Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android
GalaxyClass
Master - Level 1

In 2015, PCs are now a bit of a sideline skirmish. The most important front right now is Android. On phones running Google’s mobile operating system, the forces of bloatware are winning.

Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android | WIRED

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Re: Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android
mama23dogs
Legend

As a fan of Samsung devices, it is frustrating.

Purchasing T-Mobile version to use on AT&T or other domestic GSM dodges the addition of carrier Bloatware.

doesnt help us on Verizon.

i Have found a way to "minimize" apps I don't use or want.  At least it reduces app size in storage.

Re: Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android
Snn5
Legend

This issue isn't really, "How much bloatware do I have?" It's more like, "Why can I NOT uninstall bloatware?"  PCs were easy to uninstall unwanted programs, Android, not so much.

Re: Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android
GalaxyClass
Master - Level 1

The problem becomes worst as both mfr. and service providers add there own mix.

Re: Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android
mama23dogs
Legend

Indeed!

AT&T and Samsung are the most unholy mix.  Back in iPhone's early days, it was AT&T pairing with Apple.  Now, not so much. 

They have buddied up to Samsung and gone nuts with Bloatware. 

Apple on the other hand, still holds the cards.

KInda makes me look at the Google Nexus 6 more and more...

Re: Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android
mama23dogs
Legend

Snn5

I have a Note 3 and a GS3.  I have been able to uninstall some apps, turn off and/or disable others in a minimal state and prevent them from updating automatically so they don't reinstall.

IT may not seem like much storage, but it adds up when data is included in these apps. 

if anyone has additional tips, please share?

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Re: Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android
Snn5
Legend

And I have done the same, but LG has a few that are not able to uninstall nor disable, and even then some are for whatever reason, still in running processes as some apps depend on other apps' services and processes to work.  Holy wows at the Samsung bloat.  Good job Google and Moto in their efforts.  Verizon has many apps that can be disabled, but not installed.  Some not even that much.  The point is, and you hear it all the time, if the phone is ours, let us control it within necessary means, or at least let us AFTER the contract or payments are complete. 

Re: Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android
Salisbury
Specialist - Level 2

  This is an excellant topic. Computer manufactures mass produce Windows computers and lease a liscense from Microsoft for the operating system at a discount. To offset that cost they load up so called bloatware, a lot of the software they include is good, and some you can uninstall.

  Some years ago I bought Windows XP pro it cost $400, not practicle for most people to do. Considering you could purchase a computer for as low as $400 with XP already installed.

  The advantage then was if you built your on computer or even had a store bought one you could reformat the hard drive install the OS, and not have any of the pre-installed crap. But then you'd have to have all the drivers for the hardware, not a problem if you don't mind going thru all that. But that is one thing you didn't have to do with a pre-installed system, the drivers are already installed.

  So it seems you'd have to be able to purchase the Android OS. Know how to install it to the smartphone and have access to all the drivers from whatever smartphone manufacturer, for their hardware.

  That day could come, but don't see it happening real soon? Myself at this time don't have the knowledge to do that on a smartphone, don't think most people do at this time?

Re: Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android
Snn5
Legend

You are correct.  Even now, with a store-bought PC and with a pre-loaded OS you can make restoration disks and when you set up the PC again after a wipe, you can at least choose what add-on software to re-install.

Re: Forget PCs. The Real Bloatware Problem Is on Android
Salisbury
Specialist - Level 2

  It seems you'd have to be able to get just the Android OS on its own, and install yourself to whatever device, to have everything clean without the extra things being thrown in?