AT&T removes Android app restrictions

After years of restrictions, AT&T will now allow Android smartphone customers to install applications downloaded outside the official Android Market.

The recently launched Samsung Infuse is the first of AT&T's phones capable of installing apps from outside sources, including unofficial app stores or web links, a process called sideloading.

Eventually after some software updates, all AT&T Android smartphones will be capable of sideloading, according to AT&T. AT&T is also working on bringing this upgrade to the Motorola Atrix, although AT&T is waiting on a "future maintenance release" for the Atrix in order to upgrade the phone.

What AT&T isn't saying, however, is that you most likely have Amazon to thank for this.

Verizon "WE CAN TRACK YOU"

Verizon Wireless says it will start slapping 'we can track you!' warning stickers on its products.The company says it will begin including the removable sticker on all new devices it sells.The sticker warns: "This device is capable of determining its (and your) physical, geographical location and can associate this location data with other customer information. To limit access to location information by others, refer to the User Guide for Location settings and be cautious when downloading, accessing or using applications and services."Verizon also disclosed that it stores location data and other customer information for seven years. Sprint keeps the details for three years, while AT&T retains it for anywhere from a few days to five years. T-Mobile did not give a time frame.