Droid X/Droid 2 and pre-packaged, non-removeable bloatware.

[Nyosan~]

I recently used my 'every two' upgrade option to get a Droid X. While playing around with it the first couple of days, I tried deleting all of the extraneous bull crap that came loaded on the phone.

Much to my surprise, I didn't have the option of deleting much of the random crap that came with the phone. There are several programs which I do not intend to use, and yet cannot remove from the system without getting root access and thereby voiding the warranty. All of the apps require regular fees for their services, like Amazon's MP3 app, a Blockbuster app, City ID, Amazon's Kindle app, Skype Mobile...

It wouldn't be an issue if they weren't being launched repeated without my input. I've got a task-killing app that will shut them down, but it doesn't seem to be permanent. They have a tendency to re-launch at seemingly random intervals.

I'm not particularly savvy when it comes to playing with root-level access to operating systems, so I'm reluctant to try to explore that route.

Overall, I'm exceptionally frustrated with Verizon for putting their subscriber base in this position. I'm sorely tempted to revert to my previous phone and plan in protest.

Edit: Er, Skype Mobile is free, but I still do not intend to use it. If I did decide to do so, it wouldn't be difficult to find it in the app store and download it, rather than being forced to retain it on my phone indefinitely.

 

[alanon]

Im with you. I have a droid 2 and the only thing I hate about the phone is the bloatware. Shit takes up resources and the worst part is shit like cityid basically try to trick you into subscribing with random popups. I'm worried my daught will use my phone or I won't be paying attention and suddenly I have extra fees on my bill. Love the phone, hate the bloatware

 

[Carste]

The only way I know of to get around the bloatware issue is to root your phone. At this point there is a lot of documentation on how to do this, remove/back-up the shit apps, and how to undo everything you did so you don't screw yourself out of your warranty. Reverting to your previous phone is a terrible way to protest because verizon is still getting your money.

I just picked up an android phone, and I'm almost to the point where I need to root it. I think the only reason I haven't yet is because I'm still learning how to use the phone...