Sony Bloatware
Manufacturer bloatware and trialware refer to Sonys' (like most PC manufacturers) habit of loading crippled versions of commercial software and OEM proprietary utilities on a new computer.
Sony has been criticized for loading its VAIO laptops with bloatware, or ineffective and unrequested software that supposedly allows the user to immediately use the laptop for multimedia purposes. Sony also offers a Fresh start option in some countries which allows a new computer to be shipped only with a basic Windows operating system and very little trial software pre-installed. The built-in webcam software in VAIO notebooks is the ArcSoft WebCam suite. It includes a set of special effects called Magic-i visual effects, providing users the ability to enhance the images and videos taken through the webcam. It also features a face detection feature. Certain Sony proprietary software programs such as Click to Disc Editor, VAIO Movie Story, VAIO Music Box and VAIO Media Plus are also included with various models.
“This utility installs and updated version of the PlayMemories Home / PMB VAIO Edition Plug-in to provide the Web upload function. Enables 3D movie functionality for selected models. Enables 3D preview...
” More about VAIO - PlayMemories Home Plug-in
“A collection of sample videos, pictures and music is provided to demonstrate the organizational and facial recognition features of the preinstalled Media Gallery software. You may want to remove this...
” More about VAIO Sample Contents
“VAIO Media Gallery offers a fun new way to make the most of your media. Enjoy the power to easily import, edit and burn your home movies to disc and listen to music based on your mood. There's nothing...
” More about VAIO - Media Gallery
The VAIO Improvement program is pre-installed with various VAIO laptop models. It will re-theme various components of Windows to include Sony VAIO themes including screensavers, wallpapers and style...
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This utility installs the originally shipped version of the VAIO® Smart Network Utility.
PlayMemories Home is software that enables you to import videos and photos to a computer, and browse them.
“The Quick Web Access function enables you to access the Internet without starting Windows. Press the WEB button on your VAIO computer while the computer is off. Once completed the initial setup, you...
” More about VAIO Quick Web Access
CyberLink PowerDVD is a media player for Microsoft Windows; several editions of the software are sold including "Ultra", "Pro" and "Standard". All editions support the viewing of DVD. The Ultra and...
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This utility installs the originally shipped version of the VAIO Transfer Support utility to provide a companion guide for the Windows® Easy Transfer application. The Windows Easy Transfer application...
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VAIO Messenger is a software utility that provides hints and tips about using your VAIO® computer. It also offers optional accessories and Extended Service Plans that are compatible with your computer...
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SONY VAIO System Update is the updater program which runs with Windows (in the background as a service) and automatically starts up when your computer boots. It checks for updates and automatically...
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“The Help and Support utility helps you keep your VAIO computer up to date by regularly checking the Sony eSupport Web site for important software updates and information for your specific VAIO...
” More about VAIO Help and Support
“Meet Media Gallery, smart new VAIO software that recommends the right media to play depending on the mood or moment. Using Sony’s original analysis technology, Media Gallery searches your VAIO for...
” More about Media Gallery
“With VAIO Media plus, it’s easy to access movies and photos stored on computers anywhere in your home and view them in the living room on a large-screen TV. For example, watch a travel video stored on...
” More about VAIO Media plus
“With VAIO Media plus, it’s easy to access movies and photos stored on computers anywhere in your home and view them in the living room on a large-screen TV. For example, watch a travel video stored on...
” More about VAIO Media plus Opening Movie
“VAIO Care can help and the ASSIST button is a shortcut that allows you to open VAIO Care. I’d like to explain the benefit of this program. Whether you enter VAIO Care from the ASSIST button or start...
” More about VAIO Care
The gesture functions enable you to perform various operations on applications with a hand gesture recognized by the built-in camera on your VAIO computer. The gesture functions are disabled by...
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“ArcSoft Magic-i Visual Effects 2 HD is a smart and simple webcam application designed to enhance users' video chat experience through frames, effects, and themes. Using "Video Plug-in" technology,...
” More about ArcSoft Magic-i Visual Effects 2
“VAIO Gate offers fast and easy access to favourite multimedia programs and entertainment. This gateway is always there as a visually attractive bar at the top of your desktop and keeps track of your...
” More about VAIO Gate
“The VAIO Easy Connect software is a Sony wireless networking wizard designed to assist in establishing a wireless network connection to a home router, regardless of whether the wireless router is...
” More about VAIO Easy Connect
This is a GUI for controlling special features in Sony VAIO laptops such as battery charge limiter, keyboard backlight, ambient light sensor, etc.
“VAIO Gate offers fast and easy access to favourite multimedia programs and entertainment. This gateway is always there as a visually attractive bar at the top of your desktop and keeps track of your...
” More about VAIO Gate Default
“Have you ever wanted to find vacation photos or sports videos saved on VAIO, and felt frustrated when you couldn’t find them quickly? With PMB (Picture Motion Browser), you can automatically organise...
” More about PMB
If you backed up files previously using VAIO Care Rescue, use VAIO Data Restore Tool to restore these files.
This utility is pre-installed on factory PC and provides an eventing model platform to manage function keys with relation to the volume control as well as interfaces with the VAIO Control Center...
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“Use your VAIO keyboard to control your television and input text quickly and conveniently. Remote Keyboard software is compatible only with VAIO notebooks installed with Windows 7 Operating System.”
“ArcSoft WebCam Companion® 4 offers a broad range of applications designed and optimized to record a video or take a special photo, letting you get the most out of any webcam. Now, HD and 3D mode are...
” More about ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4
VAIO DVD Menu Data is part of Click to Disc, which allows to create video discs.
The VAIO Improvement program is pre-installed with various VAIO laptop models. It will re-theme various components of Windows to include Sony VAIO themes including screensavers, wallpapers and style...
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VAIO Movie Story is an application which allows to easily create a high-quality movie with a theme and soundtrack, based on imported video and pictures. VAIO Movie Story is an editing application for...
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“Music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, games, photos, and more—whatever it is, Media Go helps you find, organize, and optimize it for playback on your computer or portable device. Media Go allows you to...
” More about Media Go
InterVideo WinDVD for VAIO is a white labled version of the software that is specificaly designed and pre-installed with various Sony VAIO computers. WinDVD is a commercial video player and music...
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Please note, should remove percentages and ratings are user contributed. Please make sure you read the suggestions and descriptions for each programs before uninstalling from your PC.