Help Any Other Way To Disable App Update?

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

Last night my phone updated alot of the Verizon bloatware apps on it's own.
It also downloaded and installed new versions of:
Adobe Flash Player 11
Books
Gmail
My Verizon Mobile
NFL Mobile
Skype Mobile
V-cast Tones
VZ Navigator

It ended up using 35mb of my Data usage and 50mb of my on-board storage!
Talk about being pissed off.
Of course Verizon was no help.
In a 30min phone call, all they could tell me is they don't understand why it
happened and it's an isolated incident because no one else has reported this.
BULLSH*T!
They said it would be researched and they would get back to me. (yeah right)
In the meantime they said to disable the phone's background data function.
I told them by doing that,
I would no longer get notifications that I need and it renders a "smart-phone" useless.
They agreed, but said that's all that can be done at this time.

I'm going to do a factory reset just to get all the garbage out of there,
but it WILL happen again if something isn't corrected.
The only thing that I can see doing after the reset to prevent this,
is to go into the market and search for each INDIVIDUAL app that Verizon has preloaded, and manually disable the Auto Update feature.
THAT IS A COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS THING TO HAVE TO DO!
Not to mention that some apps (BING for example) don't seem to have
a Auto Update box to UNCHECK.
So those apps will STILL continue to auto update themselves.
...And I'm SURE there will be others that you can't even find.

As you can tell, this has really got me steamed.
If you have any suggestions on how to get around this, please let me know.
Yes...rooting and app freeze or removal would solve this.
That would also void my warranty and possibly make it so I couldn't receive
the updates that I do want though.
So that would be the last resort for someone like me.

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

I did a hard reset which was NO HELP AT ALL.
As I was adjusting some settings after the reset
the damn thing started downloading all those updates
and apps that I listed above AGAIN!
I had to stop each one of them manually.
I then checked each app in the market and there is
NOTHING TO UNCHECK OR STOP THESE FROM UPDATING.
It seems that good ol Verizon has given these apps
complete control to manage themselves.
WHAT A BUNCH OF A$$HOLES!!!
I don't see why they feel they have the right to
not only FORCE these apps on the consumer,
but then FORCE the consumer to lose even MORE
on-board storage just because they want these apps to auto update.


Now I HAVE blocked all the background data from running.
Not sure what else I can do, any suggestions?

 

[cbreze]

WoW, I don't think I'd have gone as far as a hard reset. I feel your frustration tho. Makes one want to try rooting, doesn't it?
I had a similar experience over nite with a bunch of apps updating. I didn't even use them either. One was NFL which I don't use. After reading your post I went into my storage and uninstalled some as a test to see how long before they reappear. I got rid of v-nav, v-cast, NFL, and a couple others. I'm sure they'll just pop back up later, but kind of curious to see what. I also denied the auto update box by unticking it. See what happens there. I see the option to uninstall on all of them, just don't think it's permanent. It's to bad there's not an app we can install to just give us better control without having to root.

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

How did you uninstall those apps?
I don't have any option for that.
All I have are options to clear data and force stop.
Alot of which are greyed out because they're not currently running.
Are you rooted?

Yeah...this kind of crap DOES make me want to root.
If this keeps happening, I might have to.

 

[Rafael]

Sorry, but if you have the Gingerbread update you CANNOT root.
It is possible someone will figure out a way to root the latest version of Android for Commando.....but nothing so far.

Only Android versions 2.2.1 and earlier can root.

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

That figures.

 

[cbreze]

Blacktooth, I go to my app manager and right next to force close is an uninstall option. So far the crap apps have not come back , and I'm hoping they won't, but who knows. The only other thing is I'm running the launcher pro plus with unlocker. Possibly that function is built in to it and causing the diff. Try it and see. Gives you 15 min. It's only $3.50 anyway. A really nice app. Might be the free part will help you out also. I can't really say, but will report back if my crap apps re-appear. Do you show memory used and left in that app manager screen? I don't recall if thats new or not. Probably not. Oh well. Let me know what you find.
Edit: Some of the verizon stuff like "my verizon" won't have the uninstall function just uninstall updates. But NFL and vcast uninstalled fine along with skype and a bunch of others.

 

[Rafael]

You are likely just removing them from the app drawer. If the system kept them running automatically......it is still running them same as before....you just don't see the icons.
They cannot be truly removed or frozen with rooting.

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

Blacktooth, I go to my app manager and right next to force close is an uninstall option. So far the crap apps have not come back , and I'm hoping they won't, but who knows. The only other thing is I'm running the launcher pro plus with unlocker. Possibly that function is built in to it and causing the diff. Try it and see. Gives you 15 min. It's only $3.50 anyway. A really nice app. Might be the free part will help you out also. I can't really say, but will report back if my crap apps re-appear. Do you show memory used and left in that app manager screen? I don't recall if thats new or not. Probably not. Oh well. Let me know what you find.
Edit: Some of the verizon stuff like "my verizon" won't have the uninstall function just uninstall updates. But NFL and vcast uninstalled fine along with skype and a bunch of others.

