Tuesday, December 6, 2011

UPDATE: Verizon Says No to Google Wallet on Galaxy Nexus

Various outlets are reporting today that the Verizon version of the upcoming, and severely delayed, Galaxy Nexus will not be supporting Google Wallet.

Computer World received confirmation from a Google rep that the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will not be able to utilize Google's mobile payment system. No hard details were given on the subject, just that it was Verizon’s choice.  Speculation has started that the main reason for the exclusion of the app is due to Verizon's own upcoming mobile payment system powered by ISIS.

Most Android fanatics are getting slightly peeved with Verizon for lack of details around the super phone's launch, the inclusion of Verizon bloatware on a "pure Google" experience device, and now this.  Luckily, Android 4.0 allows you to "disable" (not uninstall) pre-installed apps, but the idea of carriers screwing with a Nexus device defeats the purpose in the eyes of most Android-purists.

However, knowing the Android community, it will be no time at all before a hacked version of Google Wallet makes its way onto the device.

Do you think carriers have way too much power over how we use our devices?  Do you think it's right that they block certain apps in favor of their own?  Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Stay nerdy my friends.

UPDATE:  Verizon has released a statement regarding blocking Google Wallet:
"Statement from Jeffrey Nelson, spokesperson for Verizon:
Recent reports that Verizon is blocking Google Wallet on our devices are false. Verizon does not block applications.
Google Wallet is different from other widely-available m-commerce services. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of our phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, in order to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones.
We are continuing our commercial discussions with Google on this issue.”




Via: Android and Me
Update Via: Phandroid
Source: Computer World

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