Possible Class Action Lawsuit?

[JMontoya]

I like most Droid X users have become increasingly frustrated with all the junk app's that have been pre-installed onto OUR devices that we OWN. What really broke the back though was after updating to 2.2 (or 2.3 whichever) VZW went and pre-installed yet another app that CANNOT be removed. That app is their very own VZ Navigator. First off it doesn't really make sense when there's already a FREE naviagation application pre-installed on the device as it is that is provided by google maps. If people still choose to keep or use VZ Navigator they could have always downloaded it from the marketplace. It's just more upsetting that they went and put in another app that CANNOT be removed unless we were to void our devices warranty and{edit for TOS violation}

There has to be SOMETHING that kind of prevents Verizon Wireless or Motorola for pre-installing app's onto OUR device that we purchased without giving us the OPTION to REMOVE them. I totally understand locking down on operating system apps or apps the OS relies on like say Moto Blur for instance, but things like Blockbuster, Kindle, Amazon, VZ Nav, etc... are not apps that the OS depends on and there should be an option to allow us the owners of the device to remove if we so please! This is WORSE than buying a new computer from a company like Dell, HP, Gateway, etc... that has a bunch of software that's pre-installed that most people won't even use, but at least they're removable and or people can do a complete format (if their cpu came with the windows disc) and reinstall windows without all the pre-loaded JUNK!

There is NO OPTION what so ever for us, the owners of the Droid X (and other devices on Android that I'm sure they've done the samething to) to either remove whichever apps we do not want installed or to even just factory reset the device with no 3rd party apps if we so choose to do so. I haven't came across one person that has appreciated the pre-installed apps on their device. Heck they'll even ask me if I know of any way of removing them! I've looked/searched on the internet and there's NUMEROUS post's from people all just wanting some way to remove those app's without having to {edit for TOS violation}

I may be a little tech savvy {edit for TOS violation} With how electronic devices are made these day's I can't trust it to last me till I decide to get another one and if I ever need a replacement because the one I have messes up then I'm screwed {edit for TOS violation} Plus I would like to be able to receive all updates OTA and such, but not being able to remove certain 3rd party apps is definitely not a benefit to having a {edit for TOS violation}

I honestly truly think we might have something on our hands with some kind of class action lawsuit because they (VZW or Motorola) do not provide a way or option for us to either keep the apps or to remove them if we just don't want them. Microsoft had a big issue with them always having Internet Explorer installed in all windows cpu's and not they're forced to have no browser pre-installed, but instead have to have a screen that gives the owners of the cpu the choice of what browser they would like to use and they can choose more than one if they wanted. I have no problem with VZW wanting to try and promote their applications on the devices that run on their network or even promote 3rd party apps that their partners with, just as long as I have the ability to remove whichever ones I want, when I want. I shouldn't have to get another app from the market place just to hide the icons in there. That doesn't free up the space that those apps are wasting.

There's got to be something we can do in order to get VZW to push out an update that would allow us to remove pre-installed apps or they just don't pre-install apps anymore and just allow us to download from the market place if we choose to. At least an option being there. Heck, we OWN the device, we should have some kind of say what we want or don't want on there without risking voiding the warranty OR even worse bricking the phone {edit for TOS violation}

Let's let them know we do not like this practice that they're doing, we can do it, we just need to get enough people to make some noise so VZW can hear us. Even if it's constantly emailing them asking for at the very least the option to remove them, I can at least live with that as well I'm sure everyone else can as well?

[reallyniceguy]

HA here we go again LOL I dont think this would pass. If you are too worried about memory, install your apps to sd.

[JMontoya]

Nah, I have no issue with the memory. I haven't downloaded a whole bunch of things, just a few free things here and there. It's just the fact that its there is what bugs. Also because some of them will be running in the background according to Advanced Task Killer. Just tonight it was showing VZ Nav as running in the background but I didn't fully install it or anything, yet it keeps popping up there even when I kill all tasks.

I know there's plenty of memory and would take awhile to fill up unless your using as an mp3 player and or video player and have a large libary. I just don't like things installed that I dont have a use for or never will. Plus it may help it go a little faster or not crash as much if they were removable.

Only reason I didn't say anything about this was because I was really hoping the new 2.2 update would at least give us the option because of all the complaints already on it. The first thing I did was go into Settigs and into the Application Management and to my surprise saw that they were showing all the apps installed and I didn't have to set anything to show them and was really thinking "finally they fixed that" but then when I went to remove Blockbuster, low and behold it was still grey'd out or the uninstall button wasn't colored in, therefor it still couldn't be done... Then  they go and add VZ Nav to all the other apps that can't be removed. I have no use for that nor back up assistant.

These aren't even critical apps that the OS depend on, that's why there should be an option at the very least.

[Tidbits]

Sure if you keep thinking how windows works and how linux works.  Android is a Linux variant.  anything in ram will not affect performance like windows does.  Nothing in ram is wasted ram for Android.  Just because it's in ram DOES NOT mean it's running.  You will have to look at the processes to see if it is actually running...

