[maconu]

I'm pretty certain that the majority of us on these forums purchase Nexus devices for the quick updates when new Android versions release. I know for me that is the major deciding factor in purchasing a Nexus device. When I see "Nexus" I think of quick updates. So why is it the Sprint and Verizon Galaxy Nexus devices are WAY behind their GSM brothers updates?

In searching this morning for an answer to why; I came across on CNET (don't much care for cnet content but it is what I found). The post certainly isn't conclusive as to why Sprint and Verizon Nexus phones aren't getting updates but it is the only information on that subject that I have found.

I know the Nexus phones are quick to get ROMs based on the latest Android version regardless of carrier. I am a flashaholic myself and (mostly) enjoy it; however if I had a phone that was running the latest version of vanilla Android I would get a large chuck of my life back : ) and I wouldn't feel the need (I don't think) to check multiple android sites / forums entirely to frequently every day.

My concern is.... will the new Nexus phone(s) have a variant on Sprint/Verizon..... certainly..
Will it be directly supported by Google??? --- that is my concern / question.

[still1]

That article pretty much explains why they delay the update... Google is not to blame here. its Verizon and sprint and their proprietary binaries.

[Rukbat]

And it always will be, regardless of the phone. If you want rapid updates use the GSM version of the phone and AT&T or T-Mobile (or an MVNO that uses one of those networks). Verizon has been slow on updates from the moment OTA updates came out.

[maconu]

That article pretty much explains why they delay the update... Google is not to blame here. its Verizon and sprint and their proprietary binaries.

The proprietary binaries being the radio drivers?

both phones (I don't have on so I'm assuming) are vanilla android without carrier apps, so I'm the radios must be the problem. Is that what you are assuming or is this a fact?

I guess I'm hoping Google play will have a device you can purchase that will work on sprints CDMA network.

[jean15paul]

The proprietary binaries being the radio drivers?

both phones (I don't have on so I'm assuming) are vanilla android without carrier apps, so I'm the radios must be the problem. Is that what you are assuming or is this a fact?

I guess I'm hoping Google play will have a device you can purchase that will work on sprints CDMA network.

I'd be VERY surprised if that ever happened.

[Rukbat]

The proprietary binaries being the radio drivers?

No, the proprietary binaries being all the files that Verizon or Sprint test before they release the update. That usually includes all binaries in the phone (the ROM, the OS, all apps, radios, GPS, etc.)

[dmmarck]

Yup, Verizon has specific binaries as well as their own baseband which must be tested according to their procedures. Which, in all honesty, is reasonable--it's their network and their FCC license(s) at issue.