What is the purpose of these Windows 8 "Sony Applications?"

I've upgraded my SE to Windows 8, but am unsure of the purpose of a few Sony Applications:

Battery Checker Software
VAIO Power Management Software
VAIO Collaboration Applications Software
VAIO Data Restore Tool
VAIO Hardware Diagnostics Software

Some discoveries I've made:

- I've read that the Battery Checker Software only serves the purpose of checking to make sure the battery is Sony-approved, but am not sure if that's truly the case.

- I installed the VAIO Power Management Software, and was expecting to see a new tab in the Power Options dialog box, like there was in Windows 7, but this wasn't added. All I've noticed so far is that all my power options got changed, and at least one power option is now unavailable.

- I've read that the VAIO Data Restore Tool functions to backup and restore data, but am wondering if it requires that VAIO Care be installed (as I'd prefer not to install it)? I'm also not sure if this tool is of any real value.

That's all I know so far, and don't know anything else about the others, so if you know what the purpose is of any of these applications, and can shed some light, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks!

 

+1

Which "Sony Bloatware" shouldn't be categorised as such ?