That's weird Cbreeze.
Mine only has that option for apps that I have downloaded,
not for any of the pre-installed bloatware.
I'm running Launcher Pro free, no unlocker.
If the paid version actually lets you uninstall bloatware apps,
that would be worth every penny!
Are you using any another type of App Manager other than the default though?
Or maybe you're going into a different area than I am.
I access mine by going to settings>applications>manage applications>and click on the "all" tab.

 

[cbreze]

Oopps! Well, my bad then. I found my apps and they were only moved. Oh well, I was getting a tad excited thinking it might be some weird solution. So we can't root even if we do want to then, being on GB.
I still have more free memory than used memory, so I'm happy about that. My commando is working really well and even my battery life seems a little better than it was. Maybe it needed to settle or something. I'm just going to enjoy my phone for awhile. It really is one of the sweetest devices I've had.
Side note about launcher pro. I like the hidden file feature and have moved the crap ware to it so at least it doesn't show. Makes it a bit easier to take.

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

Well...the damn apps have updated themselves 2 more times since my last post,
and i still haven't found a fix.
The only good thing I found is that you can uninstall the UPDATES from the downloaded applications list.
This doesn't solve the problem, but will help get some storage space back.
So I hope thatwill help someone else that runs into this problem.
50mb is ALOT of space to be taken up from apps that aren't even used!

Of course Verizon takes no responsibility whatsoever.
They told me to contact Google about it.
I told them that Google doesn't place all the bloatware on the phone,
nor are they the ones that programed the non-controllable auto update feature in the apps.
They argued that since it's an Android devise, Google is responsible.
Dumbest thing I've heard them say yet.
Especially when some of the apps auto updating are the Proprietary Verizon Apps.
I then used some pretty colorful words, and hung up.
Don't think I'll be calling them back for anything either,
now that I hear that kind of ass backwards logic coming from a Tier 2 Tech.

 

[Rafael]

Have you tried calling Innopath? The mission staatement makes it sound like they will deal directly with the customer.
InnoPath Support

I am sure others would like to hear of your experience with them....if they are willing to work with you.

 

[gpsjunkie]

I use a task killer like ES Task Manager. I can kill most of the offending apps and they won't update. Looking at "my apps" in the Market shows the VCast stuff and some of the others as not installed when killed. Of course, you have to "re-kill" the apps every time you reboot the phone. There is a widget to do that. Not everything will kill, some will restart on their own after being killed.

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

Have you tried calling Innopath? The mission staatement makes it sound like they will deal directly with the customer.
InnoPath Support

I am sure others would like to hear of your experience with them....if they are willing to work with you.

I have only seen InnoPath run once.
I shut it down, and never had an issue with it again.

Do all the updates come through InnoPath?
(I don't really know what all InnoPath controls)
If they do, yeah...I'll sure give them a shot.

I use a task killer like ES Task Manager. I can kill most of the offending apps and they won't update. Looking at "my apps" in the Market shows the VCast stuff and some of the others as not installed when killed. Of course, you have to "re-kill" the apps every time you reboot the phone. There is a widget to do that. Not everything will kill, some will restart on their own after being killed.

So the app doesn't launch on boot I presume.
That's not too much of a hassle if there is a widget though.
That would sure beat having to periodically search for what app violated your phone without consent!
Thanks for that, I'll check it out if I can't find a permanent fix.
(and chances are.....I very well may not)

 

[Rafael]

Operating System updates come through Innopath, but this includes all apps that come stock on the phone or are included in updates. They have nothing to do with individaul app updates but they do have something to do with overall operation of the phone.

If you read the info on the Innopath site.....it sounds like they can make changes to individaul phones. They may be able to help.

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

I knew InnoPath was linked to the OS,
but didn't realize the other.
It's sounds like they might be able to help.
I'm keeping a close eye on it, and if it acts up again I'll give em a call.
I'll also be sure to post what they tell me for the rest of the clan.

 

[canman13]

Well...the damn apps have updated themselves 2 more times since my last post,
and i still haven't found a fix.
The only good thing I found is that you can uninstall the UPDATES from the downloaded applications list.
This doesn't solve the problem, but will help get some storage space back.
So I hope thatwill help someone else that runs into this problem.
50mb is ALOT of space to be taken up from apps that aren't even used!

Of course Verizon takes no responsibility whatsoever.

