This is a message I just sent Blockbuster to let them know I am not happy about their Android (cr)app that was conveniently installed on my nice new Droid X. As stated I will never again use any service by Blockbuster. Period.

It is appalling that I as the owner of my Android smart phone cannot uninstall this and several other apps!

I was sitting here this wintry Saturday afternoon watching a little TV and monkeying around with my Android. As I browsed through the list of apps I clicked on the pre-installed Blockbuster app. Right off I was told I’d have to update the app to even check it out. Undaunted I clicked OK and was taken to the Android Market. While reading about the app I noticed it was rated only 2 1/2 stars, so naturally I looked through several comments. Virtually every recent comment rated the app 1 star and complained about not being able to uninstall it.

After leaving my own 1 start rating and scathing comment I emailed the above message to Blockbuster (ondemandcustomercare@blockbuster.com) and tried to call them (866-692-2789). Their automated phone system kindly informed me that they were experiencing higher than normal call volume so I decided to call back later. And I will. I will let them know of my extreme displeasure of their app being forced upon me and my inability to remove it from my Android, and that I will never use any of their services (did I already say that? I may be a little upset right now. . .). I’m sure my complaints will fall on deaf ears but it should make me feel better to vent.

There are a slew of these uninstallable (cr)apps on my Android thanks to Motorola and Verizon. I did file a complaint with the FTC a couple months ago but who knows what’ll happen with that.

Basically I just want full control of my Android. Kind of like I have with my computer. What a novel idea. . .

UPDATE
I recently ran across this great article, “Crapware on Android: Minor Annoyance or Major Problem?” over at tested.com (he ripped off most of this LA Times article, “‘Junkware’ comes standard on Verizon, T-Mobile smart phones,” but did add some good stuff).  In it Ryan Whitwam hits the nail on the head with these points:

• “If you make an amazing phone, it will be amazing and people will notice. Piling on more and more sponsored software hurts the experience.”
• “Many of these apps are also poorly coded, and meant mainly as a promotional vehicle. Don’t be surprised to see them running in the background when there’s no need for it.”
• “…these apps are just sitting there taking up space on the phone’s internal storage. Depending on the handset, that could be a big chunk of usable ROM space. This is even more infuriating because the bundled apps often duplicate the functions of standard Android apps.”
• “…having all these “value-added” apps is going to slow your updates. We already know that running a skinned version of Android will result in a delay in moving to the newest version of Android, but the testing and porting of all this junk software isn’t going to help.”

Tell the FCC that Verizon (or AT&T or Sprint or …) is forcefully installing applications with no choice to remove them by filing a complaint with the FCC at esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm. You can also file your complaint with the FCC’s Consumer Center by e-mailing fccinfo@fcc.gov; calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; or faxing 1-866-418-0232.  I suppose if enough people complain Verizon will stop trying to force this crap down our throats!

See also

• Droid X Crapware
• Quest to Remove Droid Crapware