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5 Thoughts on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus Android 4.2 Update

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In late October, Google announced its latest version of Android, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, an operating system that quickly made its debut on the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 and rolled out sooner afterward to current Nexus devices including the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7. The update won’t be rolling out to the Motorola Xoom or Nexus S but it will be rolling out to more Nexus devices including the Sprint and Verizon Galaxy Nexus. When it will roll out is a different story altogether however.

The Verizon Galaxy Nexus, first released in December of 2011, was one of the first smartphones in the United States to receive the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update as it came stock on board the 4G LTE beast. Soon though, it became clear that the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update would be the only time that the word “first” would be attached to a Verizon Galaxy Nexus update.

It took five plus months for Verizon to roll out the first bug fix update for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. Some of those bugs severely hampered my experience with the smartphone, leading me to keep my iPhone 3GS as my daily driver. The iPhone 3GS, at the time, was going on three years old.

Read: 5 Thoughts on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Then, in July, came Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Many hoped that Jelly Bean would be a fresh start for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus given the amount of abuse that Verizon received from owners of its Galaxy Nexus. The unlocked Galaxy Nexus got its Jelly Bean update in July and it was soon followed by the Nexus S, a phone that was two years old, the Motorola Xoom which sold terribly, and believe it or not, a Transformer Pad tablet from Asus.

Needless to say, Sprint and Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners were shocked and disappointed. In fact, I know plenty of owners who, at this point, decided to throw in the towel and ditch their Galaxy Nexus LTE in favor of another device. In September, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update arrived and since then, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus hasn’t received anything other than an apology from Google about the terrible experience.

Not Android 4.1.2, not Android 4.2, and certainly not Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean, the latest version of Google’s operating system. And after watching other Nexus devices get their updates, it’s time to vent a bit.

Here are five new thoughts about the Verizon Galaxy Nexus Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update.

galaxy-nexus-review-8-471x620

Simply put: A nightmare.

Three Updates Behind = Ridiculous

When I bought the Verizon Galaxy Nexus in December, I bought it under the impression that I would be getting a Nexus smartphone, with all the perks of a Nexus combined with Verizon’s amazing 4G LTE network. Suffice to say, that was a grave error in judgement. Instead, what I bought is a Verizon smartphone that is a Nexus in name only. The Verizon Galaxy Nexus, in my opinion is not a Nexus phone.

How did I come to this conclusion? Well, if the long five month wait for a bug fix update or the fact that an Asus tablet beat the Verizon Galaxy Nexus weren’t enough, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus is now three Jelly Bean updates behind its brethren.

And who knows, maybe we’ll see Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean roll out before the Verizon Galaxy Nexus gets Android 4.2.

Last to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

There is no doubt in my mind that the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will be last in line for the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update. Sprint has been pretty diligent lately about it’s updates and I get the feeling it’s going to embarrass Verizon once again with this latest update.

At this point, I’d be surprised if Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners see the Android 4.2 update roll out in 2012 given all the issues that other Nexus owners have faced. Verizon is notoriously tough on bugs and considering the carrier treats the Galaxy Nexus like a standard smartphone, I doubt we’re anywhere close to a roll out.

Hope There Aren’t Any Bugs!

Once it does arrive, I’m really hoping there aren’t any bugs. Why? Because then I’ll likely have to use the phone that way for five months while Verizon pushes out Jelly Bean updates and bug fixes to other devices.

Read: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Bugs Plaguing Nexus Users.

The though of repeating the nonsense from earlier this year is nauseating.

Android 5.0

Google I/O is set to take place in May of next year and at the event, it will likely take the wraps off Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, its latest version of Android. I’m certain that the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will get that update given that it’s going to be as old as the Nexus S was when it received Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. However, those are hoping for an Android 5.0 in May can keep dreaming.

android-key-lime-pie-evolution-of-android-640x128-575x1151

Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie should arrive in May.

July or August is a safer bet.

What a Mess

The mess that is the Verizon Galaxy Nexus is in a word, frustrating. Not just because of the update nightmare but because I’d be surprised to see another Nexus launch on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. With the Nexus 4, Google opted to release it on HSPA+ only and not 4G LTE, a move that was driven partly by Verizon’s issues with this phone.

LG-Nexus-4-unboxing-575x38511

The Nexus 4 is HSPA+ only.

