#!/usr/bin/env bash declare -a sony=( # I NEVER HAD A SONY DEVICE ON HAND. # I did some intensive searches on the web to find a list and I try my best to document it but I need Nokia users to really improve it. # I use [MORE INFO NEEDED] tag as a marker. "com.sony.tvsideview.videoph" # Video & TV SideView (replaced by https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sony.tvsideview.phone) # Lets you use your smartphone or tablet as a TV remote control for the home. "com.sonyericsson.android.addoncamera.artfilter" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Sony Creative effect # Gives options for various photographic toning effects in the Sony camera app. # I'm not 100% sure for this one. Can someone confirm ? "com.sonyericsson.android.omacp" # omacp = OMA Client Provisioning. It is a protocol specified by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). # It is used by carrier to send "configuration SMS" which can setup network settings (such as APN). # In my case, it was automatic and I never needed configuration messages. I'm pretty sure that in France this package is useless. # Maybe it's useful if carriers change their APN... but you still can change it manually, it's not difficult. # These special "confirguration SMS" can be abused : # https://www.zdnet.fr/actualites/les-smartphones-samsung-huawei-lg-et-sony-vulnerables-a-des-attaques-par-provisioning-39890045.htm # https://www.csoonline.com/article/3435729/sms-based-provisioning-messages-enable-advanced-phishing-on-android-phones.html "com.sonyericsson.conversations.res.overlay_305" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] "com.sonyericsson.conversations.res.overlay" # Used to display a overlay notification (= on top of others app) when you receive a SMS with Sony SMS app ? "com.sonyericsson.idd.agent" # Anonymous Usage Stats # Used to send "anonymous" information about how you use your Sony Smartphone to Sony servers. # Nobody knows how these info are anonymized... #"com.sonyericsson.mtp" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # MTP extension service # I think it's needed transfert data from you phone to a PC when using the Media Transfert Protocol (MTP). # Does MTP still works if you delete this package ? "com.sonyericsson.mtp.extension.backuprestore" # Backup/Restore Sony feature. # It enable you to backup (Contacts, call logs, text messages, calendar, settings, bookmarks & media files) # NOTE : I don't think this feature can backup your messages or calendars for instance if you don't use the Sony stock app. # https://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaz2/userguide/backing-up-and-restoring-content-on-a-device/ "com.sonyericsson.mtp.extension.update" # Update service for MTP Extension. # I don't know what it really does. Update drivers ? "com.sonyericsson.music" # Sony music player (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonyericsson.music) "com.sonyericsson.settings.res.overlay_305" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Some people removed this package. I guess it's only an (useless) overlay the the settings ? "com.sonyericsson.startupflagservice" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Startup Flag Service # Used during the production of the phone to verify that the touch input works. # It can be triggered when a specific TA-parameter is not set. This should never be triggered and if it does well it doesn't have any use for you. # # TA means Timing Advance and its value correspond to the length of time a signal takes to reach the base station from a mobile phone. # https://www.telecomhall.net/t/parameter-timing-advance-ta/6390 "com.sonyericsson.textinput.chinese" # Sony chinese keyboard "com.sonyericsson.trackid.res.overlay" "com.sonyericsson.trackid.res.overlay_305" # Overlay for Sony trackid # Trackid was a mobile music and audio search engine (like Shazam). It has been discontinued by Sony. # REMINDER : An overlay allows apps to display content on top of other apps. "com.sonyericsson.unsupportedheadsetnotifier" # Given its name, it think it diplays a notification when a insert a headset not compatible with you phone. "com.sonyericsson.wappush" # WAP Push # Used to display annoying WAP push. # WAP push is a type of text message that contains a direct link to a particular Web page. # When a user is sent a WAP-push message, he receives an alert, once clicked, directs him to the Web page via his browser. # Personally, I don't like this. URLs are now recognized by the SMS instant messaging apps and you just have to click on it. "com.sonyericsson.warrantytime" # Lets you see some info about your warranty and how long it will last. "com.sonyericsson.xhs" # Sony Xperia Lounge (discontinued by Sony on August 2019) # The Xperia Lounge app was meant to provide loyal fans with various rewards for their Xperia smartphones, # such as exclusive Xperia Themes and wallpapers, as well as competitions. "com.sonymobile.advancedlogging" # Advanced Logging # Sends logs to Sony Mobile. These logs contain a wide range of personal information such as unique device IDs, your location, # details regarding running applications, and events/input leading up to a crash. # Logging is only active for a short time and automatically disabled once logging has been completed. # Logs are uploaded when connected to Wi-Fi and automatically deleted when the upload is complete. "com.sonymobile.advancedwidget.topcontacts" # Top Contacts widget # It will show pictures of your most frequently used contacts right on your home screen. # REMINDER : Widgets are small applications that you can use directly on the window screen. They also function as shortcuts "com.sonymobile.android.addoncamera.soundphoto" # Sony Sound Photo # Lets you record a