Looks like
more than HTC's description was erroneous yesterday afternoon -- we've just confirmed that the HTC Sync desktop client for the AT&T Aria allows users to install third-party apps on non-rooted devices,
just as promised. We ran some quick tests, and while it doesn't actually enable anything on the handset end, it most certainly does allow those of you with Windows PCs (or VMware) to sideload APKs like
Swype over USB with a simple drag-and-drop maneuver. Given how quickly the company sought to correct our original post on the subject, we'd expect HTC will be issuing a rather different version of the software soon, so hit up that source link, pound in your serial number, grab the EXE, and get while the getting's good.
[Thanks, Dylan]
Myriam "tnkgrl" Joire contributed to this report.
posted July 11th 2010 12:48PM
@tyetsdf
Somebody really needs to lay down the ban hammer on this loser...
Its defiantly better than nothing.
Good job HTC, you know what the users want.
@EggoEspada Definitely is defiantly spelled wrong by many.
So does 'side loading' mean installing apps from non-marketplace sources?
And some carriers disable the functionality?
Any particular reason?
@okok only Apple Fanboys bought i Shut it down. I've used android, and i'm by no means a fanboy.(
@okok only Apple Fanboys bought i
You keep using "hacked together" as a way to describe appearance, however, hacked together is only a way to define process of assembly, like "jury-rigged". Something can look like it's hacked together but still look good since there is no visual definition for something hacked together.
@HighestRanked2
Since some users are geeks and nerds then they actually are.
Note to AT&T: Stick to being a dumbpipe. You can barely manage that as it is.
@okok only Apple Fanboys bought i It's funny because you know that even you don't believe the things you say.
@HighestRanked2
Geeks.nerds=self serving suckers that spend their time alone in a corner with dried snot and eye boogers on their face playing with a corporate money maker(phone) until the next planned refresh comes hot off the Asian tech presses.
I'm just saying!
@pspitts
Awww... Someone's jealous that geeks own their lives.
@HighestRanked2 "HighestRanked2"... Kind of an ironic name, don't ya think? Especially ironic given that you had to create another "HighestRanked" profile in the first place.
If this is actually tolerated by the phone, shouldn't the default adb command prompt "push" commands work too?
@Mikeo Yep. People have been pushing apps to AT&T Android phones since the Backflip.
@Mikeo
pretty much.
i can't believe how much that desktop sync interface rips of itunes. i mean come on.
@himynameissam
It looks nothing like iTunes.
@himynameissam
How exactly does this looks like iTunes? Because it has buttons? Because it uses text?
@JelleKralt Don't forget that it uses colours as well!
@himynameissam
Putting a Mac interface for iTunes in Windows is a big massive failure.
@himynameissam
I don't see iTunes...
Just because the buttons are round? Give me a freaking break.
@himynameissam
It doesn't rip off iTunes. for starters; it doesn't lag on my computer.
@JelleKralt i was mainly referring to the storage bar. it's reflective just like the one in itunes and the fact that it merges all the different kind of data just like the ones in itunes. i was curious as to where they got their inspiration for that because i have never seen it been done in any other kind of sync software other than itunes.
@himynameissam Apple owns shiney effects, thanks for the heads up.
Happy ending!
@ChazClout Unless you have, assuming it's an option, automatic update checked...then happy middle!
@Mr Hett
Not yet. This is a start.
AT&T is going to kill them
@Cainhunpi and jobs will kill AT&T for allowing a good anroid device on AT&T
@Mr Hett while gay might not be the proper term...the android phones are definitely getting better. even the update to the backflip really improved its performance, if it could get a 2.2. update all would be right in the world..
can't wait for my captivate NEXT WEEK!
Wake me when I can sideload apps without having to use special software. There's no greater joy than bluetooth transfers via my droid for applications you can't find in the android marketplace.
AT&T is just foolish for completely blocking this feature. Especially when I don't think many people would even be remotely interested in this feature if they didn't block it!
@whitesoxing If you can root, then you can enable sideloading without the special software. HTC Sync is just helping the less technical people who don't know how to root. Are you awake yet?
