AT&T locks down Android app alternatives on HTC Aria

AT&T has locked down its new Android-powered HTC Aria smartphone, preventing subscribers from installing non-market apps from unknown sources--a precedent established with the March introduction of the operator's first Android device, the Motorola Backflip. MobileCrunch reports that the Aria does not include the "Unknown Sources: Allow Install of Non-Market Applications" default option present on Android smartphones from rival U.S. operators. 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.

AT&T recently courted controversy over its decision to retire its $29.99 per month unlimited data pricing plan in favor of offering new subscribers a tiered model based on usage. According to AT&T, the new plans promise to slash monthly fees for as much as 98 percent of its customer base, but some developers express concern that consumers may now face a reluctance to download and use bandwidth-intensive applications. Pundits also expect some developers may scale back their applications, eschewing more robust features.

For more on the Aria apps lockdown:
- read this MobileCrunch article

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