Lenovo Tablets (Android): Difference between revisions

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~~Notice: This article should probably get merged to Lenovo Android tablets in general once such an article exists.~~{{InfoboxProductLine

{{InfoboxProductLine

| Title = {{PAGENAME}}

| Release Year =2024

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| Official Website =https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/tablets/android-tablets/lenovo-tab-series/lenovo-tab-plus/len103l0024

| Logo =Lenovo.png

}}'''Lenovo ~~Tab Plus (TB351FU)~~''' ~~is an~~ [[Android]] ~~tablet~~ made by [[Lenovo]] (~~which also~~ acquired [[Motorola]] in 2014). ~~it's~~ a device tailored towards multimedia consumption and stands out from other tablets by featuring an integrated kick-stand, powerful and high-quality built-in audio and the ability to itself act as a Bluetooth speaker.

}}'''Lenovo Tablets''' are [[Android]] tablets made by [[Lenovo]] (who acquired [[Motorola]] in 2014). Some can be a device tailored towards multimedia consumption and stands out from other tablets by featuring an integrated kick-stand, powerful and high-quality built-in audio and the ability to itself act as a Bluetooth speaker.

The devices offer an attractive feature set, however the company's anti-consumer practices such as [[EULA roofie]], preinstalled and partially non-removable [[bloatware]] and "software recommendations" (including recommendations of malware) make this otherwise great device significantly harder to recommend, especially if it is intended to be used by less tech-savvy users.

==Consumer impact summary==

[[File:LenovoTabTplus-OOTB.jpg|thumb|A photo of a freshly out-of-the-box Lenovo ~~Tab Plus~~ displaying a "EULA rooftile". Note that the "Next" button is inactive (greyed-out) unless the user ticks the box to accept a User Agreement and Privacy Statement. ]]

[[File:LenovoTabTplus-OOTB.jpg|thumb|A photo of a freshly out-of-the-box Lenovo Tablet displaying a "EULA rooftile". Note that the "Next" button is inactive (greyed-out) unless the user ticks the box to accept a User Agreement and Privacy Statement.]]

===Schrödinger's EULA ~~Rooftile~~===

===Schrödinger's EULA Roofie===

Upon first use, the ~~device forces~~ the user to read and agree to a [[EULA ~~rooftile|EULA rooftile~~]] including a [https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/tablets/m-series-tablets/lenovo-tab-plus-tb351fu/solutions/HT514029 Lenovo User Agreement] which itself claims to be non-mandatory for the use of hardware without vendor software:<blockquote>Lenovo will license the Software Product to You only if You accept this Agreement. You agree to the terms of this Agreement by clicking to accept it or by installing, downloading, or using the Software Product. If You do not agree to these terms, do not install, download, or use the Software Product(s).[[File:LenovoTabPlus-UserAgreement.jpg|thumb|Lenovo ~~Tab Plus~~ User Agreement as it's provided on the device itself (as of 2025.07.07).]](...)

Upon first use, the devices force the user to read and agree to a [[EULA roofie]] including a [https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/tablets/m-series-tablets/lenovo-tab-plus-tb351fu/solutions/HT514029 Lenovo User Agreement] which itself claims to be non-mandatory for the use of hardware without vendor software:<blockquote>Lenovo will license the Software Product to You only if You accept this Agreement. You agree to the terms of this Agreement by clicking to accept it or by installing, downloading, or using the Software Product. If You do not agree to these terms, do not install, download, or use the Software Product(s).[[File:LenovoTabPlus-UserAgreement.jpg|thumb|Lenovo Tablet User Agreement as it's provided on the device itself (as of 2025.07.07).]](...)

• If You acquired the Software Product(s) preinstalled on or provided with a Lenovo hardware product, '''You may continue to use the hardware product, but not the Software Product(s) covered under this Agreement.'''

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===Locked bootloader===

~~The device does~~ not feature an unlocked bootloader, which would enable using the device without Lenovo software.

Some devices do not feature an unlocked bootloader, which would enable using the device without Lenovo software.

