AT&T Android Users Can Browse, But Not Use The Amazon Appstore

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AT&T has been blocking Android users from downloading apps from anywhere except the official Android Market since they originally began offering Android smartphones. The block comes by way of keeping users from checking the “allow install of non-Market applications” box in the settings.

In short, no check and no apps from anywhere outside of the official Market. And while there has been lots of controversy in the geek crowd about that restriction, I would think it fairly safe to say that for the most part — it has only affected a handful of users. Granted, there has also not really been all that much in terms of mainstream competition to the Android Market leading up to this point.

Sure, there are some alternative app stores on Android, but none that will have the name behind Amazon. And the Amazon name will attract more regular customers. Especially when those customers are trying to get their free copy of Angry Birds Rio, which launched for free exclusively on the Amazon Appstore.

Needless to say, it looks like AT&T may be in the market (no pun intended) for a workaround to that “non-Market” restriction. It is yet to be determined when they will allow access, but judging from a recently launched splash page titled “coming soon” it looks like it will happen at some point in the not to distant future.

Anyway, at this point that page simply states that “AT&T is working on allowing purchases and downloads from the Amazon Appstore for Android in the near future.” In addition it also ask for your email and the type of phone you have. Bottom line, if you are an AT&T user and looking for access to the Amazon Appstore you should head over and make your voice heard by clicking here.

Of course, that leaves some to wonder whether AT&T will simply allow users to check that setting and install any non-Market apps or if they are going to add in a work around that will only allow the Amazon Appstore.