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AT&T blocks non-market apps from Motorola Backflip
AT&T has locked down its new Android-powered Motorola Backflip smartphone, preventing subscribers from installing non-market apps from unknown sources. Previous Android devices from rival U.S. operators have included support for non-market apps as a default option--Android proponents tout installation of non-market software and beta applications as one of the open-source platform's biggest advantages over Apple's rival iPhone.
As of press time, AT&T had not responded to FierceMobileContent's request to clarify the decision. According to the xda-developers Forum, developers and consumers can work around the Backflip lockdown by installing the latest Android SDK and enabling the USB debugging option.
AT&T previously broke from Android convention by releasing the Backflip with Yahoo as its default mobile search engine instead of Google's own search tool. Most if not all previous Android devices launched in the U.S. arrived at retail with Google installed as the default search option, although Motorola earlier offered Chinese consumers the option to select Baidu as their primary search service.
For more on AT&T's Backflip release:
- read this ComputerWorld article
Related articles:
AT&T finally adds 3G support for SlingPlayer Mobile app
AT&T to developers: We will reduce fragmentation
Comments
Posted by Anonymous | March 9, 2010 - 2:46pm
Open your mind people. If the Android platform is to proliferent, it will need to be accepted by a variety of market users. This platform can be enjoyed for the variety of features that this Android solution can provide, without the issues that the PhAndroids are complaining about. Most users won't need to root, or remove APPs, or be getting apps from any source other than those from the Android Market place.
The Android people should realize that a commoditized version, and subsequent versions will provide the success of the platform for the "purists" to have their needs met.
One would presume that if you unlocked the device, you could do with it as you wish, but you'll have to pay the no-contract price, or payoff the ETF to get the device unlocked via AT&T. This would give you the keys to do with it as you wish.
From my view, more of the consumer mass will want this device, than to have a device with come extent of carrier support for the existing apps, and approved apps.
I embrace the strategy, and I believe in the end, this move by AT&T is one that IT departments for Corporations will also want to provide controlled access, and not allow a bunch of "rogue" apps, or root access to otherwise undermine the integrity of the security and managability of the platform.
Let the sales for the BackFlip be the standard by which success for this Android is measure. I doubt it will fail because some Phandroid's needs aren't being met. Use another solution, if this one cramps your style.
Posted by Anonymous | May 17, 2010 - 5:04pm
Lets take a Google OS "Open Source" and strip all of google out and lock it down. Sweet, might as well get a Iphone. Screw you AT&T
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