Micromax pushing adware and replacing google update on their phones

maheshn

Journeyman
Original Source:

Micromax is remotely installing crapware and pushing ads onto users' devices - Neowin

Quote:
"Developers have uncovered evidence that Indian hardware brand Micromax has been surreptitiously installing software on its devices without users' knowledge, following complaints from handset owners who were confused by apps repeatedly appearing without their approval.

One user on Reddit detailed their experience of repeatedly attempting to remove these apps, only to find many of them reappearing on the handset again later. That user's experience prompted the folks over at XDA Developers to look into the matter further.

They found that Micromax had added custom software to some of its devices, which ditches the standard Google OTA software updater in the Android OS, and replaces it with the company's own 'Software Update' app. The software is developed by a Chinese firm called Adups, which lists "app push service", "device data mining" and "mobile advertising" among its features."

End Quote.


Well, I don't own a Micromax device myself but I have purchased for friends/co-workers (Canvas 2) and now getting concerned. I was getting bad vibes from their spat with OnePlus over Cyanogen/CyanogenMod, and this seems to confirm the same. What does one do to avoid such practices, other than (i) Buying other more reputed makes or (ii) Rooting/wiping the phone?

On another note, for all the people advising not to buy Mi mobiles since "they give all data through chinese servers" (hearsay), now the indian manufacturer also using chinese software, which will probably route everything through chinese servers too. Where does this end?
 

SaiyanGoku

kamehameha!!
Buy phones from better OEM's or flash custom roms. Block unwanted permission using CM's Privacy Guard. Also, use Titanium Backup to freeze/delete the culprit app.
 
A

amit.tiger12

Guest
detailed guide how to remove remotely installed unwanted apps...
please see below...

Micromax Remotely Installing Unwanted Apps on Devices
 
OP
maheshn

maheshn

Journeyman
detailed guide how to remove remotely installed unwanted apps...
please see below...

Micromax Remotely Installing Unwanted Apps on Devices

Well, that is a resolution... though I wish the manufacturer would not stoop to such practices.

Thanks for the link.
 

Desmond

Destroy Erase Improve
Staff member
Admin
I purchased a Micromax Canvas A1 about 1 month back. I noticed that there were many apps preinstalled, such as Hike messenger. I don't use Hike, so I tried to remove it from the App manager, but there was no option to remove it.

Also, despite being an Android One device, there has been no Lolipop update yet. Many people speculate that they might not even release it.
 
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amit.tiger12

Guest
I purchased a Micromax Canvas A1 about 1 month back. I noticed that there were many apps preinstalled, such as Hike messenger. I don't use Hike, so I tried to remove it from the App manager, but there was no option to remove it.

Also, despite being an Android One device, there has been no Lolipop update yet. Many people speculate that they might not even release it.

you have to root for that pre installed app (bloatware)... root is simple search xda...

for android one... it's google project... so no worry.. your update is on the way..

*www.google.co.in/search?q=bloatwar...6mYDwCw#q=android+one+lollipop+update&tbm=nws

Android 5.0 Lollipop Update Now Rolling Out to Xolo One, Says Company | NDTV Gadgets

even if you get os updates so fast, android apps should support the new os, but that process takes time.. so better get update 1 month after new os release..
I use nexus 5...
 

Desmond

Destroy Erase Improve
Staff member
Admin
Since the phone is new, I don't want to root too soon. Will wait for the Lolipop update, give it a few runs, then I will root.
 
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amit.tiger12

Guest
Since the phone is new, I don't want to root too soon. Will wait for the Lolipop update, give it a few runs, then I will root.

???
rooting does not depend on time/specific occasion ... after all it's personal opinion :)... In Lollipop update, cynogenmod is adding superuser app also..
 
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