Motorola Backflip does not allow web installs or untrusted sources

[apphacker]

Bought a Backflip today, will be returning it tomorrow. Why? Been waiting forever to get an android phone so I can script with it, something I can't do with an iphone.

Requires this app:

android-scripting - Project Hosting on Google Code

Requires web installs.

No such possibility with the Backflip since you can't allow untrusted sources. No such option in the applications setting view where it is for every other android phone.

So I'm trying to tell as many people as possible to not buy this phone, warning them that at&t seriously screwed it up.

Some more fun filled facts:

Yahoo is default search, can't turn that off.
Several uninstallable AT&T apps come preloaded such as AT&T Navigation which requires a $$$ per month subscription, like $30 or $19 I don't remember.

The physical phone is very nice, but you know I'm sad to be returning it. It's ****ed. I got enough of a taste for android from this phone to consider dumping at&t completely and going with a Verizon Droid.

 

[Swizz]

While AT&T navigation is a subscription service, does the phone include Google maps at no additional rate? That's a little silly that they're locking it down as hard as they are. Then again, I hate Motorola phones; and I own stock in them!

 

[smott]

I'm suspicious that this has to do with AT&T and Apple's contract agreement. I heard rumors a while back that they weren't supposed to get ANY android phones. I don't understand why any service provider would want to do that for any other reason but that.

 

[apphacker]

While AT&T navigation is a subscription service, does the phone include Google maps at no additional rate? That's a little silly that they're locking it down as hard as they are. Then again, I hate Motorola phones; and I own stock in them!

Yes, Google Maps is there. I'm on hold with level 4 Motorola support because of the web install issue. Thought I'd give a call and just make sure just before returning the phone. I was surprised that they didn't know why I don't have that option in application settings.

 

[apphacker]

Ok just finished the call. The guy on the phone said "due to carrier restrictions" that option is not available. Ok, returning this phone. **** AT&T.

 

[Swizz]

Wow. Thanks for the heads up! This should serve as a warning to anyone who wants to use an Android device for more than a money sink.

 

[zanson]

i have 30 days to return the phone, so if there is no way around this in the next 2 weeks, i'll be returning it. seriously, if its not open source, it's just another iphone.