HTC Evo 3D firmware update purges Carrier IQ
updated 12:30 pm EST, Mon January 16, 2012
Evo 3D update removes Carrier IQ, more to come?
A recent update for the HTC Evo 3D handset has removed the controversial Carrier IQ software, users over on the Android Central forum have found. The update was expected, and backs Sprint's earlier statement that it will back off from actively using the app. The HTC IQAgent and IQRD apps are now showing up as 0KB in the Manage Applications screen.
The move may be a sign that Sprint will remove the software from its numerous other handsets (17 in total) with future updates, and won't ship new ones with it preloaded. It did so based on customer feedback and concerns. Whether other carriers, such as AT&T and T-Mobile, follow suit, remains to be seen.
Carrier IQ collects information on call drops and data signal faliures, with the official reason for its existence being to ensure better customer service and troubleshooting of handset issues. Concerns have existed that HTC's particular implementation was collecting key strokes and data content that passed through Carrier IQ's software but was never supposed to be passed on.
