Post a comment