When we buy our smartphones, these devices are usually preloaded with built-in apps, or bloatware, which is a strategy used by phone manufacturers to promote their services, and make a little more cash on the side. Some of these apps can be uninstalled manually, to free up more space, but others are unfortunately locked into the system. While this is already a frequent act by smartphone makers when they release new devices, a Chinese consumer rights group seems to be appalled by this gesture.
In a recent report by Slashgear, a Chinese agency has decided to take smartphone companies Samsung and Oppo to court over the bloatware they install on their devices. The Shanghai Consumer Rights Protection Commission claimed that the said built-in apps consume too much storage space on devices. The commission also tested one smartphone from both companies, and discovered 44 apps installed out of the box on a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, while finding 71 preloaded apps on an Oppo X9007.
It is worth noting that the Samsung handset used was a device released back in 2013, as back in January, it was reported that Samsung started cutting back on preloaded apps for their phones, starting with the Galaxy S6.
Furthermore, the lawsuit stated that the companies were unable to inform buyers about the preloaded apps that come with their new phone, as well as regarding instructions on how to uninstall them. Built-in apps such as dictionaries, games, and shopping portals, according to some users, are consuming background data, which then leads to high smartphone bills. Consumers are also reportedly saying that the smartphones were misrepresented before they were purchased.
Tao Ailian, secretary-general of the said commission, elaborated further on the issue:
The litigation is our latest attempt to safeguard consumers’ rights after other methods failed. We hope it will force other companies in the sector to end the unreasonable, but common, practice of pre-installing apps without telling consumers. This is something that is very much necessary for the healthy development of the whole industry.
Samsung and Oppo both have 15 days from the date the case was accepted to file a defense. After that, the court will likely announce trial dates. If the results of the trial turn in favor of the commission, the group hopes for better information about pre-installed applications for consumers, as well as the provision of instructions on how to remove them.
Source: Slashgear