[Wildman]

Class Action Lawsuit....  REALLY?  Only got the update a couple of hours and its starting already, looks like Verizon and Motorola cant get a break...

[CaboWaboMan]

some people complain at a free lunch...

[curtterp]

who cares?

The programs will not run unless you want them to run. They are not forcing us to use the program in place of something else that is free

and your reference to Microsoft is wrong. Microsoft was making it close to impossible to use a competing browser. They made sure that not only IE was faster by tying into the Windows API, they were preventing other browsers from tying into the same API's. That is why Microsoft got themselves into trouble. You still cannot uninstall IE, but at least other browsers can run competitively on Windows.

Verizon is installing software they want to install. IF they FORCE you to PAY for their navigation, then you might get some traction, but if it just sits on the side to be used when you say you want to use it, then its no big deal.

[SHAC]

LOL lawsuits! What a bunch of losers with too much time on their hands! 

[number73]

I'd join the class action lawsuit.

VZW needs give the customers a way to uninstall their app.

It's my phone, I paid for it, I want it the way I want it.

VZW should pay attention to their customer's wants and needs.

Class Action Lawsuits are crappy, but it's the only way to get these big corporate companies to listen.

They force crap on us and hope not enough people will raise a stink about it.

[number73]

people should have the right to speak their mind, without being attacked by all these copper, bronze, silver and gold contributors, who by the way, probably work for VZW by the number of their posts.

they are obviously trying to defuse the situtation by talking down to a VZW customer who wants to say something about the product they paid for.

[Edited to comply with Terms of Service]

This forum is censored to favor Verizon's best interest.

I can't wait till my contract with VZW is over in Feb 2011...I will never use them again and discourage others not to as well.

I've been with VZW for almost 10 years now....about 6 on my own account and another 4+ on my mother's family plan, which by the way, I paid the monthly bills for. (monthly bill has been over $100/mo the entire time.....$1200/yr x 10 years = $12,000 at least, cause I've been paying $134 for several years, now $170 with data plan)

Verizon, you are about to lose a great customer with all your **bleep**.

[dirkbonn]

My suggestion to all of you who think a class action lawsuit is the way to go is to contact the attorney of your choice and find out if he/she thinks a lawsuit has a chance.   Hopefully if they think your case would have some merit, they will take it on a contigincy basis unless of course you're willing to foot the bill yourself.

My experience is most people who talk class action lawsuit want someone else to do the work.  So c'mon you people, put your money/time/effort where your mouth is.  Talk to an attorney and get the ball rolling.

Oh yeah, please.... please.... come back here and post what an attorney told you.  

"Isn't fun the best thing to have?"   Arthur, from the movie by the same name.

[pukpmk]

I have been with Verizon for many years no..... at least 12.  I bought the Droid X and the Droid 2 for communication around the world.  Verizon insisted that the Droid X is WI FI capable...... however what they didn't tell me is that you have to have cell phone service to use Skype with the phone.  I work all over the world, from the Philippines, North Africa, Europe and Asia.  I have never been able to get cell service with my Droid...... Even in the biggest cities in the world.  Verizon duped me into believing that I could Skype from all over the world, back to the US.  This is simply not true, in fact.... it's a lie.  Skype and Verizon are in bed together on this one.  Bye Bye Verizon.  Now I'm going after my pound of flesh.

[firstlady09]

Yes, you would need to have cell service to use skype with the phone.

Skype mobile is available anywhere on verizon wireless' nationwide network and the extended network in the U.S.

Skype mobile is not available roaming within U.S. or internationally outside of the U.S. on the Extended Network (e.g. Puerto Rico). The Droid is not a global phone. You would need a global device in order to get service internationally. 

I have provided a link for additional information on the global phones. Click HERE 

I have also provided a link for additional information on skype services. Click here http://support.vzw.com/clc/faqs/Features%20and%20Optional%20Services/skype_mobile.html

[crb79]

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number73 wrote:

people should have the right to speak their mind, without being attacked by all these copper, bronze, silver and gold contributors, who by the way, probably work for VZW by the number of their posts.

they are obviously trying to defuse the situtation by talking down to a VZW customer who wants to say something about the product they paid for.

[Edited to comply with Terms of Service]

This forum is censored to favor Verizon's best interest.

I can't wait till my contract with VZW is over in Feb 2011...I will never use them again and discourage others not to as well.

I've been with VZW for almost 10 years now....about 6 on my own account and another 4+ on my mother's family plan, which by the way, I paid the monthly bills for. (monthly bill has been over $100/mo the entire time.....$1200/yr x 10 years = $12,000 at least, cause I've been paying $134 for several years, now $170 with data plan)

Verizon, you are about to lose a great customer with all your **bleep**.

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I lol'd.  How about those of us with a post count enjoy the phone and like helping others.  However, if VZW would like to hire me and give me free phone service to keep posting on these forums I'd be very happy!  I'm sure I could find some other place to spend my $200 per month.

