Removing the NASCAR app from your Palm Pre
by Hans Kokx on Jun.24, 2009, under Tips & Tricks, Visitor Favorite
Introduction
Ever since the Palm Pre came out, there has been a dull uproar over the inability to remove certain apps, specifically the NASCAR app that nobody seems to use. A typical downloaded application can be removed by pressing [orange] while tapping on the application icon. A dialog will pop up that gives you the option to delete the application. Unfortunately, this option does not exist for the NASCAR application.
The Solution
By editing the json file, we can enable the removal of the NASCAR application. If you are not familiar with json, I suggest reading up on it here. You will need a rooted Pre, you will need to mount your filesystem as read/write, and you will need to edit the json file. Let's step through this process.
- First, you will need to root your pre, if you haven't already done so.
- Next, you need to remount the file system as read/write.
mount -o remount,rw / - Finally, we need to edit the file. Use vi to open /usr/palm/applications/com.handson.app.nascar/appinfo.json
We need to edit the file to include a line at the end of the list, before the closing bracket that reads:
"removable": true
Reboot your device by either pulling the battery, holding the off key, or using the key combination [orange]+[sym]+[r]. The application should be removed from your home screen. Additionally, you can now remove the application folder.
Conclusion
While this removes the NASCAR application now, it is difficult, if not impossible, to say if it will stay removed when Palm pushes their next mandatory OS update. At least we will have one less useless application icon on our screen until then.
Update: There is a fantastic explanation of JSON over at http://posterous.danielmiessler.com/using-json-to-exchange-data-betterexplained. 11/29/09
June 26th, 2009 on 11:44 am
Why on earth would it come with a NASCAR app by default!?
June 26th, 2009 on 11:45 am
Because of the “Sprint NEXTEL Cup,” I would assume.
October 23rd, 2009 on 3:47 am
To hide a few of the standard apps you can use WebOS Quick Install. It is a java program: WebOSQuickInstall.jar. Click on it in Windows Explorer with the Pre connected to the PC with the USB cable and choose “Just charge”.
When the window opens on the PC choose “Tools” in the menu. Then “Tweaks”. Click on the “Styling Mods” tab. There you have the options “Hide Nascar application”, “Hide NFL application” and a couple others.
The program offers several other options and also the ability to install programs on the Pre.
October 23rd, 2009 on 12:27 pm
Yeah, you’re right NeilP. This article was done before that app came out, and should be used for historical/reference/educational purposes only. It’s much safer to use the WebOS Quick Install method now. Thanks for pointing that out!