Google Also Includes 'Kill Switch' for Apps in Android

Reviews of the T-Mobile G1 Android phone have started trickling out. Walt Mossberg found the phone to be a "very good first effort".

Computerworld reveals, however, that the new Android phone also includes the ability for Google to remotely remove applications from the device:

In the Android Market terms of service, Google expressly says that it might remotely remove an application from user phones. "Google may discover a product that violates the developer distribution agreement ... in such an instance, Google retains the right to remotely remove those applications from your device at its sole discretion," the terms, linked to from the phone, read.

Apple received some negative press after it was revealed that the iPhone included the ability to remotely deactivate applications. Jobs later defended this ability:

"Hopefully we never have to pull that lever, but we would be irresponsible not to have a lever like that to pull"