• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

What's Next for GNX Owners?

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Sort by date Sort by votes
#51
jova33 said:
+1

If you're staying with Verizon, don't hold your breath waiting for another nexus phone for them. Google basically gave Verizon the middle finger with the nexus 4.
The Motorola X Phone, if it has an unlockable bootloader, might be my next upgrade.
Click to expand...

Help me out here. Why is there any problem between Google and Verizon:

Doesn't Google own Motorola? Verizon has ALWAYS been in bed with Motorola.

Verizon does a better job updating Nexus than Sprint..... The only other US CDMA.

Verizon hasn't carried every Nexus so the 4 not carried isn't a shock.

Verizon probably has more Android devices on network than any other US carrier.

No relationship is perfect but it would still surprise me if Verizon didn't have vanilla android offerings.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 
Upvote 0
#52
Verizon phones are carrier locked. They are sold by Verizon and can only be used on Verizon's network. Verizon basically owns your phone and they're allowing you to use it. With the exception of a few phones that have GSM radios.
Verizon owns their CDMA radio band. Any phone that is going to be used on their network has to be vetted by Verizon. Any phone on their network must carry Verizon bloatware, with the exception of the iPhone, and that's because Verizon pretty much needs the iPhone to stay in business, so Apple can say they don't want bloat on their products.
Any android updates need to be vetted by Verizon before they allow it on their network. This is where Google has a problem. Google wants control of their devices without carrier interference. Google doesn't want carriers gaying up their pure Google devices with delayed updates and bloatware.

Edit: the only reason I stay with Verizon is because they really do have the best network IMO.
 
Upvote 0
#53
I dont think VZW needs the Iphone to stay in business but it did indeed help get the money up for they rapid expansion in recent years, so did android but android was everywhere.

I honestly think the only reason Vzw is so big because:
1) they bought marketshare and bought out competition
2) their network is so large you can almost always get a call...

Vzw and ATT are really hampering the US market with their monopoly on cellular. Foreign countries strategically set up things to prevent this exact thing from happening and to keep prices low and service high. Here in the US its inverted smfh.

Only reason Im still on Vzw is b/c grandfathered into unlimited data and here in the south they have a monopoly like I said if you want decent service, plus I travel a lot...
 
Upvote 0
#54
I bet you they would've lost customers if they didn't get iPhones on their service.

If Verizon doesn't get the next Nexus device, how many customers will they lose? Hundreds? A thousand, max?
The only people I know that are into modding, ROMs, and generally hacking android phones are on these forums. Those are the people who really want a Nexus device.
 
Upvote 0
#55
jova33 said:
Any android updates need to be vetted by Verizon before they allow it on their network. This is where Google has a problem. Google wants control of their devices without carrier interference. Google doesn't want carriers (poor word choice deleted) up their pure Google devices with delayed updates and bloatware.

Edit: the only reason I stay with Verizon is because they really do have the best network IMO.
Click to expand...

So Google has a problem with Sprint too? Their updates take even longer than Verizon.

As for bloatware.... How much bloatware is actually on VZW GN that doesn't come with the Sprint Version or GSM version? I think you'd be surprised how little.

If Google has a "problem" with VZW, it would have to have one with Sprint too. Which leaves them happy with AT&T???? Lol. T-Mobile?????

Googles best friends have been VZW and Sprint. And since I believe Google owns Motorola (who Verizon has pushed harder than any other manufacturer)... Would seem like VZW would be more likely to be a Google BFF than in the doghouse.

Also, Google does realize that 35+% of all smart phones in the US are Verizon.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 
Upvote 0
#56
FramCire said:
So Google has a problem with Sprint too? Their updates take even longer than Verizon.

As for bloatware.... How much bloatware is actually on VZW GN that doesn't come with the Sprint Version or GSM version? I think you'd be surprised how little.

If Google has a "problem" with VZW, it would have to have one with Sprint too. Which leaves them happy with AT&T???? Lol. T-Mobile?????

Googles best friends have been VZW and Sprint. And since I believe Google owns Motorola (who Verizon has pushed harder than any other manufacturer)... Would seem like VZW would be more likely to be a Google BFF than in the doghouse.

