5 ms·
I think it's simpler than that: An app icon on a user's screen is the equivalent of a desktop bookmark icon shortcut circa 1998, like 'browser toolbar helpers'
by zhte415 4y ago
I think it's simpler than that:
An app icon on a user's screen is the equivalent of a desktop bookmark icon shortcut circa 1998, like 'browser toolbar helpers' would 'helpfully install' - things that would more often be seen as malware today.
Notifications pushed to the user the equivalent of constant marketing from subscribed email lists. Constant ~~marketing~~ 'experience'. Pretty close to spam today; such email is depreciated to another tab even in places like GMail.
In-app analytics tracking finger movements, clicks, click times, pretty close to what would have been considered spyware 2 decades ago.
But there are nicer terms now. 'Download the app', 'Notifications/Engagement' and 'Help us improve your experience'. The user is led to believe they're more in control. I feel it's near peak, but I'm not calling it.
- bobthepanda 4y agoI don't know that a desktop icon is really considered malware. People still have tons of desktop shortcuts if they use a PC, and don't select the option to not have it even when provided it.
- rchaud 4y agoI'd say it's considered 'bloatware'....additional software (usually trialware) the OEM bundles with the PC to subsidize the cost. But considering that ostensibly legit trialware like Norton scare users with its threatening popups, it may as well be malware to some.
- bobthepanda 4y agoNot all desktop software with icons is bloatware? It's been a while, but I remember Adobe software (e.g. Photoshop) doing desktop shortcuts by default, Steam & Epic Games-vended software doing desktop shortcuts by default, etc.
- bitwize 4y agoCounterpoint: LOVE LETTER FOR YOU.txt.vbs