It seems that bloatware is not enough for some ... and the possibility of install applications on terminals once purchased. In this way, both operators and manufacturers would have this option to be able to access the devices remotely and proceed with the installation.
As reported in Forbes, a development of Digital Turbine called Ignite It would be the one that would provide this option and would be designed to install applications on Android terminals before and after the purchase of these and, from what is indicated in the same source, the legality of this would be complete. Some of the customers of the company that is creating the service are Verizon and T-Mobile.
The operation would be as simple as that used to update mobile devices. That is the process would be via OTA (Over The Air) and it would be downloaded automatically in the corresponding terminal and, therefore, it would proceed to its installation (what remains to be known is whether the user's consent is needed or not, and this is very important). In this way, if a company reaches an agreement with a company that generates applications, they could be installed directly in the terminals once purchased that belong to its product range, which certainly would not have to be all of them.
This would be totally irritating.
The truth is that the bloatware, additional (and often useless) software on mobile devices, is something that increasingly irritates users and, moreover, is one of the reasons for the unprotection (root) of a phone or tablet Since in this way it is possible to uninstall it - otherwise not. Therefore, the use of Ignite for this surely the only thing that would lead to complaints from users.
Official remote installation with Google Play: mobile and web
Beyond commercial agreements, Android offers official methods to install apps remotely from your own Google account. This allows you to deploy apps to other devices (watches, TVs, cars, or tablets) associated with your profile without physically touching each device.
From your phone or tablet
- Open Google Play Store and log in with your account.
- Find the app or content you want to install.
- On the tab, tap the arrow next to "Install" to view the available devices.
- Select the devices where you want to install the application.
- Toca Install and waits for the remote command to be sent.
Tip: use them device filters from the Play Store to only show apps compatible with a specific watch, TV, or car and avoid errors.
From the computer
- Go to play.google.com and sign in.
- Find and open the application tab.
- Click on Install; Play will tell you if the app is available for some or all of your devices.
- Choose the device from the drop-down menu and confirm with Install.
This mechanism uses Google's infrastructure to send the OTA order to the selected device, without third-party intervention and respecting the app's permissions.
Sync, reinstall, and uninstall remotely
If you activate the app sync, apps you install on your phone can be automatically replicated to other devices where you sign in with the same account (tablets, smartwatches, Chromebooks, TVs, and even cars with Android Automotive).
- Open Play Store, tap the your profile icon and go to Manage apps and device.
- Access the section Sync apps with devices and choose which ones it will apply to.
It is also possible uninstall apps remotely from your mobile: go to Manage apps and device > Manage, choose the target device In the menu, select the apps and tap Uninstall. This is useful for freeing up space on secondary devices.
To better identify your teams, you can rename your devices from https://play.google.com/library/devices by editing the Name field. Remember that some content may not be available on all devices due to hardware requirements or certifications, and that the purchases are associated with your account: cannot be transferred between accounts.
If you change your mobile phone or add a new one, just log in and reinstall your apps from your Play Store library. You won't have to purchase them again if you use the same account.
Obviously this is a commercial movement, if it occurs, very important since the agreements between developers, operators and manufacturers they would cause some applications to significantly increase the number of potential users they would have. In any case, if these developments are not used, the truth is that it does not make much sense to do this, but it seems that the idea is to put it into practice.
It will be necessary to see if what is really commented is totally legal, installing applications in the terminals once purchased and if user privacy is violated, since if you are not asked for permission to install something on a device that you own, it is possible that some type of illegality will be incurred (and, above all, if it is not possible to proceed with a simple uninstallation). The fact is that if you are one of those who do not like bloatware, surely the arrival of Ignite is an additional concern.
In professional environments, controlled remote installation is usually done by MDM/EMM solutions with an agent on the device, clear policies, and prior consent. As an individual user, the safest and most transparent option is still to manage your apps with Google Play, review permissions, and disable any features that allow installations without your explicit approval.
Source: Forbes.