Also, Google does realize that 35+% of all smart phones in the US are Verizon.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...

I can't say what is going on between Google and Verizon, if anything. You are right that Verizon controls about 35% of the US cell phone market. The problem is that Google isn't looking at the US market, they are marketing the Nexus phones to the International market which is overwhelmingly GSM -- around 90% of the world market and growing.

For example, I'm only aware of the two versions of the Nexus 4, with the only real difference between the two the amount of memory (8 or 16 GB). Despite that, either of the two phones can be used by around 90% of the world's cell phone users. By contrast, with the Galaxy Nexus, while the Google version of the phone would work for 90% of worldwide users, there needed to be different Nexus versions for each CDMA carrier (such as Sprint and Verizon each getting their own version).

So I think the real question is, how much value does Google see in creating another CDMA version of the Nexus? I think the Galaxy Nexus did hurt Google's and Verizon's desire to create a CDMA Nexus, though not necessarily from an issue of working together, but more from a design issue. There seemed to be several issues with the CDMA Nexus that did not exist (or were not as bad) with the GSM Nexus. In fact, I almost wonder if the issue is with Verizon, who felt that Google/Samsung did a poor job adapting the CDMA version of the Nexus and want more commitment from Google that it will be better designed and supported.
 
Upvote 0
#57
FramCire said:
So Google has a problem with Sprint too? Their updates take even longer than Verizon.

As for bloatware.... How much bloatware is actually on VZW GN that doesn't come with the Sprint Version or GSM version? I think you'd be surprised how little.

If Google has a "problem" with VZW, it would have to have one with Sprint too. Which leaves them happy with AT&T???? Lol. T-Mobile?????

Googles best friends have been VZW and Sprint. And since I believe Google owns Motorola (who Verizon has pushed harder than any other manufacturer)... Would seem like VZW would be more likely to be a Google BFF than in the doghouse.

Also, Google does realize that 35+% of all smart phones in the US are Verizon.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...

Did Sprint get the Nexus 4?
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/1...laxy-nexus-lte-wasnt-a-great-user-experience/
It seems Google didn't like Verizon holding out on the VZW GNex so they could sell more Razr phones was a problem too.

And I'm talking about carrier bloat. Yeah, there was less carrier bloat on the VZW GNex than other VZW phones, but if you bought a GSM GNex straight from Google, it would've came with 0 bloat.
Also, VZW not allowing Google wallet.

The phones being released by Motorola now are phones that were being developed before Google bought it. I think the X Phone is going to be the first Google Motorola phone?
 
Upvote 0
#59
Motorola X phone supposedly has a Verizon variant. I didn't get a smartphone until after Verizon had ended their unlimited data, so buying it subsidized is an option for me.

I'm also thinking about ditching Verizon altogether and going over to AT&T or T-Mobile, although I HATE Deutsche Telekom. Had a bad experience with them over in Germany.
 
Upvote 0
#60
I'm kinda stuck with VZW as I don't want to give up unlimited data. And seeing as any upgrade will now be full price due to that, I'll probably move over to the used phone market once I need a new phone (e.g. due to breakage). Hopefully that will not happen for at least another year. And so it would probably be another GNex unless there is another recent VZW Android phone that is easily unlocked/rommed... just gotta have LTE and AOSP.
 
Upvote 0
#63
jova33 said:
Did Sprint get the Nexus 4?
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/1...laxy-nexus-lte-wasnt-a-great-user-experience/
It seems Google didn't like Verizon holding out on the VZW GNex so they could sell more Razr phones was a problem too.

And I'm talking about carrier bloat. Yeah, there was less carrier bloat on the VZW GNex than other VZW phones, but if you bought a GSM GNex straight from Google, it would've came with 0 bloat.
Also, VZW not allowing Google wallet.

The phones being released by Motorola now are phones that were being developed before Google bought it. I think the X Phone is going to be the first Google Motorola phone?
Click to expand...

The irony that the company which owns Motorola is upset at that..... Not disagreeing with you just saying its ironic.

