Hasta La Gadget!

According to folks over at Android Community, Google has begun to pull tethering applications from the G1’s Market. One of the contributors to the “WiFi Tether for Root Users” app claims that the company is citing distribution agreements with carriers as the cause of the takedowns. In their words:

Google enters into distribution agreements with device manufacturers and Authorized Carriers to place the Market software client application for the Market on Devices. These distribution agreements may require the involuntary removal of Products in violation of the Device manufacturer’s or Authorized Carrier’s terms of service” Google Developer Distribution Agreement

Of course, this should come as quite a surprise, given statements T-Mobile’s Cole Brodman made to us during the G1 launch last year, and Google’s seemingly rampant interest in being the de facto open source mobile OS. It’s not clear at this point if this is an isolated incident (possibly related to the root nature of the app), or just the beginning of a more widespread move. Google (and T-Mobile to some extent) — we await your response.

[Thanks, Chris]

Filed under: Cellphones

Is Google pulling tethering apps from the Android Market? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not content to let Apple be the only one having fun banning racy apps that might scar the fragile minds of its users, Google is apparently looking to get in on the action with its Android Market. The company has confirmed that no graphic sexual content will be allowed, nor anything that encourages violence or hate speech. That’s bad news for those who like bad apps, but the good news is that if you find something you’ve downloaded to be just a little too mainstream for your edgy tastes you’ll have 24 hours to return it. Keep your download and unlimited reinstalls will be at your disposal, but Google maintains the right to forcefully remove an app from your device whenever it feels like it — pledging to do its best to get you a refund. Finally, there will be no upgrades provided through the Android Market, meaning you’ll rather unfortunately need to get them through some other, less secure means.

[Via IntoMobile]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Android Market allows returns, but not sexy stuff originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to a passing mention in the Wall Street Journal, the Android Market could start accepting for-pay apps as early as this week. We’ve been expecting such a development to hit this quarter, and it makes sense with that RC33 update in the bag. Unfortunately, this WSJ quote — pulled a piece on Microsoft’s mobile strategy — is all we’ve got to go on at the moment. Either way, paid apps are obviously an inevitability, and that financial incentive could be a major boost to the Android ecosystem… or the harbinger or farting apps.

[Via Talk Android]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Android Market getting paid apps this week? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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