Ramon B. Nuez Jr.

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.” Read more at www.fiercemobilecontent.com