As specific applications continue to disappear from Google’s Android Market, Orange has confirmed that they are aware of the problem. Users with Orange’s HTC Hero phones have noted that software, particularly certain games, fail to appear for sale.
Explaining that the issue has hit a range of users using Hero handsets on the Orange network, they said that the disappearances seem to be directed at applications which are protected from copying to stop piracy. Whilst trial versions seem to remain unaffected, the full applications continue not to show on unlocked handsets.
The recently released Hero handsets for Orange are having particular problems, with games such as “Robo Defense” unavailable for purchase on the market, allowing consumers only to play the trial demos. Many believe that this problem is routed in the fact that Orange is not part of the Open Handset Alliance, whereas T-Mobile and Vodafone who are members, do not seem to be experiencing the same issues.
Orange said “Further to recent reports of missing “Copy protected” applications on the HTC Hero in the UK, Orange can confirm that it is aware of the issues and is working with HTC to urgently resolve. The Application visibility issue is entirely unrelated to membership of the OHA, as has been suggested. As it currently appears to be a server fix no change to handsets should be required, and once resolved we expect all paid applications in the English language to reappear.”
