Bloatware - Revision history

Rudxain: Tools are user-side (for now)

2026-04-22T18:12:27Z

Tools are user-side (for now)

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:12, 22 April 2026
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	*[https://github.com/celzero/rethink-app Rethink], [[wikipedia:Domain_Name_System\|DNS]] + Firewall + [[wikipedia:Virtual_private_network\|VPN]] for Android. Can use local and remote DNS.		*[https://github.com/celzero/rethink-app Rethink], [[wikipedia:Domain_Name_System\|DNS]] + Firewall + [[wikipedia:Virtual_private_network\|VPN]] for Android. Can use local and remote DNS.
	*[[wikipedia:Youtube-dl\|youtube-dl]] & [https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp YT-DLP]. Audio/Video downloaders or "[[wikipedia:Ripping\|rippers]]". Similarly to LibRedirect, it can be used to avoid bloat, by simply downloading the main content of a page. There's also <code>--get-url</code>/<code>--print urls</code> options that can be used to open the URL of the media in a browser, effectively streaming it, without a customized player		*[[wikipedia:Youtube-dl\|youtube-dl]] & [https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp YT-DLP]. Audio/Video downloaders or "[[wikipedia:Ripping\|rippers]]". Similarly to LibRedirect, it can be used to avoid bloat, by simply downloading the main content of a page. There's also <code>--get-url</code>/<code>--print urls</code> options that can be used to open the URL of the media in a browser, effectively streaming it, without a customized player
			Note that those tools only help ''users'', they don't reduce bloat on the ''development'' side.

	==External links==		==External links==

Rudxain: Gopher is MUCH older than HTTP and browser bloat

2026-04-22T17:34:21Z

Gopher is MUCH older than HTTP and browser bloat

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 22 April 2026
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	==Examples==		==Examples==

	*Examples of "desirable" software with much feature-creep are modern [[wikipedia:Graphical_user_interface\|GUI]] web-browsers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=DeVault \|first=Drew \|date=2020-03-18 \|title=The reckless, infinite scope of web browsers \|url=https://drewdevault.com/blog/Reckless-limitless-scope/ \|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref> This has lead to alternative "web-space" projects being created, such as [[wikipedia:Gemini_(protocol)\|Gemini~~]] and [[wikipedia:Gopher_(protocol)\|Gopher~~]].<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2 Sep 2023 \|title=Project Gemini FAQ § Why not just use a subset of HTTP and HTML? \|url=https://geminiprotocol.net/docs/faq-section-7.gmi#79-why-not-just-use-a-subset-of-http-and-html \|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref>		*Examples of "desirable" software with much feature-creep are modern [[wikipedia:Graphical_user_interface\|GUI]] web-browsers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=DeVault \|first=Drew \|date=2020-03-18 \|title=The reckless, infinite scope of web browsers \|url=https://drewdevault.com/blog/Reckless-limitless-scope/ \|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref> This has lead to alternative "web-space" projects being created, such as [[wikipedia:Gemini_(protocol)\|Gemini]].<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2 Sep 2023 \|title=Project Gemini FAQ § Why not just use a subset of HTTP and HTML? \|url=https://geminiprotocol.net/docs/faq-section-7.gmi#79-why-not-just-use-a-subset-of-http-and-html \|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref>
	*The most popular example on Windows is Candy Crush, which is either preinstalled or pseudo-installed (only the icon is shown, but the app must be downloaded). MS also allows OEMs to bundle extra apps.		*The most popular example on Windows is Candy Crush, which is either preinstalled or pseudo-installed (only the icon is shown, but the app must be downloaded). MS also allows OEMs to bundle extra apps.
	*On Android, while many users use the main [[Facebook]] app, most devices come with several hidden "stubs" such as "Facebook App Installer", "Facebook Services", "Facebook App Manager", etc... Some of those run in the background regardless of whether the user is logged-in or has the main app enabled.<ref>https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/blob/644b30ae73c0f86fb5b99173c88132fc4bb1e1b8/resources/assets/uad_lists.json#L13903-L13942</ref>		*On Android, while many users use the main [[Facebook]] app, most devices come with several hidden "stubs" such as "Facebook App Installer", "Facebook Services", "Facebook App Manager", etc... Some of those run in the background regardless of whether the user is logged-in or has the main app enabled.<ref>https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/blob/644b30ae73c0f86fb5b99173c88132fc4bb1e1b8/resources/assets/uad_lists.json#L13903-L13942</ref>