A procedure to unlock the bootloader [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Unlocking_Bootloaders/Lenovo_ZUI ~~exists~~], but only becomes possible once the user obtains access to "OEM unlocking" under developer options in Android settings and additionally requires the user to create a Lenovo account, register the product's serial number and use the Lenovo account credentials to log in to zui.~~com~~/~~unlock in order to obtain a required signed file~~ (~~further note: one account can unlock only 3 devices per year~~).

The normal procedure to unlock the bootloader of [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Unlocking_Bootloaders/Lenovo_ZUI ZUI] devices [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Lenovo_Tab_Plus_(lenovo-tb351fu)#Unlocking_the_bootloader does not work] on this device.

===Bloatware, bloat tax and possibly tricking users into installing malware===

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#WPS Office

=====Two-tap-install apps that must be installed to remove icon from home screen/uninstall:=====

=====Two-tap-install apps that must be installed <sup>[don't , there's a better way!]</sup> to remove icon from home screen/uninstall:=====

#MyScript Calculator 2

#Nebo

#Spotify

#[[Spotify]]

#Kraken - Buy crypto and [Buttcoin]

#TikTok

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There are several reports of allegedly either the [https://www.reddit.com/r/Lenovo/comments/1j62ou2/legion_tablet_apps_for_you_folder_and_appnext/ "Apps for you"] feature or [https://www.reddit.com/r/Lenovo/comments/1j3kf03/what_is_this_app_can_i_uninstall/ OTA system updates] later installing additional bloatware and even known malware/spyware on Lenovo Tablets.

There are several reports of allegedly either the [https://www.reddit.com/r/Lenovo/comments/1j62ou2/legion_tablet_apps_for_you_folder_and_appnext/ "Apps for you"] feature or [https://www.reddit.com/r/Lenovo/comments/1j3kf03/what_is_this_app_can_i_uninstall/ OTA system updates] later installing additional bloatware and even known [[malware]]/[[spyware]] on Lenovo Tablets.

According to the [https://www.lenovo.com/ca/en/privacy/ Lenovo Privacy Statement]:<blockquote>Cloud Folder (i.e. “Apps for You”) is a custom-made feature of launcher that recommends apps. These recommendations display only application icons, which are not stored or downloaded, and may be updated anytime. Cloud Folder collects Google Advertising ID (GID), impression and click of icons, and non-personal data such as the software version. You can turn off recommendations in Settings.</blockquote>In light of the above statement and the wording in LTT's review, it appears that it might be a common practice for Lenovo Android tablet users to actually install malicious apps from the "Apps for You" folder, solely to be able to remove their icons from their home screen. It seems that some of the "recommended" [and (just?) appearing as if they were installed] apps contain malware.

This is an extreme example of [[bloat tax]].

=====Tips (not a full guide) for avoiding bloatware and malware recommendations:=====

#Perform initial setup offline (no Internet connectivity).

#Read before clicking. Avoid/skip adding any accounts (including Google account!) and opt-out from data mining stuff.

#Once you can access the launcher, long press on an empty space and open "Home settings" then disable "Show recommended apps above all apps". This should disable the "apps for you" folder, possibly even before it gets created. While we're at it, you can also disable the annoying "Swipe to access Entertainment Space".

#Uninstall and/or disable any bloatware you can find. The list of apps varies.

#Connect to the Internet and install system updates (might need to repeat installing new updates and restarting the device 5 or more times).

#Uninstall or disable any new bloatware you can find in the Apps drawer (this might later need ).

#If you get a notification like "Finish setting up your tablet" (the one that's animated and particularly distracting), long-press on it to expand options, press the cog icon to go to app settings and disable the app that's causing it.

#Go to Seettings>Apps>All apps and disable "Lenovo PAI" (Play Auto-Install) as well as any other bloatware that you can recognize that didn't appear in the app drawer.

#Stay weary of anything that tries to get you to click on something or accept an EULA. Long-press on a notification and click the cog icon to see where dubious notifications are coming from.

==See also==

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Lenovo Android ZUI bootloader unlocking [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Unlocking_Bootloaders/Lenovo_ZUI (PostmarketOS Wiki)].

