- November 4, 2010 12:49 pm
Moto Backflip users have been stuck at Android 1.5 (Cupcake) since the device’s release. Blame Motorola’s custom skin and focus on higher-end devices. But alas, today is your day to shine. The Android 2.1 (Eclair) update is finally coming — November 9th. With it, users can expect such things as greater integration with Google services, new widgets, a total of 7 homescreens, a tweaked media gallery, and access to countless new apps that are only available to 2.0+ devices.
Yeah — Android 2.1 is last year’s news. But for Backflip owners, I’m sure they’ll take whatever bone AT&T and Motorola are willing to throw them. Backflip users: Let us know how it goes once the bits start flowing.
Update
The update has actually started rolling out to a small group of users today. It will go “global” (U.S. Only) by November 9th. Sorry for the confusion.
Leave it to AT&T to take a decent to awesome device on paper and completely gut the thing, rendering it useless and a piece of garbage. Yes, I’m ranting about the Motorola Backflip once again. But for good reason. The hardware is pretty unique in the design department. And for AT&T users, it’s their first taste of Android and Moto BLUR. They only deserve the best. Instead they got a plastic paperweight that isn’t worth the plastic it’s made out of. But the developer community has come through yet again.
Attention all: The Motorola Backflip has been rooted! Installable 3rd party apps outside of Android Market — check. Fully tweakable UI — check. Removing those god awful crap apps AT&T relentlessly crams down our throats — check, check. Well, almost. This current state of affairs for Moto Backflip rooting is an early one at that. Essentially, it’s not quite ready for mass adoption yet. At this point it’s pretty basic and is more intended as a “foot in the door”. So, devs interested in really making the Backflip useful, Larry Wheeler of “MyJanky” has kindly provided the means to do so.
The only downside so far is that because of the crippled nature of the device from the get-go, the actual “community” following that makes other Android models so alive and well in the dev scene hasn’t quite organized for the Backflip yet. But it’s a start. Hey, the tough part has been accomplished. Now it’s up to the vibrant Android community to put together some sweet actual bootable ROMs.
I’m sure once the news reaches AT&T, they’ll be super excited on the open development. Haha, just kidding.
Ubergizmo > AndroidSpinn
If you thought AT&T’s shenanigans regarding the ridiculous restrictions on the BackFlip were bad, I have some even more depressing news folks — the recently announced and actually slick looking Dell Aero will be as locked down as the BackFlip. Apparently, AT&T wants Android to fail, and epicly at that. There is no reason why Android should be locked down like AT&T is doing. Same as the BackFlip before it, the Aero will not allow apps installed from sources other than the Android Market and will come featuring Yahoo as the default search/crap app bundle provider.
Naturally, Android is all about being open and complete customization by the user. AT&T’s stance is exactly the opposite of everything Android stands for. Hence, the reason why I now avoid the death star carrier at all costs. I’m sure AT&T Android hopefuls are feeling even more depressed with the now second, completely ruined Android debut on Big Blue.
I for one am ashamed that Dell let AT&T walk all over them. Google looks to be that way too as “Google Experience” won’t be found anywhere on the Aero. It’s for a good reason though. Android devices on AT&T are garbage plain and simple — not even worth plastic toilet paper. Sadly, with the second AT&T Android device now ruled as crap, it looks like it will be a blanket policy on all AT&T Android devices — locked down, no 3rd party apps outside of Android market, and utter bullshit-esque strings attached. Awesome job AT&T.
Looks like the only real solution is to either bring in unlocked Android devices (not cheap) or pick up and leave dodge. Android/AT&T users: What are you going to do?
AndroidCommunity > PhoneArena
Thinking of picking up AT&T’s new Moto Backflip Android device? Don’t! This isn’t the first time we’ve highlighted how the Backflip is a monumental piece of garbage mind you. Nor am I the only person to blow the whistle on such a fact. The boat loads of AT&T crapware that big blue crams inside should be reason enough to avoid this POS. But it get’s worse, way worse. AT&T has caught a case of iPhone-itis and simultaneously failed to understand the open nature of Android by a new revelation that *only* “official” Android Market apps can be installed on the device. Backflip users: fire up the settings app and try (I dare you) to find the check box allowing unofficial apps to be installed. It’s not there.
Why would AT&T go this route? I mean, I’m sure they’re not getting any kickback from Google for apps. The way I see it, AT&T feels that 3rd party apps that allow such no-no’s as tethering and the like as catestrophic for their network. Not to mention, 3rd party apps such as tethering (to name but one of many examples) would cut AT&T out of that middle man piece of the pie. And we all know how much AT&T loves money — moreso than consumer satisfaction.
Another harsh reality is that many are claiming that manually removing AT&T’s crap apps is not possible and that the #su command isn’t working in terminal. If you didn’t know, su is the be all end all command or “authority” to let the user carry out whatever tasks they want. So again, the Backflip is a useless piece of gargabe.
