HTC Aria To Block Third-Party Apps On AT&T

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Very disappointing for Android fans on AT&T who have been waiting for a quality Android phone to grace their mobile carrier. Like the earlier Motorola Backflip, AT&T will be blocking the installation of unsigned (third-party, non-Android Market) apps on the HTC Aria.

AT&T drew some heat from the Android faithful earlier this year. Their first Android device, the Motorola Backflip, featured Yahoo (and only Yahoo) as the search provider and didn’t allow installation of unsigned, non-Android Market applications. Since then, AT&T has been slow to introduce Android phones (what happened to the Dell Aero?), but Android fans on the carrier must of been pleased when the HTC Aria was unveiled.

Unfortunately, IntoMobile reports that the HTC Aria will feature a similar app restriction to the Motorola Backflip. The ability to use third-party applications is something that’s been popular on Android phones, as well as BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Palm devices.

It’s worth mentioning that Android is an open-source operating system, and should be allowed to do this – but it’s somewhat discomforting to see AT&T try to “iPhone-ify” all their Android devices on the carrier. Some out there will surely think that AT&T is trying to protect the iPhone and it’s closed App Store environment, and they may be right.

Android purists on AT&T can still purchase the Nexus One – which Google sells directly to consumers in a model that carries 3G bands. If you’re looking for a carrier subsidized Android device on AT&T – you have to accept AT&T’s rules.

Any AT&T customers unhappy with this decision?