background sound and take a photo at the same time with the Sound Photo app. "com.sonymobile.androidapp.cameraaddon.areffect" # Old package for AR Effect (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.androidapp.cameraaddon.areffect) # Lets you add AR (Augmented Reality) effects to your pictures and videos. "com.sonymobile.android.externalkeyboard" # International keyboard layouts # Useless if you use latin keyboard "com.sonymobile.android.contacts.res.overlay_305" # Overlay for Sony contacts. # REMINDER : An overlay allows apps to display content on top of other apps. "com.sonymobile.android.externalkeyboardjp" # Japanese layout for Sony keyboard. "com.sonymobile.anondata" # Anonymous Usage Stats (yes just as com.sonyericsson.idd.agent but it's for other phones) # Used to send "anonymous" information about how you use your Sony Smartphone to Sony servers. # Nobody knows how these info are anonymized... #"com.sonymobile.apnupdater" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # I guess it automatically updates your APN settings if your carrier changes it ? # I thought it was the role of com.android.carrierconfig. # NOTE : The probability that your carrier's APN change is very low. # APN : https://tamingthedroid.com/what-apn-settings-mean #"com.sonymobile.apnupdater.res.overlay_305" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Overlay for APN Updater. Useful ? "com.sonymobile.aptx.notifier" # Aptx Notifier # aptX (formerly apt-X) is a family of proprietary audio codec compression algorithms owned by Qualcomm. # If you don't mind closed source codec, aptX has lower latency and is less of a drain on your battery than default codec (AAC) # This package is used to display a notification when a device using aptX (bluetooth headphone typically) is connected. # Its only use is to tell you that you use aptX bluetooth with the connected device. "com.sonymobile.assist" # Xperia Assist (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.assist) # Learns how you use your phone. "com.sonymobile.assist.persistent" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Related to Xperia Assist (see just above) but I don't know its purpose. "com.sonymobile.cameracommon.wearablebridge" # Camera Wearable bridge # Lets you take pictures with your phone by using Sony SmartWatch. #"com.sonymobile.cellbroadcast.notification" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Cell information # Cell broadcast is a method of sending messages to multiple mobile telephone users in a defined area at the same time. # It is often used for regional emergency alerts. # I think this package only handles notifications for broadcast cell, not the implementation. # It seems to me that broadcast SMS use normal notifications so there is chances that this package provide special notification for Sony SMS app ? "com.sonymobile.coverapp2" # Style Cover # Themes for lockscreen. "com.sonymobile.demoappchecker" # Demo app checker # Lets you enter/exit (in) the demonstration mode. # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demo_mode "com.sonymobile.deviceconfigtool" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Configuration agent # Seems to do things related cloud but it's unclear. # https://knowledge.protektoid.com/apps/com.sonymobile.deviceconfigtool/91e44f1e19b364411776d758ff3b27f703bd4b60c9399c43c124f37d0c30df27 "com.sonymobile.dualshockmanager" # DUALSHOCK # Provide PlayStation DualShock controller support for Android (Settings > Device connection > Dualshock) "com.sonymobile.email" # Sony Email app "com.sonymobile.entrance" # What's New (discontinued in 2014) # Provided news from Sony products through extremely annoying automated notifications. "com.sonymobile.getmore.client" # Xperia Tips (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.getmore.client) # Gives you tips for your Xperia device. "com.sonymobile.getset" # Xperia Actions (discontinued) # Lets you automate some actions (only a few) # https://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaxz/userguide/xperia-actions/ "com.sonymobile.getset.priv" # Xperia Actions System # Same thing as the package above. "com.sonymobile.gettoknowit" # Introduction to Xperia (discontinued) # Introduces you the features of your phone. "com.sonymobile.glovemode" # Sony Glove mode # Lets you use your smart phone and touch the screen while wearing regular gloves. "com.sonymobile.googleanalyticsproxy" # Google Analytics Proxy # Allows you to publicly share your Google Analytics reporting data # https://developers.google.com/analytics/solutions/google-analytics-super-proxy "com.sonymobile.intelligent.backlight" # Smart backlight control # Keeps the screen on as long as the device is held in your hand. Once you put down the device, the screen turns off according to your sleep setting. "com.sonymobile.indeviceintelligence" # Xperia Intelligence Engine # This app is supposed to understand how you use the phone, the apps you prefer, and will suggest tips # and options based on app usage, how often you use an app, what time of day... # For me this just looks like a AI bullshit app who has a huge list of permissions and launch in background at boot # This app performs geofencing (check if your are located in a certain perimeter, near your home for instance) # and this doesn't looks great privacy-wise (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geo-fence) "com.sonymobile.intelligent.gesture" # Smart call handling # Lets you handle incoming calls without touching the screen. # https://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaxz/userguide/smart-call-handling/ "com.sonymobile.intelligent.iengine" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # According to a sony user it is part of Smart Screen