Rudxain: proper pre-inst link

2026-04-22T17:24:56Z

proper pre-inst link

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:24, 22 April 2026
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	'''Bloatware''' can be defined in 2 main classes:		'''Bloatware''' can be defined in 2 main classes:

	*[[wikipedia:~~Software_bloat#Bloatware~~\|Pre-installed]] or [[Dark pattern#Sneaking and information hiding\|bundled]]: features not required by a system (physical or digital) to work properly, and/or [[wikipedia:Potentially_unwanted_program\|undesirable programs]].		*[[wikipedia:Pre-installed_software\|Pre-installed]] or [[Dark pattern#Sneaking and information hiding\|bundled]]: features not required by a system (physical or digital) to work properly, and/or [[wikipedia:Potentially_unwanted_program\|undesirable programs]].
	*Software that has [[wikipedia:Software_bloat\|become bloated over time]]		*Software that has [[wikipedia:Software_bloat\|become bloated over time]]

Rudxain: inter-link "bundled" to proper DP section

2026-04-22T17:04:41Z

inter-link "bundled" to proper DP section

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:04, 22 April 2026
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	'''Bloatware''' can be defined in 2 main classes:		'''Bloatware''' can be defined in 2 main classes:

	*[[wikipedia:Software_bloat#Bloatware\|Pre-installed]] or [~~https://www.deceptive.design/types/sneaking~~ bundled]: features not required by a system (physical or digital) to work properly, and/or [[wikipedia:Potentially_unwanted_program\|undesirable programs]].		*[[wikipedia:Software_bloat#Bloatware\|Pre-installed]] or [[Dark pattern#Sneaking and information hiding\|bundled]]: features not required by a system (physical or digital) to work properly, and/or [[wikipedia:Potentially_unwanted_program\|undesirable programs]].
	*Software that has [[wikipedia:Software_bloat\|become bloated over time]]		*Software that has [[wikipedia:Software_bloat\|become bloated over time]]

Andrew V at 23:58, 21 April 2026

2026-04-21T23:58:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:58, 21 April 2026
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	Bloat is known for causing sub-par [[wikipedia:User_experience\|user experience]] (UX):		Bloat is known for causing sub-par [[wikipedia:User_experience\|user experience]] (UX):

	*Increased latency, "slowness", when using programs and applications<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Web performance \|url=https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Performance \|url-status=live}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260211103730/https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Performance Archived])</ref>		*Increased latency, "slowness", when using programs and applications<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Web performance \|url=https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Performance \|url-status=live \|website=[[MDN]]}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260211103730/https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Performance Archived])</ref>
	*High memory use prevents or impedes multitasking<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrashing_(computer_science) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260207194502/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrashing_(computer_science) Archived])</ref>		*High memory use prevents or impedes multitasking<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Thrashing (computer science) \|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrashing_(computer_science) \|url-status=live \|website=[[Wikipedia]]}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260207194502/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrashing_(computer_science) Archived])</ref>
	*High power usage increases energy bills and reduces battery lifespan		*High power usage increases energy bills and reduces battery lifespan
	*Over reliance on network connections (e.g., internet) preventing data from being cached locally<ref>{{Cite web \|year=2019 \|title=Local-first software: You own your data, in spite of the cloud \|url=https://www.inkandswitch.com/essay/local-first \|url-status=live \|website=Ink & Switch \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260130001648/https://www.inkandswitch.com/essay/local-first/ \|archive-date=30 Jan 2026}}</ref>, which can both impede access as well as increase cellular-data billing		*Over reliance on network connections (e.g., internet) preventing data from being cached locally<ref>{{Cite web \|year=2019 \|title=Local-first software: You own your data, in spite of the cloud \|url=https://www.inkandswitch.com/essay/local-first \|url-status=live \|website=Ink & Switch \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260130001648/https://www.inkandswitch.com/essay/local-first/ \|archive-date=30 Jan 2026}}</ref>, which can both impede access as well as increase cellular-data billing

Rudxain: specific URL for Gemini FAQ

2026-04-21T22:58:39Z

specific URL for Gemini FAQ

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:58, 21 April 2026
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	==Examples==		==Examples==

