Lenovo says it plans to become a leader in shipping factory desktops and laptops without unnecessary software packages and subscription services, looking forward to the Windows 10 loadout as the turning point for hardware manufacturers to start making a difference in the way they cooperate with their various software partners.
Related: Some Lenovo systems sold in late 2014 have adware, security loophole
To make up for the mess that Komodia left behind, the company will be offering six months of free membership for its McAfee LiveSafe service, which (surprise surprise), just so happens to be one of the other pieces of bloatware that comes installed standard on its various laptops and desktops. But at least it’s security software – right?
In spite of that obvious irony, the company also quickly tacked on the fact that its Windows 10 computers would still feature basic inclusions of whatever falls under the vague umbrella of “Lenovo software,” as well as continued support for the McAfee antivirus suite with a 30-day trial started from the first bootup.
Related: Lenovo works with McAfee to net Superfish exploit
“The events of last week reinforce the principle that customer experience, security and privacy must be our top priorities,” said Lenovo’s statement. “With this in mind, we will significantly reduce preloaded applications. Our goal is clear: To become the leader in providing cleaner, safer PCs. ”
Sounds good. It’s a shame Lenovo didn’t take this approach sooner. If it had, the entire debacle could have been avoided, and customers would have been far more pleased.
