The Missing Galaxy Nexus...

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Where is the Galaxy Nexus? Google's first Android 4.0 smartphone is missing and no one seems to have any answers as to where it is and when its going to land on a US carrier. The latest news and rumors on the Galaxy Nexus are nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Samsung and Google told the world in October that the device was going to land in the US by December. This obviously didn't happen, instead we saw the UK get theirs, but the rumor mill hasn't slowed either. This weeks rumored US launch date was December 9th, todays online buzz suggests a December 13th launch, but that seams unlikely because Google, Samsung and Verizon are completely quiet.

So, what is really going on with the Galaxy Nexus and why has Verizon still not announced a release date for this highly anticipated smartphone? Is it still a work in progress with Verizon's LTE connection issues of late? Are Google and Big Red (Verizon) working on an agreement for the NFC features (Google Wallet) for the phone? Maybe they are just having some differing opinions on the direction of how to market the phone (DROID or No DROID). We really don't know!

The folks at phonedog.com are reporting that despite the fact that previous Nexus phones were pure Android, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will likely include some pre-instaled bloatware apps as well as Verizon branding on the device. This is a big deal because previous Nexus phones have pridefully offered a pure Android OS experience without carrier branding, custom UI influences or apps outside of stock Google Android.

I for one have been excited about the upcoming Galaxy Nexus even before the big Hong Kong announcement in October and I'm obviously not alone in saying "Come on already!" In my opinion, it seems that Google may be tragically allowing Verizon to fumble a game changing touchdown! This is not just another smartphone, its the king of all Android phones and the first Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) device ever. This should be handled with quick and decisive action on the part of all parties directly involved and with the consumer moral high during the holiday season shopping season, there is no time like the present.

What do you think? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Tell us what you think of how the Galaxy Nexus launch is being handled or mishandled and when you think it will actually arrive in the US.


[ Via PhoneDog  ]