I am sure many have heard about AT&T’s first Android device, the Motorola Backflip.

It seems as though AT&T has watered it down to a ridiculous level.

They have

• Replaced Google Search with Yahoo Search
• Stopped removal of AT&T Pre-Loaded Apps
• Stopped the installation of Non-Marketplace Apps
• Running Android 1.5??

Has AT&T refused to really go straight Open Source? It sure seems that way. This is very similar to what the iPhone users are putting up with now.

Some say it was done to protect the users. How are you supposed to install the beta Swype, or how are developers supposed to test new applications on the device.

A Quote from AT&T Mobility’s (Wireless) CEO, Ralph de la Vega

“We like the Android as an operating system on its own, but we want to make sure that we have, and customers have the option, to put applications on that device that are not just Google applications. And we want to give customers the choice of other applications on that device, not just the same Google applications.”

Android and Me is reporting that a developer over at “xda-developers” has posted a  hack to get around the non-market application block.

Comment Question
————————————-

1. How do you feel about the Motorola Backflip

2. Do you think Apple is playing a role in this?