It’s a shame because it would be hard for me to buy a phone that doesn’t have 4G LTE speeds and truthfully, unless an Android phone blows me away, I’d really only be interested in a Nexus device. Particularly, one of the nation’s largest 4G LTE carrier.

Oh well, there’s always AT&T or Sprint with the Nexus 5. I guess.

25 Comments

25 Comments

  1. randy

    12/05/2012 at 1:43 pm

    I’m feeling the pain. When I got my Verizon Galaxy Nexus in October, it had 4.1.1 installed and I was excited(maybe naive) to think that it would receive any and all updates in a timely manner. Not so. Next time around, I think I’ll ditch Verizon and buy straight from Google Play. It will no doubt be cheaper in the long run and less frustrating to be held hostage to Big Red.

  2. Mike

    12/05/2012 at 3:42 pm

    I just don’t get your complaints. You get a Nexus because it’s a developers phone. Root it and install 4.2 yourself. If you aren’t capable, go get an iPhone.

    • Eeyore

      12/05/2012 at 6:33 pm

      Because it’s a Nexus, dammit…. we aren’t supposed to HAVE to do that.

      • Picasso Kat (@Picassokat)

        12/05/2012 at 11:47 pm

        You’re not supposed to HAVE to do it? If you don’t do it fine, but if you want to use it as a wi-fi hot spot without rooting and changing, you have to pay Verizon another $20 a month.

        • Eye4detail

          12/06/2012 at 11:34 am

          Or install Foxfi or Open Garden and tether as much as you want without rooting. Especially now that Verizon can’t block tethering apps, there’s one less reason to root. I personally don’t like feeling like I have to root a phone in order to get updates that include bug-fixes and security patches. They should be provided in a timely manner. End of story.

        • Eeyore

          12/07/2012 at 5:03 pm

          To get bug fixes and the updated OS. That’s the nexus deal. Stealing service (even what should be included) isn’t the complaint. I shouldn’t have to void my warranty to get a minimal service promised buy the Nexus deal. you’re comparing apples to oranges.

        • CurtD45

          02/19/2013 at 10:08 am

          No you don’t. Not since the last update to 4.1.1

      • KB

        12/06/2012 at 8:57 pm

        If you bought a Nexus on the VZW network and havent rooted yet, all the while knowing Verizon’s abysmal record on updates, then shame on you.

        • stack13

          12/08/2012 at 12:39 am

          Spot on, SIR!

        • eyore

          12/26/2012 at 9:04 am

          I shouldn’t have to root my phone until I’m damn good and ready to do it. A carrier should not be forcing my hand by not living up to its part of the deal!!!! The Nexus deal is supposed to come with timely updates and bug fixes to the operating system. You’re missing the principle of the argument. For sure eventually I will root my phone but not for the purposes that you might do it for. I do it to extend the life of my phone… I may do it sooner rather than later if I want create my own app for it and find a legit need for it. I speculate that Verizon is refusing us these updates with malice of forethought in order to push us off of our remaining unlimited plan and force us into updating a phone that shouldn’t need updating for at least 2 more years. But I’m not going to risk a 500 dollar retail phone while it’s on warranty. I’m sorry I just can’t do that. I got this phone because it was sold to me as a Nexus device… Verizon is not living up to its part of the deal. So if you develop mobile apps… go ahead and root and do as you please. If you want risking your service or credit rating because you want free tethering… Unjust pricing or not, it’s still stealing. By all means go right ahead… but my opinion is that those of us with a device sold to us as being part of the nexus experience should be treated and no other way.

    • Julio

      01/14/2013 at 12:26 pm

      I rooted and must say it’s awesome! I have complete control of the phone and battery life is so much better not to mention the sweet ROMs out there (4.2.1). Curently running Paranoid Android (4.2.1)!

  3. Kama

    12/06/2012 at 7:10 pm

    I never had an issue with bugs on ICS, so that bug fix update didn’t faze me. But I’m pretty peeved about having to wait so long for these major new releases for all the reasons you said.

    Grammar Nazi here: First paragraph in Last to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, first it’s

  4. rebecca

    12/07/2012 at 8:37 am

    If anyone has suggestion, lemme know. Going over 2GB limit on Verizon is easy. Granted its LTE is faster/ better than my Comcast broadband. But I pay a small fortune every month $140 without exceeding limit. Limited mins and data. Seems like lotta $ for so little. I did get nexus $0 so can’t bitch. There has to be a cheaper way. I tried no contract t mobile last summer: crap phones and service. My contract not up for long while but consider breaking it for something better.