Honestly, the problems with CDMA Nexus are more in Samsung design and hardware. A HTC or Motorola Nexus would likely be better.

Thanks for the replies people. Great exchange if ideas. I still think Verizon will see Vanilla options.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 
Upvote 0
#64
kinfolk248 said:
Yeah CDMA is a dying breed and on top of that Vzw was being an ass with it...
Click to expand...

In theory, once Verizon rolls out VoLTE, they won't need their CDMA 3G network anymore... at which point an "all LTE" phone wouldn't need "authorization" from a CDMA carrier like they do now.

Also, in theory, at that point manufacturers could just make a phone that supports all the LTE bands and sell it cross-carriers. That's when things will get better for us consumers....and by us I guess I mean U.S.

Of course, that's probably 5 years away...
 
Upvote 0
#65
The talk about Verizon having issues with control, issues with Google, and having something to do with locking phones to their network is all wrong.

First off, Verizon allows the iPhone, which is free from carrier intervention. Speculation that Verizon needs the iPhone is bunk, as most customers who wanted the iPhone already left for AT&T when it was an exclusive. Verizon's iPhone sales aren't that great.

Secondly, everyone also forgets that Blackberry and Win Phone 7/8 models are also free from carrier intervention on Verizon. So despite all the conspiracy theories, there is no issue with Verizon requiring control.

I do think that there were issues and compromises made in the development of the Verizon GNex. That did leave a bad taste in Google's mouth, and they are now concentrating on only releasing devices that are carrier unlocked. You can run a GSM GNex on TMobile and AT&T, along with almost any other carrier in the world. Can't do that with a CDMA/LTE bastard. You can't even run that phone between Verizon and Sprint, there's two different versions.

Verizon still is the largest carrier in the world, and also sells the most Android handsets. So my take on the situation is there isn't any animosity, just practicality. Google only wants to support one phone, unlocked, and that's most practical on GSM/LTE right now.
 
Upvote 0
#66
Are they really the largest in the world? Maybe largest in the US, but I wouldn't go as far as saying the world.
And it's not really a conspiracy theory if it's true. Google thought the VZW GNex was too much a pain in the ass for several reasons, and that's why we most likely won't see a another nexus device on Verizon unless Verizon loosens its control over devices on its network.

Anyway, back on topic, I'm liking the S4, except that the VZW variant only comes in 16GB. Sure, I can pop in a 64GB SD card, but some apps can't run on the SD card, and even with a rooted device able to move it to SD, some apps just won't work properly. I was close to picking up a DNA, but that was 16GB with no expendable memory. I think if Verizon comes out with at least a 32 GB S4, I'll get it for sure. I'm still hoping the Motorola X Phone is something special.
 
Upvote 0
#67
jova33 said:
Are they really the largest in the world? Maybe largest in the US, but I wouldn't go as far as saying the world.
And it's not really a conspiracy theory if it's true. Google thought the VZW GNex was too much a pain in the ass for several reasons, and that's why we most likely won't see a another nexus device on Verizon unless Verizon loosens its control over devices on its network.

Anyway, back on topic, I'm liking the S4, except that the VZW variant only comes in 16GB. Sure, I can pop in a 64GB SD card, but some apps can't run on the SD card, and even with a rooted device able to move it to SD, some apps just won't work properly. I was close to picking up a DNA, but that was 16GB with no expendable memory. I think if Verizon comes out with at least a 32 GB S4, I'll get it for sure. I'm still hoping the Motorola X Phone is something special.
Click to expand...

Like I said, what and see what the new Nexus is and take things from there...
 
Upvote 0
#68
nj02vette said:
The talk about Verizon having issues with control, issues with Google, and having something to do with locking phones to their network is all wrong.

First off, Verizon allows the iPhone, which is free from carrier intervention. Speculation that Verizon needs the iPhone is bunk, as most customers who wanted the iPhone already left for AT&T when it was an exclusive. Verizon's iPhone sales aren't that great.

Secondly, everyone also forgets that Blackberry and Win Phone 7/8 models are also free from carrier intervention on Verizon. So despite all the conspiracy theories, there is no issue with Verizon requiring control.

