See this thread from last October: http://forums.androidcentral.com/site-feedback-help/589371-quick-notice-forum-signatures.html
Exactly. Was just to bring our Android apps in line with forum policy, and with our other apps. Dunno why OP thinks the timing is sketchy, other than there's always some sort of conspiracy lurking.
What Phil said.
Personally I think the removal of signatures has been a very positive move. So much easier to read and digest information within threads without all the clutter. It's all about getting information and ANSWERS to our community as fast as possible.