AT&T’s foray into Android has run into a few media-related problems. While the phone has an interesting look to it (it “flips” open to reveal its QWERTY keyboard, and can use the keyboard, face down, as a stand to watch media) the media giant has made an interesting decision to limit some basic functionality in the phone.

Normally, on an Android phone, you are able to go into the Settings/Applications menu and enable Unknown Sources, which allows non-Marketplace apps to be installed, either through a File Manager such as ASTRO, or via the mobile web. AT&T has removed that option, severely limiting the use of apps such as PDANet, a tethering application, which needs to be installed via the company’s website.

But will the average Backflip user really care? The phone is aimed at the teen market, and the OS has been heavily modified (and simplified) with MotoBlur, Motorola’s social networking skin. One can find most of the apps he/she needs in the Marketplace, and considering there are many great apps available in there, the seriousness of the crime is somewhat abated.

What’s more concerning if the ethical factor: Does AT&T have the right to close off a system that Google meant to be open? While simultaneously installing what many would consider proprietary bloatware that few are going to use, and cannot be removed? Well, sure they have that right, but it’s going to piss off a lot of people.

The Backflip is probably going to do quite well on AT&T. The sad part is that consumers speak loudest with their wallets, and as a result, behaviour like this (and other prohibitive moves, such as the locking of the Milestone’s OS) will be reinforced unless people realize that Android should stay open, and not just for the geeks.

(via MobileCrunch)