AT&T opens up Android, allows users to download Amazon Appstore

By Jeffrey Van Camp Published May 17, 2011

amazon-appstore-for-android-chuzzle — Image used with permission by copyright holder

According to Android Central, beginning today, AT&T will push updates to “select” Android phones that enable non-market installations. Until now, AT&T has disabled Android’s ability to download apps from the Web or a computer, restricting users to the Android Market. This meant that Amazon’s Appstore, which can only be downloaded from the Web, was unavailable for Android users on AT&T.

Users of the HTC Inspire 4G and Samsung Captivate should keep an eye out for the update. The new Smasung Infuse 4G is shipping with this feature enabled.

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We’re excited to see AT&T finally embrace some of the open features inherent in Android. Now, if only the carrier would stop charging extra for tethering and industry-high fees for data, we’d be set. For Inspire 4G and Captivate owners, check out the Amazon Appstore. It offers a free game or app every day. Today’s free game is Chuzzle, a PopCap classic.

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Jeffrey Van Camp

Former Digital Trends Contributor

As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…

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