rotation (auto screen rotation based on the gyroscope). # Seems not reliable. # Does it break the screen-rotation if removed? "com.sonymobile.intelligent.observer" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # IntelligentObserver # ???? (but intelligent stuff are safe to remove) "com.sonymobile.lifelog" # Lifelog (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.lifelog) # Another activity tracker app. "com.sonymobile.moviecreator.rmm" # Movie Creator (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.moviecreator.rmm) # Automatically creates short movies using your photos and videos. "com.sonymobile.mtp.extension.fotaupdate" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # fota update service # FOTA = Firmware Over-The-Air # FOTA allows manufacturers to remotely install new software updates, features and services. # Given there is "mtp.extension" in the package name, I think it lets you update your phone via your PC. # What's weird is that it should be called SEUS then (https://www.mobilefun.co.uk/blog/2008/06/software-updates-sony-ericsson/) "com.sonymobile.music.googlelyricsplugin" # Google lyrics plugin # Provides lycris from Google in the sony music app "com.sonymobile.music.wikipediaplugin" # Wikipedia plugin for sony music app "com.sonymobile.music.youtubekaraokeplugin" # Youtube karaoke plugin for sony music app "com.sonymobile.music.youtubeplugin" # Youtube plugin for sony music app "com.sonymobile.pip" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Sony pip (Picture in Picture) # Allows videos to shrink down to a small resizable window. # Only useful bere Android Oreo which provide native support for Pip ? # https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/ui/picture-in-picture # https://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaxz1compact/faq/apps-&-settings/8019307455ff6184015e92f63324005926/ "com.sonymobile.pobox" # Xperia Japanese keyboard # Does someone know what "popox" means ? "com.sonymobile.prediction" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Sony text prediction (for Sony keyboard) # It's only a supposition. Can someone confirm ? "com.sonymobile.retaildemo" # Retail Demo # Retail demonstration mode. # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demo_mode "com.sonymobile.scan3d" # Sony 3D Creator (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.scan3d) # Lets you capture your stuff in 3D, from your smartphone, and turn people and objects into high-resolution 3D avatars. # https://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/apps-services/3d-creator/ "com.sonymobile.simlockunlockapp" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Sim Lock # Provide menu (type *#*#7378423#*#* in dialer) to see if your device is locked to a network carrier # It need confirmation because it also could be related to SIM network unlock code. "com.sonymobile.smartcharger" # Battery Care # Detects your charging patterns and estimates the start and end time of your regular charging period. # The rate of charging is controlled so that your battery reaches 100% just before you disconnect the charger. # https://support.sonymobile.com/gb/xperiaxz/userguide/battery-and-power-management/ "com.sonymobile.support" # Sony Support (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.support) # Useless support app. "com.sonymobile.synchub" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Sony Backup & restore feature to/from Google drive ? # Can someone confirm ? Does it impact com.sonyericsson.mtp.extension.backuprestore ? # https://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperia10/faq/apps-&-settings/801930747866b72a016b307df3b6007faf/ "com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid18.black" "com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid19.silver" "com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid20.blue" "com.sonymobile.themes.sou.cid21.pink" "com.sonymobile.themes.xperialoops2" # Sony themes "com.sonymobile.xperialounge.services" # Xperia™ Lounge Pass service (discontinued) # The Xperia Lounge app was meant to provide loyal fans with various rewards for their Xperia smartphones, # such as exclusive Xperia Themes and wallpapers, as well as competitions. # https://www.phonearena.com/news/Sony-Xperia-Lounge-shutting-down_id118252 "com.sonymobile.xperiaxlivewallpaper" "com.sonymobile.xperiaxlivewallpaper.product.res.overlay" # Xperia Loops # Useless and ugly live wallaper from Sony. "com.sonymobile.xperiaservices" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Xperia services # I guess it provides things for Sony apps but I don't know what. # Safe to remove but it'd be to know what Sony apps work without it. "com.sonymobile.xperiatransfermobile" # Xperia Transfer Mobile (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.xperiatransfermobile) # Helps you move your contacts, messages, photos, and much more from your old Android, iOS or Windows Phone device to your new Xperia from Sony. "com.sonymobile.xperiaweather" # Sony weather app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.xperiaweather) # Note : Not all location are supported. ############################## ADVANCED DEBLOAT ############################## #"com.sonyericsson.album" # Sony gallery app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonyericsson.album) #"com.sonyericsson.android.camera3d" # on older phones #"com.sonymobile.camera" # Sony camera app #"com.sonymobile.android.contacts" # Sony contacts # "com.sonymobile.home" # "com.sonymobile.launcher" # Sony launcher # It's basically the home screen, the way icons apps are organized and displayed. # DON'T REMOVE THIS IF YOU DIDN'T INSTALL ANOTHER LAUNCHER ! # You normally only have one of these two in your phone )