    • bleached

      12/26/2012 at 5:06 pm

      You can use almost any phone on T-Mobile including the GSM Galaxy Nexus and now Nexus 4! You do not have to get the phones they advertise!

  5. Nate

    12/07/2012 at 8:38 am

    I am with Verizon as well and have the Galaxy Nexus. Haven’t had many issues with the device but am disappointed to hear the 4 isn’t coming to my carrier. I can understand how slow Verizon is to release updates, I wish Google would begin to be a little more like apple with it’s updates of nexus devices. Let us plug in to Google Play and download the newest version as we desire. I’m not sure how carrier’s can control this so I am no expert but that would be awesome. No bugs, straight from Google.

  6. Sean

    12/07/2012 at 3:46 pm

    Just a thought, there’s still a large contingent of Verizon users who are grandfathered in to the unlimited data plans. If memory serves, and I could be wrong, the Galaxy Nexus was one of the last phones shipped with 4G LTE prior to the cut off to upgrade your phone (subsidized) and still keep the unlimited plan.

    Could this (ridiculous waits for updates) be a ploy to get people to update their phones to the latest/greatest Verizon phone running the most recent version of Android, thereby losing their unlimited data plan? There are Verizon phones released after The GNex that are likely to get updates prior to the GNex, but anyone purchasing those phones would either be a new subscriber (no unlimited data) or be upgrading (losing unlimited data).

    No doubt there are bugs with this phone, but the delays without justification in light of other carriers with the same phone or GSM variants leaves me to wonder about Verizon’s intent.

    • Sean(Different one)

      12/10/2012 at 9:22 am

      Yeah, but all Verizon achieved with this is taking away one more incentive to stay with them if you were grandfathered in. I have a GNex with unlimited data, but I f I am going to lose my unlimited data when I get a new phone I am not going to stay with a carrier that doesn’t update their phones. The unlimited data was really the only reason I stuck with Verizon.

  7. GetAlife

    12/10/2012 at 8:26 pm

    It is still an unlocked pure android operating system. If you are too stupid to root it that’s on you. If you have no life and sit there worrying about minor phone updates then I feel sorry for you. Write about something people actually care about.

    • eyore

      12/26/2012 at 9:09 am

      problem with your argument is that Android 4.2 .1 contains several security fixes.nobody should have to root your phone did the basic requirements of a secure system. Even Microsoft doesn’t make you do anything stupid to get security updates to the OS. And many of us may have a sufficient life such that that rooting your phone is actually somewhere down on the list… and when a company sells you something with certain expectations they should have to live up to those expectations. go ahead and read your service contract and realize that in order to even use your darn phone you have to literally sin away all the rights you have any normal corrective action. It’s just like those and user license agreements in software if you don’t agree to their terms you don’t get to use it.

      • eyore

        12/26/2012 at 9:11 am

        Damn voice to text…

  8. jake

    12/11/2012 at 6:44 am

    OK mine is rooted with aokp sweet but o ya now I have no warranty so if I break it I’m done that’s my problem

  9. jason

    12/28/2012 at 9:23 am

    I bet money the marketing department for Verizon are a bunch of MAC and iPhone FANBOYS/FANGIRLS that are simply delaying the update on Nexus phones. The truth is the delays are uncalled for and being and the only thing that I can possibly thing is fanatisism that is killing the Nexus in the 4GLTE space.

  10. Fred Thompson

    01/05/2013 at 7:32 am

    Bought my GSM with yakjuux may 2012
    Received jellybean in Sept after calling Google and Samsung to complain.
    Still no 4.2?
    Do I have to tell Google on my service provider again. Canadian? In CDA.these phones cost 649.00 six months ago .AmI being ripped off or what eh!

  11. A RAY (@AFR78)

    01/07/2013 at 6:10 am

    I got the phone from Google. Unlocked. With Att and the 4.2.1 has a bug with blue tooth. That’s why I’m pissed. When will the fix for the blue tooth be out?

  12. Grant

    01/13/2013 at 12:08 pm

    Buying unlocked is the way to go if you don’t want to deal with Verizon. Their coverage is great but their updates aren’t. Not at all. They shouldn’t even be able to control the updates. It’s a nexus phone. Google should come up with their own software to update their phones like apple does with iTunes and to a lesser extent, samsung with kies

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