Oh man, this just keeps getting better and better doesn't it? What could be worse than a major US carrier taking a Google Nexus device and branding its hardware with the carrier's 4G logo and LTE technology in addition to adding bloatware to the software? How about dictating whether or not that Google Nexus Device can run Google Wallet? Yep, Verizon, according to an unnamed source over at 9 to 5 Google, is pulling on the reigns when it comes to Google Wallet because it supposedly stands in direct competition with competitor ISIS, another NFC technology which Vz heavily backs along with big manufacturers like LG, HTC, Motorola, RIM, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. As of now, the only device to sport Google Wallet is the Nexus S on Sprint. In addition, other supporters backing ISIS includes AT&T and T-Mobile, two US carriers who support the Nexus S on their networks. And even though these devices have NFC capabilities, there's still no sign of an official Google Wallet build. I'm a little disappointed that Google would allow any carrier in the US, regardless of how big they are, dictate what will be on their device and what will not. Once again, this just goes to show you how much of a pull Verizon had with the Galaxy Nexus residing on their network. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
[via 9to5 Google]
Quote” I’m a little disappointed that Google would allow any carrier in the US, regardless of how big they are, dictate what will be on their device and what will not.” Close Quote
Well, would you be disappointed if Verizon said NO to this device being on their network? Its Verizon’s network, not Google’s. Verizon can dictate what is run on their network because they own it. Same with the Branding on the back of the phone. Who cares. I certainly don’t care if the phone has a Verizon check on the back of the Nexus. Remember, its the carriers that decide which phone is allowed on their network. What would the iPhone be if ATT Sprint, TMobile and Verizon would all have said NO to it? The iPhone would NOT have the marketshare that is does now. Google has to play by Verizon’s rules to get their flagship phone on Verizon’s network. Verizon has already shown that they can survive not having the iPhone (yes I know its there now, but Verizon did just fine in the smartphone market for the first three years ATT held the exclusive to the iPhone). Verizon would have done just as well without the Nexus.
We still get Prime Hardware specifically to run ICS on the Verizon Network, so what is wrong with that? Google Wallet is something MOST people will not use anyways, so its not like that big of a deal. At least there is no touchwiz, sense or blur mucking up the interface causing long delays in updates to the phones OS. Be happy with that.
Bottom line, Google has to play by Verizon’s rules, not Verizon playing by Googles rules.
Why stop with mobile payment. This is a gold mine for the carriers. They can make deals with app vendors now. Whoever pays the most, has their competition banned from all phones sold by Verizon. Microsoft can ban all but one browser, … This is going to lead to some great innovation.
A Google phone without Google software is just stupid. Period. This phone should be what the consumers want, not what the carrier wants. I’m not getting this phone anyway, I got the Rezound so I understand having VZW’s b.s. on here… but the SGN should be a pure Google phone that VZW is lucky to get first and sell in the U.S.