We already knew that Ice Cream Sandwich — aka Android 4.0 — would allow us to remove any system application of our choosing, be it the included web browser or email client. Matias Duarte, Senior Director of Android Experience at Google told us so directly. The only lingering question was whether carriers could override it.
Bloatware kill switch in Ice Cream Sandwich
is a deputy editor and Verge co-founder with a passion for human-centric cities, e-bikes, and life as a digital nomad. He’s been a tech journalist for 20 years.
Now we have confirmation from Google (supported by the SDK screengrab above) that the setting to disable an app does indeed apply to your carrier’s fondness for Nascar and pay-to-play crapware. Google also clarified that clicking “disable” removes the icon and prevents the app from running, leaving the app to be reenabled later should the end user have a change of heart. There’s nothing to stop carriers and manufacturers from pre-installing their wares but at least now you’ll have the power to remove all the unwanted clutter.
Thanks, Brendon S.
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
Most Popular
Most Popular
- The US is charging an American citizen for wiping his phone at the border
- Marvel announces Ryan Gosling as Ghost Rider, a new Black Panther, and more
- Forget expensive sleepbuds. Buy this pillow instead
- After backlash, Meta pauses plan to ‘rate limit’ its smart glasses
- Folding and flipping phones are getting seriously good
