AT&T takes the Google out of Google Android
One of the best things about Android is the deep integration with Google’s apps. If you’re a Gmail, Google Docs or Google Calendar user, there’s no doubt that Android is the way to go. Well, the geniuses at AT&T decided that Android is way too Googley for their taste. They decided to take the Google out of Google Android. Thus, AT&T’s first Android phone -the Backflip- is deprived of a lot of that Google integration.
The Backflip will be the first Android phone to have Yahoo as the default search engine. Everywhere you’ll go to do a web search that giant violet logo will be waiting for you. Engadget was as shocked as us:
“Yahoo has replaced Google as the default search provider throughout the phone. It’s crazy: the home screen widget, the browser, everything’s been programmed to use Yahoo. We love us some irony, but golly, we’d prefer Google searches most of the time.”
There’s a good and bad side to this story: On the good side, this is what Android is all about, anybody is free to anything they want to it. I don’t think there’s much Google can do to fight this, these issues come with the freedom of the OS. On the bad side, AT&T is making the choice for us by making Yahoo the default search engine. Also, there doesn’t seem to be an easy way to switch over to Google as the search engine. To make matters worse, they filled the phone with AT&T branded crapware:
- AllSport GPS
- AT&T Maps
- AT&T Music
- AT&T Navigator
- AT&T Wi-Fi Hotspots
- Mobile Banking
- MobiTV
- MusicID
- Where
- YPmobile
The motives for AT&T doing this are still unclear. We’re not even completely sure that it was AT&T’s decision to replace Google and not Motorola’s. But seeing as all other MotoBlur devices have Google included, we’re going to go ahead and blame this on AT&T. It’s not like they don’t have a million reasons to do this. AT&T and Google are not exactly best buddies; maybe they’re trying not to get caught in the crossfire between Apple and Google. The Backflip itself is not a bad phone; you can watch our hands on here. However, we recommend you wait and see what else AT&T has coming down the pike.
Via Engadget
that makes no sense to have an android phone with yahoo that totally defeats the purpose.The arrogance of ATT is astounding .They should just get over themselves already.If they didn't have the crapphone they wouldn't have any customers.So this handset will tank I am betting on it.
Att SUUUUUUUCKS!!!! they should get over themselves already they are ruining the Android experience by going Yahoo WTF!.If they didn't carry the iphoney they would have nothing to offer.So, they should just get over themselves already pompus pretentious asses.This phone will tank anyways once people realize that their keyboards and camera lens will get ruined in their pocket.
As Noah was flipping through the app tray in his unboxing, I picked out Gmail, Google Talk, and Youtube. The Market is there too. At least those are there.
I'm a Google fanboy, but I don't see anything wrong with carriers customizing their phones. They've been doing it for years. It would certainly sway my decision for purchasing.
That's the point of Android. Anyone can customize it to suit their needs. I don't recall seeing Google Search on the Android powered microwave that was at CES.
Have to see what ATT does with some of the higher end phones I am sure they have coming out after this one that are Android. I have ATT right now and really want to go from my plan idiot phone over to a new shiny Android phone but I am certainly not going to give my money to ATT if they are going to cripple the crap out of their Android phones.
Unsurprising, AT&T has the iPhone, and Apple and Google are not being very friendly right now. AT&T doesn't want to piss off Apple because without the iPhone, everybody would notice how much they suck.
hello?, att+iPhone= enemy for google
*face palm* ugh realy att ??? REALY.
I hope AT&T doesn't get the Desire, they'd probably find a way to ruin that phone too.
I bet Steve Jobs had a hand in this.
they didnt want to run apple away
If you wish to study a granfalloon,
Just remove the skin of a toy balloon.
–Kurt Vonnegut, Poetry of Bokonon
If you wish to study a granfalloon,
Just remove the skin of a toy balloon.
–Kurt Vonnegut, Poetry of Bokonon
If you wish to study a granfalloon,
Just remove the skin of a toy balloon.
–Kurt Vonnegut, Poetry of Bokonon