Well, not quite. We reached out to Verizon (yes, they're our corporate overlords) for details, and it tells us that Ignite isn't the bloatware apocalypse some are making it out to be. Much as on earlier devices, Ignite is there to make sure that you're getting the most recent software loadout when you either set up a new phone or reset to factory defaults. You shouldn't see bloatware apps popping up without warning, then. Also, a spokesman swears that it's possible to completely uninstall (not just disable) new apps that do show up as a result. You can disable Ignite if you're still worried.

The remarks aren't going to completely allay fears that Ignite could let Verizon do something sneaky, whether or not it's limited to factory-fresh devices. And of course, they don't tackle the underlying complaints about the very existence of bloatware -- why do we need so many redundant or pointless apps, Verizon? However, this does serve as a reminder that even the pushier carriers have their limits.