	*Examples of "desirable" software with much feature-creep are modern [[wikipedia:Graphical_user_interface\|GUI]] web-browsers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=DeVault \|first=Drew \|date=2020-03-18 \|title=The reckless, infinite scope of web browsers \|url=https://drewdevault.com/blog/Reckless-limitless-scope/ \|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref> This has lead to alternative "web-space" projects being created, such as [[wikipedia:Gemini_(protocol)\|Gemini]] and [[wikipedia:Gopher_(protocol)\|Gopher]].<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2 Sep 2023 \|title=Project Gemini FAQ § Why not just use a subset of HTTP and HTML? \|url=https://geminiprotocol.net/docs/faq.gmi#79-why-not-just-use-a-subset-of-http-and-html \|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref>		*Examples of "desirable" software with much feature-creep are modern [[wikipedia:Graphical_user_interface\|GUI]] web-browsers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=DeVault \|first=Drew \|date=2020-03-18 \|title=The reckless, infinite scope of web browsers \|url=https://drewdevault.com/blog/Reckless-limitless-scope/ \|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref> This has lead to alternative "web-space" projects being created, such as [[wikipedia:Gemini_(protocol)\|Gemini]] and [[wikipedia:Gopher_(protocol)\|Gopher]].<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2 Sep 2023 \|title=Project Gemini FAQ § Why not just use a subset of HTTP and HTML? \|url=https://geminiprotocol.net/docs/faq-section-7.gmi#79-why-not-just-use-a-subset-of-http-and-html \|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref>
	*The most popular example on Windows is Candy Crush, which is either preinstalled or pseudo-installed (only the icon is shown, but the app must be downloaded). MS also allows OEMs to bundle extra apps.		*The most popular example on Windows is Candy Crush, which is either preinstalled or pseudo-installed (only the icon is shown, but the app must be downloaded). MS also allows OEMs to bundle extra apps.
	*On Android, while many users use the main [[Facebook]] app, most devices come with several hidden "stubs" such as "Facebook App Installer", "Facebook Services", "Facebook App Manager", etc... Some of those run in the background regardless of whether the user is logged-in or has the main app enabled.<ref>https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/blob/644b30ae73c0f86fb5b99173c88132fc4bb1e1b8/resources/assets/uad_lists.json#L13903-L13942</ref>		*On Android, while many users use the main [[Facebook]] app, most devices come with several hidden "stubs" such as "Facebook App Installer", "Facebook Services", "Facebook App Manager", etc... Some of those run in the background regardless of whether the user is logged-in or has the main app enabled.<ref>https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/blob/644b30ae73c0f86fb5b99173c88132fc4bb1e1b8/resources/assets/uad_lists.json#L13903-L13942</ref>

Rudxain: browser bloat; Gemini mention

2026-04-21T22:31:50Z

browser bloat; Gemini mention

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:31, 21 April 2026
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	==Examples==		==Examples==

			*Examples of "desirable" software with much feature-creep are modern [[wikipedia:Graphical_user_interface\|GUI]] web-browsers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=DeVault \|first=Drew \|date=2020-03-18 \|title=The reckless, infinite scope of web browsers \|url=https://drewdevault.com/blog/Reckless-limitless-scope/ \|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref> This has lead to alternative "web-space" projects being created, such as [[wikipedia:Gemini_(protocol)\|Gemini]] and [[wikipedia:Gopher_(protocol)\|Gopher]].<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2 Sep 2023 \|title=Project Gemini FAQ § Why not just use a subset of HTTP and HTML? \|url=https://geminiprotocol.net/docs/faq.gmi#79-why-not-just-use-a-subset-of-http-and-html \|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref>
	*The most popular example on Windows is Candy Crush, which is either preinstalled or pseudo-installed (only the icon is shown, but the app must be downloaded). MS also allows OEMs to bundle extra apps.		*The most popular example on Windows is Candy Crush, which is either preinstalled or pseudo-installed (only the icon is shown, but the app must be downloaded). MS also allows OEMs to bundle extra apps.
	*On Android, while many users use the main [[Facebook]] app, most devices come with several hidden "stubs" such as "Facebook App Installer", "Facebook Services", "Facebook App Manager", etc... Some of those run in the background regardless of whether the user is logged-in or has the main app enabled.<ref>https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/blob/644b30ae73c0f86fb5b99173c88132fc4bb1e1b8/resources/assets/uad_lists.json#L13903-L13942</ref>		*On Android, while many users use the main [[Facebook]] app, most devices come with several hidden "stubs" such as "Facebook App Installer", "Facebook Services", "Facebook App Manager", etc... Some of those run in the background regardless of whether the user is logged-in or has the main app enabled.<ref>https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/blob/644b30ae73c0f86fb5b99173c88132fc4bb1e1b8/resources/assets/uad_lists.json#L13903-L13942</ref>

