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Verizon and Sprint kill the Google Nexus experience, stick with GSM model

The Nexus phones were released with the intent for developers to have a smartphone with the latest and greatest Android operating system, but time and again both Sprint and Verizon have shown they can kill that experience and really should not be allowed to sell a Nexus phone again.
Written by Matthew Miller, Contributing Writer

I suspended my Verizon account for 90 days while I focused on funding my new AT&T account with the Nokia Lumia 900 and tried to figure out what I would do with my Verizon account (buy a new iPhone, Windows Phone 8, Jelly Bean, or BlackBerry 10 device). The 90 days is up so I just reactivated my service yesterday, I still have grandfathered unlimited data, and was blown away that there is still NO Android Jelly Bean update for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. I now am much more sympathetic to Jason Perlow's frustration with Android and as CNET's Maggie Reardon stated on Friday there is still now word on when, and even if, Verizon or Sprint will release Jelly Bean for the Nexus.

Google revealed Jelly Bean in June and then back in early July the update started rolling out to GSM/HSPA+ devices. Thus, AT&T and T-Mobile customers are able to experience Jelly Bean on their Galaxy Nexus, just as intended for the Nexus line. The upcoming T-Mobile unlimited data plan combined with a GSM Galaxy Nexus looks to be an even more attractive option now.

I buy Galaxy Nexus devices with the intent of rooting them and installing custom ROMs so I do have Jelly Bean on my Galaxy Nexus. However, the average consumer shouldn't be required to hack their phone to get the latest and greatest version of the operating system on their Nexus device and the lack of timely updates through Sprint and Verizon is unacceptable. Sprint and Verizon have shown repeatedly slow response to getting updates to their Nexus devices and IMHO these carriers really shouldn't be considered as compatible for Nexus smartphones. GSM versions of the Nexus also come as unlocked so you can use it on any GSM carrier you like, again contributing to the open spirit of the Nexus.

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