I recommended avoiding the Backflip at all costs before this little gem of a story. Now that the device is even more crippled and useless, I beg Android users — please, do not support this crap. If AT&T/Moto see that consuemrs don’t want half-baked, crapware bloated devices, maybe they won’t force them upon us. Just let this one pass folks. Speak with your wallets.
MobileCrunch
Now before we go any further, I’ll make known that I understand Google isn’t Android and Android isn’t Google. Google just so happens to be one of the biggest OHA members who puts the bulk of marketing dollars behind the mobile OS. With that said however, so far Google has been Android. Any Android device you pick up that’s been labeled a “Google Experience” device as been stuffed full of Gmail, Google Maps, Googlve Voice, etc. A tight knit blend of hardware and software. AT&T is set to start the Android madness this month with their first (and utter POS) attempt at the Android game with the Backflip. Besides being tainted with all kinds of useless, overpriced AT&T crapware and services, a new revelation coming to light affects not only the Backflip, but all Android devices on AT&T — Google won’t be the go to service.
That title will now go to Yahoo. To be clear, it’s only the search provider for now as Google apps are bundled with the Backflip in particular. But could it signal a different stance by AT&T? Will future Android phones not only come riddled with god awful AT&T crap apps and less than stellar (read: half-baked) Yahoo apps? Replacing the default search provider with Yahoo may not seem like a big deal, but to some it’s a huge decision. Besides filling AT&T execs’ pockets with cash, I’d like to know any other reasoning as on the desktop search front, Yahoo has been sucking hard the last several months.
When all is said and done however, the relatively low-end feature set of the Backflip coupled with the boat load of bloatware compliments of AT&T means this phone is a strict “no buy/pass”. Unless you just have to have a cheap Android device on Big Blue, you’re better off unlocking some other Android device for AT&T usage or sucking it up and waiting for 1 of 4 other Android devices set to launch on AT&T this year.
Good, bad, ugly?
Android and Me
- February 6, 2010 10:40 am
AT&T has so far been the sole loner of the big 4 US carriers in regards to Android adoption. The reasons are unknown though many have formulated their own opinions from AT&T simply not caring all the way to them purposefully waiting until their iPhone exclusivity ends (or close to it) as to not cannibalize iPhone sales. Whatever it may be, we can all agree that AT&T needs some Android love.
A new leaked image of the so called “MOTOSPLIT” may be just Big Blue’s ticket seeing as the only Android phone in AT&T’s immediate future is the Backflip — which is utter garbage. If you recall, a couple of weeks back there was another leaked image of the MOTOSPLIT. Although, this image showed a completely different rendering. That rendering wasn’t looking to hot with it’s 8-10″ wingspan when both keypads were open though.
As far as specs go, we don’t know anything at this point. From the image and AndroidCommunity’s source (below), we do know that it will feature a unique dual slider design. Such designs aren’t too common, though if done correctly has the potential to be pretty cool.
Per AndroidCommunity Source:
The keyboard keys are inset and probably have no tactile feedback, however, they should be quite easy to use. It looks like the cutouts are pretty finger-friendly, as they contour to the shape of a standard finger. Under those cutouts is a low-resolution monochrome touch screen, one for each side of the keyboard. This is where the finger presses. The contact area is small, but the plastic grid that surrounds it contours to the fingers. The label and function of each key can be changed to suit certain layouts and applications.
The keyboard has multiple orientations. The keyboard can be pulled from side to side for typing on a surface. A small kickstand angles the phone when typing in this manner. The keyboard can also be pulled to the left for a standard landscape layout. There is also a dial-pad layout.
The specifications are slightly different than previously posted. The MOTOSPLIT uses the same processor as the BACKFLIP. Every other spec is almost the same as the BACKFLIP.
For now, the slated time frame for the SPLIT’s release is Q3 2010 on AT&T. I’m excited to see Motorola getting back into the groove of designing good phones as well as just eager to see how this dual-sliding design works out. Now if only they would make the internal specs match the visual appeal of the bodywork…
AndroidCommunity
- December 16, 2009 9:07 pm
To AT&T users who have been holding out for their day to claim Android and use the The Nation’s Most Reliable Network, The Nation’s Fastest Network, “Death Star” — a gsm network that happens to reside inside of the U.S — the Moto Backflip/Enzo is a slap in the face.
AT&T had to get into the Android game at some point. They’d be stupid not to. While many AT&T hopeful were no doubt looking forward to some sweet high end uber Android device, I’m sorry to say that they won’t find it here. Granted, something is better than nothing of course. Or is it?
The phone as we now know it is the Motorola Backflip/Enzo and features that oddly aligned keyboard that when closed allows the keyboard to rest on the outside of the phone — Why? (shout out to Android Central, haha) — and also comes pre-loaded chock full of AT&T specific apps, lables, and branded buttons. Oh joy.
The specs are pretty similar to the Moto CLIQ on T-Mobile and position the phone squarely as a mid-range device more geared towards tweeners ad the “younger at heart”.