Andrew V: /* References */

2026-04-21T22:05:59Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:05, 21 April 2026
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	Bloat is known for causing sub-par [[wikipedia:User_experience\|user experience]] (UX):		Bloat is known for causing sub-par [[wikipedia:User_experience\|user experience]] (UX):

	*Increased latency, "slowness", when using programs and applications<ref>https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Performance ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260211103730/https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Performance Archived])</ref>		*Increased latency, "slowness", when using programs and applications<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Web performance \|url=https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Performance \|url-status=live}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260211103730/https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Performance Archived])</ref>
	*High memory use prevents or impedes multitasking<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrashing_(computer_science) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260207194502/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrashing_(computer_science) Archived])</ref>		*High memory use prevents or impedes multitasking<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrashing_(computer_science) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260207194502/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrashing_(computer_science) Archived])</ref>
	*High power usage increases energy bills and reduces battery lifespan		*High power usage increases energy bills and reduces battery lifespan

Rudxain: Category:Theme

2026-04-21T21:49:31Z

Category:Theme

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:49, 21 April 2026
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	[[Category:Common terms]]		[[Category:Common terms]]
			[[Category:Theme]]

Rudxain: collapse intro in 2 classes; elaborate on How it works

2026-04-21T21:39:59Z

collapse intro in 2 classes; elaborate on How it works

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:39, 21 April 2026
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	~~There are multiple definitions of bloatware within the context of software. They include~~:		'''Bloatware''' can be defined in 2 main classes:

	*[[wikipedia:Software_bloat#Bloatware\|Pre-installed ~~software~~]] ~~that is~~ not required ~~for~~ a system ~~functionality~~		*[[wikipedia:Software_bloat#Bloatware\|Pre-installed]] or [https://www.deceptive.design/types/sneaking bundled]: features not required by a system (physical or digital) to work properly, and/or [[wikipedia:Potentially_unwanted_program\|undesirable programs]].
	*Redundant or duplicate features included on a device (physical or digital)
	*[[wikipedia:Potentially_unwanted_program\|~~Undesirable~~ programs]] ~~that were [https://www.deceptive~~.~~design/types/sneaking not requested by the user]~~
	*Software that has [[wikipedia:Software_bloat\|become bloated over time]]		*Software that has [[wikipedia:Software_bloat\|become bloated over time]]

	While the term "bloatware" is commonly ascribed to software, ''hardware'' bloat also exists.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ionescu \|first=Bogdan \|date=2025-09-13 \|title=Hosting a WebSite on a Disposable Vape \|url=https://bogdanthegeek.github.io/blog/projects/vapeserver/ \|access-date=2026-01-15 \|website=BogdanTheGeek's Blog \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260209021718/https://bogdanthegeek.github.io/blog/projects/vapeserver/ \|archive-date=9 Feb 2026}}</ref> See [[Internet_of_things\|IoT devices]] for examples.		While the term "bloatware" is commonly ascribed to software, ''hardware'' bloat also exists.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ionescu \|first=Bogdan \|date=2025-09-13 \|title=Hosting a WebSite on a Disposable Vape \|url=https://bogdanthegeek.github.io/blog/projects/vapeserver/ \|access-date=2026-01-15 \|website=BogdanTheGeek's Blog \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260209021718/https://bogdanthegeek.github.io/blog/projects/vapeserver/ \|archive-date=9 Feb 2026}}</ref> See [[Internet_of_things\|IoT devices]] for examples.

			==How it works==
			Bundled features often arise as pre-installed software and applications, because the device manufacturer (OEM) has a contract or partnership with another corporation. The terms and processes leading to these partnerships, however, lack transparency.

			Software that gets bloated across updates typically happens because of [[wikipedia:Negligence\|negligence]], but can also arise due to lack of resources (time, money, etc...) and external factors (such as [[wikipedia:Library_(computing)\|libraries]] with [[wikipedia:Feature_creep\|feature creep]]).

	Bloat can be a symptom of a decline in quality of devices and services, colloquially referred to as [[enshittification]].		Bloat can be a symptom of a decline in quality of devices and services, colloquially referred to as [[enshittification]].

	~~==How it works==~~
	Bloatware often arises as pre-installed software and applications because the device manufacturer (OEM) has a contract or partnership with another corporation. The terms and processes leading to these partnerships, however, lack transparency.

	==Why it is a problem==		==Why it is a problem==