Manufacturers are not the only ones who are guilty of installing bloatware on their devices. In the past, all Android devices have had to come with certain Google apps pre-installed, which many users found unnecessary and cumbersome.
Now, it appears that Google has decided to reduce the bloatware from Google apps on new Android devices. This move is seen as a significant step towards giving users more control over what they want on their devices.
Changes in Pre-installed Google Apps
Previously, when smartphone manufacturers wanted to release an Android device, they all had to ship with the same set of Google apps. These included Google+, Google Maps, Newsstand, Play Music, and more. While some of these apps are widely used and appreciated, others were often considered redundant by users who preferred alternative apps.
From now on, Android smartphone makers will no longer have to install certain Google apps on their devices. This will include apps like Google+, Google Play Books, Newsstand, and Google Play Games. This change means that these apps will not come pre-installed on new devices, giving users the option to download them from the Google Play Store if they wish to use them.
Impact on Users and Manufacturers
This decision by Google is expected to have several positive impacts. For users, it means less clutter on their new devices and more storage space for apps they actually want to use. It also means that users will have a cleaner, more streamlined experience right out of the box.
For manufacturers, this change could simplify the process of preparing devices for market. They will have more flexibility in customizing the software experience on their devices without being bound by the requirement to include a specific set of Google apps. This could lead to more innovation and differentiation in the Android ecosystem.
Moreover, this move aligns with the growing trend of minimalism in software design. Users today prefer a more straightforward, less intrusive experience, and reducing bloatware is a step in that direction. It also addresses the long-standing criticism that Android devices come with too many pre-installed apps that cannot be removed.
These apps will still be available for users of new devices, but rather than coming pre-installed on your device, they will need to be downloaded from the Google Play Store. This approach allows users to have more control over their device’s software and choose only the apps they find useful.
For example, a user who prefers using Spotify for music streaming will no longer have to deal with the pre-installed Google Play Music app. Similarly, someone who uses a different news app won’t have to see Google Newsstand taking up space on their device.
This change also reflects a broader shift in the tech industry towards user empowerment and customization. By allowing users to decide which apps they want on their devices, Google is acknowledging that one size does not fit all. Different users have different needs and preferences, and this move is a step towards accommodating that diversity.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to reduce bloatware on new Android devices is a welcome change for both users and manufacturers. It promises a cleaner, more customizable user experience and could lead to greater innovation in the Android ecosystem. As the tech industry continues to evolve, such user-centric changes are likely to become more common, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
Source Android Central, Techmeme
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