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?
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by 
March 31, 2010 at 11:46 am
Just root your Android phone and put any app you want on it. This isn’t rocket science.
March 31, 2010 at 11:58 am
That’s what I’d recommend. But not everyone wants to/knows how to root their phone. Manually updating this way with an update.zip is pretty basic so that even “non-techies” can do it.
March 29, 2010 at 4:27 am
I have just returned my Backflip today and went back to the unlocked G1. Very good hardware but pathetic approach and misunderstanding of the whole android concept.
For all of those frustrated and disappointed at&t customers, please join us on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=363063913320&ref=ts
March 29, 2010 at 1:36 am
Android users: Avoid Google Android powered Dell Aero phone on AT&T at all costs! AT&T ruins another good phone. http://bit.ly/93Vqb2
March 28, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Android users: Avoid AT&T at all costs! Dell Aero to come crippled … - http://bit.ly/aNV0w2
March 28, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Dumb move ATT and Dell. The point is to keep customers happy, showcase innovation and ultimately gain new customer. But being more Draconian then Verizon in their “glory years” ATT is bound to frustrate existing customers and frighten off possible new customers. And locking phones down is not helping showcase the work Dell and Google put into making the phone. And I’m suprised Google isn’t freaking out more about Yahoo search on the phone. Bye bye Google experience, hello mediocre/normal lack of integration.
March 28, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Why not let it be released first before passing judgment?
March 28, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Because, AT&T’s position with Android — and in this case the Dell Aero — completely negates the usefulness and “entire point” of Android. The hardware can be the best hardware in the world, yet if you can’t customize how you see fit, exactly the thing you should be able to do with *your* cellphone, then what’s the point? Furthermore, AT&T is purposely bundling several POS bloatware apps that they push out to every other phone on their network. The “benefit” or in the real world cons of such apps aren’t “opinions”.
My brief time with a BlackBerry on AT&T (the only other non-iPhone I had on the carrier) was a nightmare. As soon as the activation went through, I had no less than 7 icons for AT&T branded crap apps that were overpriced and under developed. Such “innovation” by AT&T is a joke. In the case of Android on AT&T, it’s a slap in the face and disheartening.
As far as I’m concerned, Android on AT&T is already dead. They’re turning Android into another in-house carrier branded OS of sorts. No thanks.
March 28, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Android users: Avoid AT&T at all costs! Dell Aero to come crippled just like …: by Mike If you thought AT&T's sh… http://bit.ly/bP291a