AT&T's Second Android Phone is Locked Down Too
AT&T's Second Android Phone is Locked Down Too
Posted 06/17/2010 at 3:08pm
| by Ryan Whitwam
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When AT&T launched the Motorola Backflip a few months back, it was largely a disappointment for those hoping for a solid Android experience on the network. The Backflip had a number of faults, among them was that the carrier had locked users out of installing apps manually. That is, apps that are not in the Android Market. Now the carriers second official Android phone, the HTC Aria, is also unable to install non-Market apps.
Android is an open mobile operating system, which allows manufacturers and carriers to modify it as they wish. It also allows users unprecedented control over the phone's software. In the case of AT&T however, it seems apparent the users are not to be trusted with that kind of power. Being unable to install external applications locks users out of many beta and pre-release apps. For example, the hotly anticipated Audible app is available only as a standalone beta that must be manually installed. The Swype keyboard replacement is in a similar boat. The Dropbox app was also released in this way before it hit the Market.
As a general rule, we're not in favor of taking options away from users. It feels like AT&T isn't understanding what Android is about. This looks to be a pattern for AT&T now, and we can expect this sort of behavior from them in the future. It is technically possible to use the Android SDK to install third-party software, but the process is complicated. Average users are going to be left out in the cold.
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smeeIT
June 20, 2010 at 9:16pm
This is exactly why we're switching to Verizon.
AT&T+Apple=Phat Phail
HTC Incredible, here I come.
dragonziggy
June 18, 2010 at 7:46am
it sounds like ATT has been sleeping in Apple's bed a little too long... they are so used to users having no options they don't know how to let people do what they want...lol
j0k3r.31337
June 17, 2010 at 8:52pm
just sayin but on the voice and data at the same time thing. att isnt only one that can do it ive been doin it on sprint for a few phones now. but ya i agree att androids suck. i work for them and cant stand them and are so buggy as well. stock is never fun thats y i rooted my samsung moment android really can be so much more the iphone os when u want to be able to customize and develope
BobbyPhoenix
June 17, 2010 at 5:52pm
You can buy an unlocked Nexus One to use with AT&T, and AT&T can't do a damn thing about it as far as locking it down, so you can have the full Android meal. Also T-Mo can do the voice and data at the same time because both carriers use the same technology. As far as speed goes T-Mo's upgrading their 3G towers, and so far here in Orlando, FL I get 5.85 MBPS downloads on it. That's pretty fast in my book.
MdX MaxX
June 17, 2010 at 5:50pm
Damn. I'm sure they'll do the same with the new Samsung Captivate as well.
Once I get a job I'm switching to T-Mobile and getting a Galaxy S or a Nexus One.
(I'm 16 BTW)
rlynker
June 17, 2010 at 5:16pm
I had been holding out for AT&T to get onboard with the Android phones. When I first heard about the new Aria, I had a bit of hope. However, its specs weren't even close to that of the Nexus One and Incredible. I then switched to Verizon and ordered a Droid Incredible. This piece of news only confirms that I made the right choice.
Pyrophorics
June 17, 2010 at 4:58pm
The ONLY reason to go with AT&T is because they can do simultaneous data and voice. Once other carriers hit 4g, there will be nothing but the iPhone keeping people on AT&T. Hopefully the rumors are true about a Verizon phone in September.
Danthrax66
June 17, 2010 at 5:08pm
EVO 4g FTW!!!!!!!!!! Oh and unlimited calls to any cellphone and unlimited (truly unlimited) data and tethering and my city actually getting 4g.
Danthrax66
June 17, 2010 at 3:10pm
If you want an android phone go to Verizon or sprint (getting an evo at the end of the month :D ). At&t wouldn't be a company anymore if they didn't have the iphone.
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