Lenovo’s Windows 10 Laptops Will Be Free Of Superfish-Like Adware
Lenovo announces Window 10 device lineup, and promises to come clean on the software pre-installed on the devices
With Windows 10 set to be released this week, Chinese PC manufacturer Lenovo has announced its first devices that will feature the brand new operating system.
But the company has promised that its Windows 10 devices will be shipped free from adware software that caused a storm back in February.
“We are starting immediately, and by the time we launch our Windows 10 products, our standard image will only include the operating system and related software, software required to make hardware work well, security software and Lenovo applications,” said Lenovo.
Superfish
“This should eliminate what our industry calls “adware” and “bloatware.”
Lenovo started shipping laptops pre-installed with software called Superfish in September 2014. The adware collected users’ data from web browsers without their knowledge or consent. This posed a serious security risk as hackers could generate a key to the adware’s certificate, spoofing the users into thinking they’re safe on websites such as banks, all the while slurping up their information.
The US Government even stepped in, warning users of Lenovo laptops to remove Superfish to prevent security risks.
Lenovo ultimately had to publicly apologise, as well as offer affected users a 6-month subscription to McAfee’s LiveSafe security service. The firm said that it will make efforts to post information about all of the software that is preloaded onto its Windows 10 PCs, clearly explaining what each application does.
“We view these actions as a starting point. We believe that these steps will make our technology better, safer and more secure,” said Lenovo.
Lenovo will also release two new versions of its flagship applications – Lenovo Companion and Lenovo Settings, in time with the Windows 10 launch. Both Lenovo-developed applications will come standard on Lenovo PCs preloaded with Windows 10.
Lenovo Settings 3.0 will be a “smart” device control hub aggregating all of the most common hardware device functions into one place, including a new ‘battery stretch mode’ and ‘charge mode’ for faster battery replenishment.
The new-look Lenovo Companion it can be used to run a full-scale checkup and report back with specific actions that could free up space and speed up a user’s device. Companion will then complete the actions all within the user’s control.
“With Windows 10, computing gets more personal, productive and connected,” said Tom Shell, senior vice president, PC Business Group, Lenovo. “From 21-in to 10-in products from the office to the home, we’ve optimised our Lenovo devices to give customers a simple way to upgrade their PC or tablet while giving them enhanced search tools like Cortana with REACHit.”
