Regulators in South Korea are bringing in some new regulations that are designed to cut down on smartphone bloatware. The new rules will come into place in April.
According to a recent report, The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning has decided that smartphone owners must have the option to uninstall applications from their handset should they wish to do so, and this refers to pre-installed applications.
“The move aims to normalize an abnormal practice that causes inconvenience to smartphone users and cause unfair competition among industry players,” the ministry said in the release.
Under the new guidelines, mobile carriers must make most of their preinstalled apps deletable except for four necessary items related to Wi-Fi connection, client center, near-field communication (NFC) and app store.
Currently, SK Telecom Co., the No. 1 mobile carrier, installs 25 default apps on Samsung’s Galaxy S4, followed by LG Uplus Corp.’s 18 and KT Corp. with 16, the ministry’s data showed.
Impact on Smartphone Users
The new regulations are expected to significantly impact the user experience for smartphone owners in South Korea. By allowing users to remove unwanted pre-installed applications, the overall performance of the device can be improved. Bloatware often consumes valuable storage space and system resources, which can slow down the device and reduce battery life. Users will now have more control over their devices, enabling them to customize their smartphones according to their preferences and needs.
For example, a user who does not use certain pre-installed apps, such as a specific music streaming service or a proprietary messaging app, can now uninstall these applications to free up space for apps they find more useful. This change is particularly beneficial for users with devices that have limited storage capacity, as it allows them to maximize the available space for their personal use.
Industry Implications
The new regulations also have significant implications for the smartphone industry in South Korea. Mobile carriers and smartphone manufacturers will need to adjust their strategies to comply with the new rules. This may involve re-evaluating the types of applications they choose to pre-install on their devices and ensuring that these apps provide genuine value to users.
Moreover, the ruling could lead to increased competition among app developers. With users now having the option to uninstall pre-installed apps, developers will need to focus on creating high-quality, engaging applications that users will want to keep on their devices. This could drive innovation and lead to the development of better apps that enhance the overall user experience.
There are four exceptions to the rule, and these are for apps related to WiFi, NFC, App Stores, and device settings. Apparently, the ruling applies to pre-installed third-party apps as well. This means that even apps from external developers that come pre-installed on smartphones will need to be uninstallable, providing users with even greater control over their devices.
The new regulations introduced by South Korea’s Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning represent a significant step towards improving the user experience for smartphone owners. By allowing users to uninstall unwanted pre-installed applications, the regulations aim to reduce inconvenience and promote fair competition within the industry. As these changes come into effect, both users and industry players will need to adapt to the new landscape, ultimately leading to a more user-centric approach to smartphone design and functionality.
Source Korea Observer, The Next Web
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