When someone mentions Verizon I can’t say there are too many people out there that have much good to say about them at least in the Android Community. Verizon has had their way with trying to make those who love the ‘true Google experience’ completely locked out of playing with their devices, however developers found workarounds. Then Verizon enforced the warranty void if they were to find anyone had rooted their Verizon device . Another big area that Verizon fails in is getting their devices updated. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a great example of this.
We all have suspicions that the way Verizon handled the Galaxy Nexus is the exact reason they didn’t get an opportunity at the Nexus 4. As of right now, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus is 3 updates behind. Why? No one really knows besides the fact Verizon has to make sure they have the device or update exactly the way they want it before they give it out to customers. This process seems to take them forever. They first have to test the update and make sure it’s up to “their” standards, then put their “mark” on top of it before they even dish out the update. If it’s not up to their standards, it gets sent back to Google so they can ‘fix’ the issue.
The following is a timeline of how Verizon has handled the Jellybean update.
- Google announces Jellybean at I/O conference on June 27, 2012.
- Android 4.1 heads to AOSP on July 9, 2012.
- HSPA+ Rollout is released and sent to Galaxy Nexus devices.
- Towards the end of July the Wi-Fi Xoom receives Jellybean update.
- Nexus 7 comes with Android Jellybean out of box.
- August 28, 2012 a Galaxy Nexus LTE update leak appears.
- September 21, 2012 Verizon approves Jellybean update build for Galaxy Nexus.
Now we arrive to today, and the Verizon Galaxy Nexus still has not seen 4.1.2, but yet the update has gone to all the non-carrier devices already. This lack of updating has started some speculation of if and when the Galaxy Nexus will see this update, not to mention the new 4.2 version of Jellybean is out with an 4.2.1 update as well for non-carrier devices.
So, here Galaxy Nexus users sit 3 updates behind unless they have the mind-set to tinker and risk voiding their warranty. It’s just one of the many reasons I wish to leave Verizon. Granted they have good network, I’m starting to wonder why I support the company anymore. Especially since I can’t upgrade my device without losing my unlimited data plan.
Is there anyone else who feels the same? Do you even think the Samsung Galaxy Nexus will get any further updates? Let us hear your thoughts and comments below!