- 3.1 inch display 320 x 480 (HVGA)
- 528 MHz Qualcomm MSM7201A
- GSM 850/900/1800/1900 W-CDMA 850/900/1700/1900/2100
- WiFi / Bluetooth 2.0 / GPS
- OS Android 1.5 with Motoblur
- 5 megapixel camera with LED flash
- Reverse flip keyboard & Rear directional touchpad
*Reamin positive, remain positive, remain positive.*
Being a complete gadget nerd I realize I want every new phone to blow me away and leave me speechless. I also realize that simply isn’t how life and the market woks. WIth that said, I’m still left disappointed completely disgusted with the Backflip/Enzo. AT&T people have been waiting for over a year and what do they have to show for it — a phone that uses the going on 2-year old 528MHz Qualcomm processor, outdated Android 1.5, AT&T garb through and through, and a goofy design that leaves the keyboard exposed even when closed.
Keyboard
First we’ll backtrack a tad and visit that keyboard. Why did they design it the way they did? I get the trackball on the back. It’s actually not a bad idea. It gives back precious space on the keyboard for what needs to be there — keys. The trackball then has free reign on the backside giving a rare yet seemingly highly functional design. The flipped keyboard however is weird. If the keys aren’t resilient, broken/missing keys are going to be a big issue. The keys however are nice and big — a plus!
Android 1.5?
What the hell is it with carriers spending so much time tweaking and fixing old software and pushing it out with a prettied face as if it’s something new and exciting. MotoBLUR’s design is cool and unique. I get that. But Android 1.5? Really!? I’d really like to know who makes these decisions and how they get the positions they do. The appearance of Android 1.5 isn’t the end however. Oh no, it’s gets better worse.
AT&T *vomit* branding
One of the great things about Android is the way it gives end users, carriers included, the ability to fully customize the OS till the ends of the earth. A blessing it is, a curse it has become. In the case of the AT&T Backflip/Enzo, AT&T hasn’t left any stone unturned, any button un-AT&T-ified, or any element of the phone free of AT&T’s crap branding. The AT&T key on the keyboard reeks of econo-phone stench. It’s just like those stupid WAP web buttons that Verizon in particular is getting so much flack for at the moment — nickel-and-diming users to death. If you have any dealings or memories of past encounters with dumb/feature phones on AT&T (or any other carrier), you’re all too familiar with those carrier branded apps. You know the ones that offer an extremely limited (read: poor, poor selection) of apps and services at greatly inflated prices and all because they (the carrier) feel they’re doing you a service.
**NOT a Google exerience — Yahoo Experience sucker punches after hiding popping out of the closet
Another blunder…wait for it…wait for it…a complete lack of any Google apps except for Google Maps. **Side Note: This isn’t the first “non-Google” phone. But seeing as how MotoBLUR on the CLIQ is so tightly integrated with Google apps, the complete 180 is striking.
Along the same lines, the stratification that everyone is starting to get worried about just got a big shot of relevance with this phone. A brand spankin’ new phone launching with old everything and the enemies search engine. I swear to god AT&T ruins everything they touch.
Yahoo Search love fest
Christ, I’ve lost all hope in this piece of garbage. An OS heavily pushed, touched, cared for, and ultimately run by Google features Yahoo Search as the crowning search provider. ‘Nough said.
I’ll probably get flamed, skewered, and raked over the hot coals for poo pooing AT&T’s Android virgin. So be it. I’m calling this waste of everyone’s time for what it is. Between insults and obscenities, just think about how you’re going to feel when twenty things are trying to update in the background (since MotoBLUR is all about the social scene) on that two-year old processor. Lest we not forget how the MotoCLIQ was looked upon unfavorably because of the unrefined OS. The ultimate uber social idea is great and all. But the hardware on the CLIQ — the exact same as this phone here — had a hard time juggling so many tasks.
In the end, I come away feeling sad. Sad beyond words for the countless AT&T users whom are weeping oceans from their faces asking themselves “Why?”. Why did they wait for so long only to be let down so harshly? Can AT&T not step away from their own little world where they’re the super greatest and realize that they are not a software company nor GUI designer? Because of that, they need to learn to keep their hands off of the phone itself. It worked wonderfully on the iPhone — not a hint of AT&T crap branding except for the network indicator. Though Apple has a much larger bargaining power than Motorola. On that note, I’d also be interested to know exactly how much influence Motorola had and how much power AT&T stripped away.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Backflip/Enzo will gain a loyal following much like the socially connected CLIQ on T-Mobile. But as far as gaining anything close to the Droid-like cult following and mass hysteria — well, there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell. Not one. The Moto Backflip/Enzo is a knock against Android, AT&T, and Motorola.
So AT&T users, are you now left looking ahead to the next Android device that will hopefully come sometime in 2010? Currently you’re only hope is looking at being either the Nexus One since it comes with your 3G bands and all or some completely unknown device. Ya, your options downright suck right now.
Phandroid Android Central
