Samsung To Solve Bloatware Issue (In China)

A few blogs back we talked about a potential China-issued lawsuit, hanging over Samsung and Oppo regarding bloatware pre-installed on the devices (you can still read that blog in full here.)

Well, now there is an update to the story. Samsung is taking initiative to not let the issue get out of hand by offering early patching of the problem to China-based users in August. As of August, Android phone users (Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S6, as well as most other recently issued phones) will have more control of what apps reside on their devices, and will be able to delete pre-installed items that are not to their liking.

With that said, this is not a guarantee that users will be able to delete ALL pre-installed applications they deem unnecessary, but it’s safe to say that most non-essential apps will be up for purging.

Samsung will need to follow through on its promise, if the company wants to get off the hook. The Shanghai Consumer Council is not intent on taking the offense lightly, and will be watching closely should the Galaxy maker back off on their promise.

While users in China seem to be getting a step closer to solving the bloatware issue, there is no such luck for the rest of the world. So, if you are not the one blessed with Samsung’s newly acquired compassion, go on to read further, where we repeat three DIY ways of dealing with Android bloatware.

Here are a few option for dealing with bloatware on Android:

Root your phone and use an app

After rooting your device, you can install a specialized app to remove all pre-installed applications from your phone. However, remember that most manufacturers and carrie?s are strongly against rooting, and be careful not to uninstall any important apps that ensure smooth operation of your phone.

Flash a custom ROM

Cyanogenmod seems to be a perfect example here. This custom ROM will overwrite your existing operating system, thus making it easy for you to free up the needed space.

 Use a script 

You can find instructions on making this happen on the XDA Developers forum. You will be introduced to a smart bloatware removal script, which you may need to alter before using on your specific device – so you will need to know what you are doing or ask someone who does for guidance.