Next week, AT&T customers will finally be able to purchase their first Android phone, but the carrier has decided to remove one of the most used features of Google’s operating system. AT&T went out of their way to replace Google search with Yahoo.
The news came from a hands on report of the Motorola Backflip.
“Yahoo has replaced Google as the default search provider throughout the phone. It’s crazy: the home screen widget, the browser, everything’s been programmed to use Yahoo.”Chris ZieglerEngadget
Early rumors suggested AT&T might try and remove some of Google’s native Android apps too, but those are included with the Backflip. Also included is a ton of AT&T apps including AllSport GPS, AT&T Maps, AT&T Music (which takes the place of the standard Music app), AT&T Navigator, AT&T Wi-Fi Hotspots, Mobile Banking, MobiTV, MusicID, Where, and YPmobile.
The Motorola Backflip goes on sale March 7th, 2010 for $99 on 2 year contract. With AT&T set to launch at least five Android phones in the near future, we suggest you pass on the Backflip and wait to see what else they have in store.