@gtg465x
Your comment is pitifully hilarious. Why would someone have to root or use software for a feature that is standard on almost all other android based phones on different carriers??
On top of that, why risk your warranty and security? (Because some people don't root properly and leave themselves open to simple SSH hacks)
You remind me of people who own iPhones talking about "You just don't understand...you gotta jailbreak your phone to unleash the power!!!"
The idea that a person would either have to bust out a usb cable and use some sync software or root their phone just to potentially upload an older version of software to their phone is just laughable at best and hilariously pitiful at worst.
@whitesoxing You obviously don't know what root access can do for a phone.
Rooting my hero gave it live wallpapers, something which htc said it wasn't capable of. It also allowed me to over clock, wifi tether, and enable app2sd.
The best part is if I have a problem I need sprint to fix I run one file and it's back to stock.
And we have partial launch, nice start
What's with the links to http://blog.palm.com/palm/2010/07/more-time-for-half-time.html? I'm assuming you posted the wrong link?
@aliendude5300
Never mind, it's fixed now.
@Antiapple
1 fact about me.
1. I'm downranking your comment.
I may have to pick up a non-contract version of this phone to compliment my iphone 4. It does have one of the the best form factors of any phone HTC has made in a while IMO. That yellow interior is quite spiffy.
@AdhesiveWombat I am actively looking for this phone as a backup. I am using iPhone 4 and Droid on verizon and would love to go to one carrier only.
Thank you HTC, hopefully the capacitive follows suit here, would hate to see an amazing phone destroyed so easily.
So has anyone tested unrevoked on there yet?
@davebu3 Why is everyone saying this is ruining phones? It's stupid easy to bypass.
@davebu3 Oh, and unrevoked works fine on this phone.
@gtg465x why do people say it ruins it? because it makes it more difficult to load nonmarket apps, im sure if i had an att android phone i would figure out how to do it anyway, also im sure after root it is unlocked anyway. its still an annoyance that should not be there. thank you htc for telling att where to stick it.
And yet AT&T claims this disabling is for our 'safety' yet IT'S TURNED OFF BY DEFAULT to load non-Market sources.
thats a step in the right direction HTC Sync. Now please Sync my iTunes playlist...
Rather interesting, but also dumb, HTC gave Aria users hope by this awsome sync application, and yet you guys have shared it with the world and that may cause ATT to nag HTC to stop what they are doing.
AT&T needs to stop charging more, giving less and micro managing their network.
Fix your damn network already! 2 years of iPhone growth and your 3g map is so bare its criminal.
On a side note, these HTC phones are really looking good. I'm loving the EVO. I'm kinda of leaning towards the Epic. How about you guys?
@Synergi: gotta agree, AT&T is sitting on its apples and not getting enough decent phones in. Even what I've seen of their roadmap is sparse (assuming any of it can be trusted). Verizon has done a masterful job of turning AT&Ts biggest advantage - the iPhone - into a growing vulnerability. The GSM juggernaut is now subject to Steve Jobs' every whim, and that means nothing that can upstage Apple will be permitted on their exclusive carrier. Any wonder there's more and more noise about Apple being on Verizon before the year is out? That relationship has to end because its becoming a liability for both parties: Steve's "now if it could just make calls" comment was about as telling as it gets. The Death Grib debacle and the pitiful lie Apple used to explain it only exacerbated the growing discontent among AT&T customers. Its starting to look like Verizon, Motorola and Google will be the big winners next year.
@psycros
I couldn't agree with you more. I have the iPhone 3g. My contract actually ended today! *happy dance*
AT&T has been promising half the country they'll have 3G by fall. 2 years later, I'm still on edge. Its no wonder 98% of their customers use less then 200mb a month. You think?? That will end if they ever get 3g and these new prices are built to milk you later.
I love the iPhone, I'm done with AT&T. I'll be heading to Sprint once the Epic comes out. Android for the win!
@Synergi
I'd get the Epic simply because it's not limited to 30 fps. That, and it has a pretty badass-looking hardware keyboard.