Manufacturer apps exist for good reasons—firmware updates, advanced features, and detailed controls. For everyday use, though, they're way more than necessary. I just wanted the lights on or off, maybe dimmed a bit. Having five different apps turned into more work than it solved.

Government’s directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones sold in India has triggered sharp debate over privacy and digital surveillance.

The government has ordered mobile manufacturers to preinstall the Sanchar Saathi app to combat IMEI tampering. This latest directive also covers devices already in the supply chain.