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pukpmk wrote:

I have been with Verizon for many years no..... at least 12.  I bought the Droid X and the Droid 2 for communication around the world.  Verizon insisted that the Droid X is WI FI capable...... however what they didn't tell me is that you have to have cell phone service to use Skype with the phone.  I work all over the world, from the Philippines, North Africa, Europe and Asia.  I have never been able to get cell service with my Droid...... Even in the biggest cities in the world.  Verizon duped me into believing that I could Skype from all over the world, back to the US.  This is simply not true, in fact.... it's a lie.  Skype and Verizon are in bed together on this one.  Bye Bye Verizon.  Now I'm going after my pound of flesh.

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We've covered this before.  Why would you buy a NON-GLOBAL phone when you need a GLOBAL PHONE?  VZW does not own or make the Skype app and made no statement that Skype would function over Wifi.  You made an assumption and were wrong.

With your logic, a car runs on gas and has a radio, so then you should be able to listen to music from your gas tank.

[reallyniceguy]

I dont think I would have the stomach to work for another customer service company. The funny part is that I used to work for att ( independent dealer) and I would always get people wanting free stuff because of their inconveniences. People wanting to sue and so on. When I worked at Dish Network, it was the SAME thing. People would call say they were going to sue because their 24.99 sattelite tv was knocked out by the wind. "what are my kids going to do now" I felt like saying... "gee maybe they can go take a walk or go to the park" and I couldnt. I was always in a bad mood. I would NEVER work for a customer service oriented company lol If you feel these forums are unfair, why not go post in other forums? A positive word of advice, dont feel locked on a contract. If you dont like your service, just cancel it. I did that to my tmobile account and never looked back. If you dont feel contracts are fair, why dont you get a prepay company? or maybe one of the lower end companies? Some of them even have android phones but would it be the same story? Why havent you called motorola directly? If you feel the cancellation fee is to much, why not cancel and sell your droid for 400 dllrs? Im sure it will sell on ebay right away. I am not saying you are wrong, i believe you just need to relax and let people help you. Also do not take it so serious, at the end of the day its just a cell phone.

[Nate2]

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number73 wrote:

It's my phone, I paid for it, I want it the way I want it.

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I don't like a number of the pre-installed apps too, but I believe the cost of the phone is subsidized by the Manufacturer and/or Carrier, so they get their way with what they want to force onto the phone.

The full price of the Droid X is around $600.

Verizon is a better carrier for phone calls, but tends to be more intrusive than AT&T when it comes to customizing these [smart]phone interfaces (not always for the better), IMO.

[trektech]

LOL! By the time you settled any class action lawsuit for a harmless app on your phone, and lost, your contract would be over and you could switch carriers anyway. Go get an iPhone or quit complaining. Oh, that's right they have apps that can't be removed like iTunes. I'll keep my Droid and Verizon where I can at least make reliable calls and get decent data speeds.

[Wildman]

I was happy when then subject died down... I really hoped it was through with.  It amazes me the things that people choose to sue for...

[crb79]

Maybe Smartphones should be like cars and require a test before becoming licensed to use.  I try my best to be nice, but many problems people are having are being caused by themselves.  Now don't get me wrong, when you have a problem and go look for a solution, that's great!  However when you have a problem then post a rant about it, well that doesn't help anyone. 

Now with that said, I do understand that there are some hardware issues that can't be avoided.  But again, how does posting a comment here help that? If you have  a hardware problem call or go to the store for a replacement phone.

[hellopretty86]

UGH!! I CAN NOT STAND WHEN PEOPLE, COMPLAIN OVER **bleep** STUFF. HOW ABOUT WASTING YOUR BREATH ON RANTING ABOUT CHILDREN WHO ARE KIDNAPPED AND CAN NOT COME HOME, OR HOMELESS FAMILY THAT ARE TRYING TO MAKE IT?? BUT RANTING OVER A PHONE THAT NOT GOING TO BE COOL, BY NEXT YEAR 4G SMARTPHONE, GIVE ME A BREAK. ITS A PHONE, NOT A HUMAN LIFE. THERE ARE MAJOR ISSUE IN THE WORLD THAT'S FAR WORST THEN A PHONE. LOOK YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR, AND SAY "MATERIALISTIC (WORLDLY STUFF) IS NOT GOING TO BE WITH ME IN THE AFTERLIFE.

[JRA001]

I strongly agree that these apps should optional.  Very disappointed that Verizon/Motorolla are forcing us to have them on the Droid X.  They really clutter up the apps screen, and make finding the essential items more work.  This device should be all about making us more productive, and speeding up the way we work - not making us hunt for the apps. we want to use.

I use this device only for business purposes - so Amazon MP3, Blockbuster, FM Radio, Kindle, Social Networking, etc. are just getting in the way of how I use this device, and are an annoyance.  Others may consider these apps essential - and I'm NOT suggesting they're bad in any way - but they're of no particular interest to me personally, and I would like to remove them without using Root Explorer, or some other hack-method.

Would not recommend the Droid X to anyone without making this issue known...it's too big-brother for me, but from some of the other posts, it sounds like many just are not bothered being force-fed these apps??    Strange.