Which Android Features Are Blocked by the Wireless Carriers? (ContributorNetwork)

A Google spokesperson has confirmed to JR Raphael of Computerworld that Google's new wireless payment system, called Google Wallet, will not be available to Verizon Wireless customers. Even though the Samsung Galaxy Nexus will feature an NFC chip, which allows people to make payments at stores by swiping their phone next to a reader, the Google app that enables this feature will simply not be available in the Android Market.

It's not Google's fault that the app won't be available, though. Wireless carriers like Verizon have a long history of disabling features present in Google's open-source Android OS, blocking access to certain apps, and otherwise "customizing" the phones' user experience for their own interests.

Here's a look at some Android features that you may have missed out on:

Google Wallet

Verizon has not confirmed the reason why it is blocking the Google Wallet app on the Galaxy Nexus, which has the NFC chip required to run it. But as Mike Dunn of Digital Trends explains, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have partnered with a company called Isis, to create their own mobile payment system which will compete with Google Wallet. Sprint, the only major United States wireless carrier which hasn't partnered with Isis, is also the only one right now to offer the Google Wallet app to its customers with NFC-enabled Android phones.

As of now, Google Wallet has only partnered with MasterCard, while Isis counts all major credit card companies as partners. Google Wallet can be used today by Nexus S owners on Sprint's network, however, in places where it is supported, while Isis has yet to be introduced to the public.

Tethering

Android has a built-in feature which allows you to "tether" a device like your laptop to an Android smartphone, in order to use its wireless connection. The feature can be accessed by tapping the menu key on your home screen, then tapping "Settings," then tapping on "Wireless & networks."

On phones where tethering has been disabled, the "USB tethering" option on this screen may be grayed out and unusable. There may also be a "Portable Wi-Fi hotspot" option, but tapping on this may bring up a message which says that you need to enable the feature by paying your carrier for it.

The ability to uninstall certain apps

Certain preloaded apps such as the HTC Sense home screen on most HTC phones cannot be uninstalled normally. These apps also include "free" trials of paid apps, and carrier apps (like AT&T Navigator) which duplicate your Android phone's built-in functionality. They will continue to take up space on your phone even if you don't use them, and will be visible in your phone's app drawer even if they are not on its home screens.

All stock Android phones from the four major carriers have at least a few of these apps. They can only be removed by users who have rooted their Android phones.

Jared Spurbeck is an open-source software enthusiast, who uses an Android phone and an Ubuntu laptop PC. He has been writing about technology and electronics since 2008.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/personaltech/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20111206/tc_ac/10610105_which_android_features_are_blocked_by_the_wireless_carriers

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