AT&T: Non-market Android app block forces accountability

A new dedicated Android landing page on the AT&T website includes an official explanation behind the operator's decision to block non-market Android applications from devices like the Motorola Backflip and HTC Aria. "AT&T selected Android Market as the exclusive source for applications because it forces developers to be accountable for the apps they submit," reads AT&T's Android FAQ. "If the Android community has issues with an app, the app can be flagged and removed. This minimizes the risk of malicious apps harming customers and provides more protection to the customer's private data stored on the phone."

Earlier this month, AT&T released the HTC Aria, its second Android smartphone--the device does not include the "Unknown Sources: Allow Install of Non-Market Applications" default option present on Android smartphones from rival U.S. operators, a precedent established with the March introduction of AT&T's first Android device, the Motorola Backflip. 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 non-market Android app block:
- read this AndroidGuys article

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