I do think that there were issues and compromises made in the development of the Verizon GNex. That did leave a bad taste in Google's mouth, and they are now concentrating on only releasing devices that are carrier unlocked. You can run a GSM GNex on TMobile and AT&T, along with almost any other carrier in the world. Can't do that with a CDMA/LTE bastard. You can't even run that phone between Verizon and Sprint, there's two different versions.

Verizon still is the largest carrier in the world, and also sells the most Android handsets. So my take on the situation is there isn't any animosity, just practicality. Google only wants to support one phone, unlocked, and that's most practical on GSM/LTE right now.
Click to expand...

Not sure I agree with you here. I think Verizon enjoys it's monopoly on devices on its network. That's why you see so many exclusives, (DNA, RAZR, all the LG devices.) and why it takes so much longer for a device to be released on their network vs. All the others.
 
Upvote 0
#69
I don't think there will be another nexus device.
The only reason of me thinking this is because of the S4 Google edition and the HTC ONE Google edition phones. I think its a good idea to have the Nexus breed over several devices as it let's people choose their own hardware spec.
I'm not a fan of the nexus 4 but throw me a HTC ONE nexus any day and I'll take it. Just hope the Motorola X Phone is going to be as good as its built up to be and a Google edition of that would be awesome.
 
Upvote 0
#70
ankh said:
I don't think there will be another nexus device.
The only reason of me thinking this is because of the S4 Google edition and the HTC ONE Google edition phones. I think its a good idea to have the Nexus breed over several devices as it let's people choose their own hardware spec.
I'm not a fan of the nexus 4 but throw me a HTC ONE nexus any day and I'll take it. Just hope the Motorola X Phone is going to be as good as its built up to be and a Google edition of that would be awesome.
Click to expand...

Google has done Google editions before, and we've had nexus devices since.

I think having Google edition flagships is a step on the right direction, but their high price is prohibitive to the masses.

IMO, Nexus devices aren't going anywhere;)
 
Upvote 0
#71
nj02vette said:
Secondly, everyone also forgets that Blackberry and Win Phone 7/8 models are also free from carrier intervention on Verizon. So despite all the conspiracy theories, there is no issue with Verizon requiring control.

.
Click to expand...

Yes, Verizon actually does require control. Google has said it repeatedly about their updates. The CDMA technology requires each device model's radio to be 'authenticated' to communicate with the network. Because they need this authentication, google can't bypass Verizon to update the OS on any Verizon or sprint android device. Why apple doesn't have that issue I can't say. Perhaps their contract spells it out with them assuming any responsibility and handling any tech support for problems an update causes. Who knows. Who knows what windows phones do either.... no one has them anyway! And blackberry hasn't had customers or device updates for 3 years so who knows what their procedure is either.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rxpert83
Upvote 0
#72
Tim K said:
Yes, Verizon actually does require control. Google has said it repeatedly about their updates. The CDMA technology requires each device model's radio to be 'authenticated' to communicate with the network. Because they need this authentication, google can't bypass Verizon to update the OS on any Verizon or sprint android device. Why apple doesn't have that issue I can't say. Perhaps their contract spells it out with them assuming any responsibility and handling any tech support for problems an update causes. Who knows. Who knows what windows phones do either.... no one has them anyway! And blackberry hasn't had customers or device updates for 3 years so who knows what their procedure is either.
Click to expand...

I think i read somewhere that since the iOS only gets an update once a year, Apple is working on it with Verizon (or Sprint) behind the scenes before it gets released to the public.

But with Google, they announce when they have an OS update and then let the carriers get it working on their phones (including the any Nexus if it's on CDMA).

So it's the same process, just handled differently in how the public sees it.
 
Upvote 0
#74
Since I am having some issues with my Gnex, I looked around to see what else what out there. The two that caught my eye were the nexus 4 and the s 4.
The nexus 4 like my Gnex is my phone with not carrier restrictions. The S4, has the (I am the carrier and I control your os). But, from everything I have read, the S4 blows the Nexus 4 out of the water.

What to do!
 