My phone did the same thing and 50mb is alot. It has done it 3 times to me now so if anyone can help that will be great!! I am on GB too so I cant root

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

Maybe you should try contacting InnoPath
like Rafael suggested. It sounds like they might
be able to help.
That's EXACTLY what I'm going to do if they act up again.
So far so good....but we'll see.

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

Contacted Innopath today because my phone downloaded all that junk again.
They said they would have an engineer call me back.
I can already see that this will most likely go nowhere.
If they don't have the knowledge how to stop it on the initial phone call,
chances are....you're screwed.

I'll let you know if I EVER hear back from them.

 

[Rico ANDROID]

I need to go back and read the reast of your discussion here to catch up. but I recently installed the new android market and had 16 apps start up autoupdating.. i had to go and catch them one by one and abort the update (then manually reset each and every one of my apps back to "uncheck" for auto update... pain) But looks like in my case, installing that new market took away my previous settings. THis doesnt help in your case im sure..

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

I need to go back and read the reast of your discussion here to catch up. but I recently installed the new android market and had 16 apps start up autoupdating.. i had to go and catch them one by one and abort the update (then manually reset each and every one of my apps back to "uncheck" for auto update... pain) But looks like in my case, installing that new market took away my previous settings. THis doesnt help in your case im sure..

I've had to do the same in the past.
It's a real pain in the ass.
The only other thing that I've found is that once they've updated,
they will appear in your "downloaded applications".
From there you can un-install them and get MOST of your memory back.
Sometimes they do it again, sometimes they don't.

The only way I've found to stop it completely is if
you turn of your "background data" when you're away from your phone.
You'll also miss important notifications from the applications that
you DO USE as well.
Real frikk'n nice isn't it?

 

[BLACKTOOTHGRIN]

Innopath called back. WOW!
However..it took me a good minute and a half
to figure out that's actually who was calling me.
The guy's accent was SO F'N THICK that I could barely make out what he was saying.
No...I'm not racist in any way,
but I DO THINK that when an important tech support call is needed,
the person providing the tech support should be able to speak
the country's native language clear enough to avoid unnecessary confusion.

Anyhow....
Innopath is just as useless as Verizon.
He said they don't deal with consumers directly, only with the company.
In this case, Verizon.
He then told me to call Verizon.
Big suprise!

So InnoPath says it's a Verizon issue...
Verizon blames it on Google...
ARE WE PLAYING HOT POTATO HERE?
WHY ARE WE THE ONLY ONES GETTING BURNED?!!!!

Typical.

 

[Rico ANDROID]

I've had to do the same in the past.
It's a real pain in the ass.
The only other thing that I've found is that once they've updated,
they will appear in your "downloaded applications".
From there you can un-install them and get MOST of your memory back.
Sometimes they do it again, sometimes they don't.

The only way I've found to stop it completely is if
you turn of your "background data" when you're away from your phone.
You'll also miss important notifications from the applications that
you DO USE as well.
Real frikk'n nice isn't it?

Sorry for posting out of sequence (now that you've gotten your call-back). But Yes, thats a great idea to turn off background data... and yep, its 'sweet' how we miss other importaint notifications we want just to 'control' the things we dont want... )....

 

[sportygrly]

Innopath called back. WOW!
However..it took me a good minute and a half
to figure out that's actually who was calling me.
The guy's accent was SO F'N THICK that I could barely make out what he was saying.
No...I'm not racist in any way,
but I DO THINK that when an important tech support call is needed,
the person providing the tech support should be able to speak
the country's native language clear enough to avoid unnecessary confusion.

Anyhow....
Innopath is just as useless as Verizon.
He said they don't deal with consumers directly, only with the company.
In this case, Verizon.
He then told me to call Verizon.
Big suprise!

So InnoPath says it's a Verizon issue...
Verizon blames it on Google...
ARE WE PLAYING HOT POTATO HERE?
WHY ARE WE THE ONLY ONES GETTING BURNED?!!!!

Typical.[

I have had the same issue for the last few months since I switched from verizon to boost mobile android phone. Does the same thing. There are 2 proprietary apps that I don't even use and I can't get rid of them and they are the only 2 that keep auto updating. I have been doing the same thing this whole time going in and clearing the data and uninstalling updates every single time. My phone is notorious for not having enough storage anyway so every single time these updates happen I have to clear them otherwise I won't have enough storage for texting, etc. It does it to me every other day I am getting so sick of it. If you ever figure this out please tell me and I will do the same because it's really frustrating and irritating.

 

[cbreze]

So it's a -1 for innopath then.
I get the usual app update notification about once a day and since I have nothing set to auto update I just take a look at it and see if there's anything I want. So I basically take what I like and leave the rest. It's annoying yes, but pretty painless to just disregard the rest of the crapola I don't care for. Not a huge deal imo and easily dismissed.