[[Bloat tax]]

==References==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Notice: This article should probably get merged to Lenovo Android tablets in general once such an article exists.{{InfoboxProductLine
+{{InfoboxProductLine
 | Title = {{PAGENAME}}
 | Release Year =2024
@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 | Official Website =https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/tablets/android-tablets/lenovo-tab-series/lenovo-tab-plus/len103l0024
 | Logo =Lenovo.png
-}}'''Lenovo Tab Plus (TB351FU)''' is an [[Android]] tablet made by [[Lenovo]] (which also acquired [[Motorola]] in 2014). it's a device tailored towards multimedia consumption and stands out from other tablets by featuring an integrated kick-stand, powerful and high-quality built-in audio and the ability to itself act as a Bluetooth speaker.
+}}'''Lenovo Tablets''' are [[Android]] tablets made by [[Lenovo]] (who acquired [[Motorola]] in 2014). Some can be a device tailored towards multimedia consumption and stands out from other tablets by featuring an integrated kick-stand, powerful and high-quality built-in audio and the ability to itself act as a Bluetooth speaker.
+The devices offer an attractive feature set, however the company's anti-consumer practices such as [[EULA roofie]], preinstalled and partially non-removable [[bloatware]] and "software recommendations" (including recommendations of malware) make this otherwise great device significantly harder to recommend, especially if it is intended to be used by less tech-savvy users.
 ==Consumer impact summary==
-[[File:LenovoTabTplus-OOTB.jpg|thumb|A photo of a freshly out-of-the-box Lenovo Tab Plus displaying a "EULA rooftile". Note that the "Next" button is inactive (greyed-out) unless the user ticks the box to accept a User Agreement and Privacy Statement. ]]
+[[File:LenovoTabTplus-OOTB.jpg|thumb|A photo of a freshly out-of-the-box Lenovo Tablet displaying a "EULA rooftile". Note that the "Next" button is inactive (greyed-out) unless the user ticks the box to accept a User Agreement and Privacy Statement.]]
-===Schrödinger's EULA Rooftile===
+===Schrödinger's EULA Roofie===
-Upon first use, the device forces the user to read and agree to a [[EULA rooftile|EULA rooftile]] including a [https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/tablets/m-series-tablets/lenovo-tab-plus-tb351fu/solutions/HT514029 Lenovo User Agreement] which itself claims to be non-mandatory for the use of hardware without vendor software:<blockquote>Lenovo will license the Software Product to You only if You accept this Agreement. You agree to the terms of this Agreement by clicking to accept it or by installing, downloading, or using the Software Product. If You do not agree to these terms, do not install, download, or use the Software Product(s).[[File:LenovoTabPlus-UserAgreement.jpg|thumb|Lenovo Tab Plus User Agreement as it's provided on the device itself (as of 2025.07.07).]](...)
+Upon first use, the devices force the user to read and agree to a [[EULA roofie]] including a [https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/tablets/m-series-tablets/lenovo-tab-plus-tb351fu/solutions/HT514029 Lenovo User Agreement] which itself claims to be non-mandatory for the use of hardware without vendor software:<blockquote>Lenovo will license the Software Product to You only if You accept this Agreement. You agree to the terms of this Agreement by clicking to accept it or by installing, downloading, or using the Software Product. If You do not agree to these terms, do not install, download, or use the Software Product(s).[[File:LenovoTabPlus-UserAgreement.jpg|thumb|Lenovo Tablet User Agreement as it's provided on the device itself (as of 2025.07.07).]](...)
 • If You acquired the Software Product(s) preinstalled on or provided with a Lenovo hardware product, '''You may continue to use the hardware product, but not the Software Product(s) covered under this Agreement.'''
@@ Line 25: / Line 27: @@
 ===Locked bootloader===
-The device does not feature an unlocked bootloader, which would enable using the device without Lenovo software.
+Some devices do not feature an unlocked bootloader, which would enable using the device without Lenovo software.
