A long time ago, Apple approached Verizon with a brand new phone. They were turned down because Verizon wasn't willing to give up it's absolute control over devices and operating systems. As the story goes, Apple then went to AT&T and cut the most lucrative exclusivity deal the mobile phone industry has ever seen. Oversimplification? Yes. But let's see what Verizon learned from their massive mistake.
With several examples to draw on we can see what the cornerstones of a Nexus are supposed to be:
1) Vanilla android experience
2) Cutting edge technology
3) No carrier bloat or interference
4) Immediate Updates
Fast forward to 2011 when Verizon and Google jointly release the first ever Nexus device on Verizon's network. As a consequence of Verizon's involvement, what did we get? A compromise.
1) Slow updates.
2) Unremovable preinstalled carrier bloatware.
2) The product was needlessly delayed so it didn't interfere with the release of the Razr. Thus reducing how "cutting edge" it actually was upon release.
3) Google Wallet blocked by Verizon to reduce adoption rate and support the coming release of ISIS.
The Galaxy Nexus was a fantastic phone, but a "Nexus", it was not. Too many of the cardinal rules were compromised.
I respect everyone who chooses Verizon as their carrier. I'm just outside of Washington DC and have the luxury of excellent coverage from any carrier. But after seeing Verizon's interpretation of what a Nexus is, I doubt Google is in any rush to make another deal. And honestly it's better for the entire Android community that Verizon stays out of the Nexus game.
With several examples to draw on we can see what the cornerstones of a Nexus are supposed to be:
1) Vanilla android experience
2) Cutting edge technology
3) No carrier bloat or interference
4) Immediate Updates
Fast forward to 2011 when Verizon and Google jointly release the first ever Nexus device on Verizon's network. As a consequence of Verizon's involvement, what did we get? A compromise.
1) Slow updates.
2) Unremovable preinstalled carrier bloatware.
2) The product was needlessly delayed so it didn't interfere with the release of the Razr. Thus reducing how "cutting edge" it actually was upon release.
3) Google Wallet blocked by Verizon to reduce adoption rate and support the coming release of ISIS.
The Galaxy Nexus was a fantastic phone, but a "Nexus", it was not. Too many of the cardinal rules were compromised.
I respect everyone who chooses Verizon as their carrier. I'm just outside of Washington DC and have the luxury of excellent coverage from any carrier. But after seeing Verizon's interpretation of what a Nexus is, I doubt Google is in any rush to make another deal. And honestly it's better for the entire Android community that Verizon stays out of the Nexus game.