Tethering apps back in Android Marketplace — Minus the U.S. Marketplace that is.

The outrage that Google and the Android team would have the nerve to remove software, specifically tethering apps from an “open source” app store has caused angry cries all of the web.  Well there is some good news to report this morning.  It appears Google is reinstating the tethering apps except with one small attached string — T-Mobile U.S.A. users are locked out from using the app.

The developer of the WiFi Tether for Root kit users received the following message from Google:

We inadvertently unpublished your application for all mobile providers; if you like, we can restore your app so that all Android Market users outside the T-Mobile US network will have access to your application

Awesome, now Android is being filtered and regulated by country.  Seems as if T-Mob has started feeling too nice and is desperately trying to build the reputation that AT&T and Verizon have built up for anti-consumer policies.  Truly is sad when your open source app store has strings and all sorts of hoops to jump though, not to mention being a the mercy of an ever increasingly stringent carrier.  Oh well, if you really want a banned app, there are ways, though the more secritive things in life aren’t always easy to attain.

Android users, is this a stab in the back?  When your T-Mob contract is up will you defect to another carrier or will you stick it out?  Just remember, the gates are now open as T-Mobile has free reign to pressure Google into allowing/not allowing any app that it sees fit.  The “openess” was great while it lasted…

Source: Gizmodo, Android Community

Author: Mike Norris

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Gadget lover, smartphone collector, and beer connoisseur. I've been writing about gadgets for three years now and loving every minute of it. Outside of the digital landscape, I enjoy being active outdoors. I'm always up for a good conversation, so feel free to drop me a line!