Upvote 0
#75
jhonb said:
Since I am having some issues with my Gnex, I looked around to see what else what out there. The two that caught my eye were the nexus 4 and the s 4.
The nexus 4 like my Gnex is my phone with not carrier restrictions. The S4, has the (I am the carrier and I control your os). But, from everything I have read, the S4 blows the Nexus 4 out of the water.

What to do!
Click to expand...

The newest flagship device is always going to have better specs than one released earlier.


Have you looked into the s4 or HTC one Google edition? Sounds like it may be right up your alley


We should be getting a new nexus this fall if you can hold out
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones

Best Android Phones

See All
  1. Google Pixel 8 Pro Check Price
  2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Check Price
  3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Check Price
  4. Google Pixel 8 Check Price
  5. Samsung Galaxy S23 Check Price

Upcoming

See All
  1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Early Access

Best iPhones

See All
  1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Check Price
  2. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Check Price
  3. Apple iPhone 15 Plus Check Price
  4. Apple iPhone 15 Check Price
  5. Apple iPhone SE (2022) Check Price

Upcoming

See All
  1. Apple iPhone 16 Early Access

Tablets

Best Tablets

See All
  1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Check Price
  2. Apple iPad Pro (2022) Check Price
  3. Apple iPad Air (2022) Check Price
  4. Apple iPad Mini (2021) Check Price
  5. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Check Price

Upcoming

See All
  1. Apple iPad Air 6 Early Access
  2. Apple iPad Fold Early Access

Laptops

Best Laptops

See All
  1. Apple Macbook Pro Check Price
  2. Apple Macbook Air (2023) Check Price
  3. Dell XPS 13 Check Price
  4. Acer Chromebook Spin 714 Check Price
  5. Dell Alienware m18 (2022) Check Price

Upcoming

See All
  1. Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 Early Access
  2. Microsoft Surface Pro 10 Early Access

Televisions

Best TVs

See All
  1. Samsung The Frame TV Check Price
  2. Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C Check Price
  3. LG G3 OLED Check Price
  4. LG A2 OLED Check Price
  5. ROKU Plus Series Check Price
  6. Samsung S90C OLED Check Price
  7. SunBriteTV Veranda 3 Check Price

Upcoming

See All
  1. Hisense 110UX ULED X TV Early Access

Game Consoles

Best Game Consoles

See All
  1. Nintendo Switch OLED Check Price
  2. Microsoft XBOX Series X Check Price
  3. Sony Playstation 5 Check Price
  4. Microsoft XBOX Series S Check Price
  5. Nintendo Switch Lite Check Price

Upcoming

See All
  1. Nintendo Switch 2 Early Access

Wearables

Best Wearables

See All
  1. Oura Ring 3 Check Price
  2. Apple Watch Series 9 Check Price
  3. Google Pixel Watch 2 Check Price
  4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Check Price
  5. Fitbit Inspire 3 Check Price
  6. Amazfit Amazfit Band 7 Check Price
  7. Apple Watch SE Check Price
  8. Apple Watch Ultra 2 Check Price

Upcoming

See All
  1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Early Access

Smart Home

Smart Home Tech

See All
  1. Amazon Echo (4th Gen) Check Price
  2. Schlage Encode Smart Lock Check Price
  3. Amazon Blink Smart Cameras Check Price
  4. Google Nest Thermostat Check Price
  5. Phillips Hue Smart Lights Check Price

Upcoming

See All
  1. Apple Homepod Vision Early Access

Similar threads

M
What's your next phone?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Smartphones
acraftylady
acraftylady
nickdalzell
The KitKat Upgrade: what i have noticed
Replies
23
Views
6K
Smartphones
AnonGuy
AnonGuy
bcraig10488
NOTE 4 2 Best BUY
Replies
0
Views
13K
Smartphones
bcraig10488
bcraig10488
gamblor01
Thoughts on my M8 to M9 upgrade
Replies
23
Views
6K
Smartphones
El Presidente
El Presidente
ironass
Help S5 Update Problems - Dummies Guide
Replies
120
Views
206K
Smartphones
ironass
ironass
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply
Jump to latest Follow Reply