-A procedure to unlock the bootloader [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Unlocking_Bootloaders/Lenovo_ZUI exists], but only becomes possible once the user obtains access to "OEM unlocking" under developer options in Android settings and additionally requires the user to create a Lenovo account, register the product's serial number and use the Lenovo account credentials to log in to zui.com/unlock in order to obtain a required signed file (further note: one account can unlock only 3 devices per year).
+The normal procedure to unlock the bootloader of [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Unlocking_Bootloaders/Lenovo_ZUI ZUI] devices [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Lenovo_Tab_Plus_(lenovo-tb351fu)#Unlocking_the_bootloader does not work] on this device.
 ===Bloatware, bloat tax and possibly tricking users into installing malware===
@@ Line 51: / Line 53: @@
 #WPS Office
-=====Two-tap-install apps that must be installed to remove icon from home screen/uninstall:=====
+=====Two-tap-install apps that must be installed <sup>[don't , there's a better way!]</sup> to remove icon from home screen/uninstall:=====
 #MyScript Calculator 2
 #Nebo
-#Spotify
+#[[Spotify]]
 #Kraken - Buy crypto and [Buttcoin]
 #TikTok
@@ Line 66: / Line 68: @@
-There are several reports of allegedly either the [https://www.reddit.com/r/Lenovo/comments/1j62ou2/legion_tablet_apps_for_you_folder_and_appnext/ "Apps for you"] feature or [https://www.reddit.com/r/Lenovo/comments/1j3kf03/what_is_this_app_can_i_uninstall/ OTA system updates] later installing additional bloatware and even known malware/spyware on Lenovo Tablets.
+There are several reports of allegedly either the [https://www.reddit.com/r/Lenovo/comments/1j62ou2/legion_tablet_apps_for_you_folder_and_appnext/ "Apps for you"] feature or [https://www.reddit.com/r/Lenovo/comments/1j3kf03/what_is_this_app_can_i_uninstall/ OTA system updates] later installing additional bloatware and even known [[malware]]/[[spyware]] on Lenovo Tablets.
 According to the [https://www.lenovo.com/ca/en/privacy/ Lenovo Privacy Statement]:<blockquote>Cloud Folder (i.e. “Apps for You”) is a custom-made feature of launcher that recommends apps. These recommendations display only application icons, which are not stored or downloaded, and may be updated anytime. Cloud Folder collects Google Advertising ID (GID), impression and click of icons, and non-personal data such as the software version. You can turn off recommendations in Settings.</blockquote>In light of the above statement and the wording in LTT's review, it appears that it might be a common practice for Lenovo Android tablet users to actually install malicious apps from the "Apps for You" folder, solely to be able to remove their icons from their home screen. It seems that some of the "recommended" [and (just?) appearing as if they were installed] apps contain malware.
 This is an extreme example of [[bloat tax]].
+=====Tips (not a full guide) for avoiding bloatware and malware recommendations:=====
+#Perform initial setup offline (no Internet connectivity).
+#Read before clicking. Avoid/skip adding any accounts (including Google account!) and opt-out from data mining stuff.
+#Once you can access the launcher, long press on an empty space and open "Home settings" then disable "Show recommended apps above all apps". This should disable the "apps for you" folder, possibly even before it gets created. While we're at it, you can also disable the annoying "Swipe to access Entertainment Space".
+#Uninstall and/or disable any bloatware you can find. The list of apps varies.
+#Connect to the Internet and install system updates (might need to repeat installing new updates and restarting the device 5 or more times).
+#Uninstall or disable any new bloatware you can find in the Apps drawer (this might later need ).
+#If you get a notification like "Finish setting up your tablet" (the one that's animated and particularly distracting), long-press on it to expand options, press the cog icon to go to app settings and disable the app that's causing it.
+#Go to Seettings>Apps>All apps and disable "Lenovo PAI" (Play Auto-Install) as well as any other bloatware that you can recognize that didn't appear in the app drawer.
+#Stay weary of anything that tries to get you to click on something or accept an EULA. Long-press on a notification and click the cog icon to see where dubious notifications are coming from.
 ==See also==
@@ Line 77: / Line 91: @@
 Lenovo Android ZUI bootloader unlocking [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Unlocking_Bootloaders/Lenovo_ZUI (PostmarketOS Wiki)].
+[[Bloat tax]]
 ==References==