By Kim Yoo-chul



Samsung Electronics is distributing programs that allow Chinese consumers using Galaxy smartphones to delete pre-installed mobile applications in those devices.



"Chinese consumers using Samsung's Galaxy phones can now delete applications that were pre-installed because Samsung Electronics plans to provide software patches so things get done from next month," Samsung said.



The moves come after Samsung Electronics, the world's top smartphone manufacturer, was sued by a committee to protect consumer rights in Shanghai, China, for its alleged involvement in blocking Galaxy mobile users in that country from deleting applications.



Chinese consumers have asked Samsung to address issues over less storage due to pre-installed apps. The "N9008S" model, which was called as Galaxy Note 3 in Korea, was targeted by the Chinese committee.



The Chinese version of the Note 3 has 44 pre-installed mobile applications. Of those, 24 applications were required to be installed for the use of the phablet.



Samsung Electronics said Chinese consumers who want to delete pre-installed applications can download the patches at the company's after-sales centers.



The committee said it has no imminent plans to drop its lawsuit against the Korean technology giant.



"If Samsung fails to meet its own promise, then the legal tussle will be continued and expanded," said the committee.



Samsung Electronics China stated on the company's website that it will also allow customers to delete "unwanted applications" even in its latest models, such as the Galaxy S6.



