Vodafone backs down in Android row

I don't know why so many carriers feel the need to encumber perfectly good handsets with what can only be described as "branded-bloatware"

Case in point, the HTC Desire which I've got on contract from Orange. It comes pre-loaded with a branded browser, maps application, photo album app, marketplace etc. none of which are any better than the native Android versions (also present on the phone) and because they're burned into the phone's memory, I can't remove them myself to free up some of that valuable space.

I'm sure the carriers would argue that their branded apps somehow "add value", but why not provide an SD card with installable versions on it, and let the customer decide how they want to experience the handset they've bought.

I guess in the eyes of the carriers, we're not paying customers, but a piñata that must be beaten to death until we've given them our everything.

Now a days these smartphones are like branded laptops/desktops. Full will cr@pwares...