Android enthusiasts the world over got a nasty shock this morning when they learned that the Samsung Unbox event, long rumored to unveil the Nexus Prime and Ice Cream Sandwich, had been booted out of CTIA on October the 11th. According to an anonymous source from The Next Web, that event has been moved back to October 27th, possibly set at a London venue. At the time of writing, there is no confirmation from either Samsung or Google.

While no official reason was given for the postponing, speculation is that it’s to give the tech world a little breathing room between the unveiling of the next Android superphone and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’ untimely death on Wednesday. Doubtless the presentation compares the Nexus Prime (or some new phone, at any rate) and Ice Cream Sandwich to previous versions of Android and the iPhone, and some might see that as disrespectful so soon after Jobs’ passing. Previously, October 27th had been a rumored release date for the new device, but that has likely been pushed back as well.

Samsung released a statement that, while not mentioning the specifics, definitely implies that the sad news is the reason for the delay:

Samsung and Google have decided to postpone the Samsung Mobile Unpacked event during the CTIA in San Diego, previously scheduled for Oct. 11. Under the current circumstances, both parties have agreed that this is not the appropriate time for the announcement of a new product. We would ask for the understanding of our clients and media for any inconvenience caused. We will announce a new date and venue in due course.

The event is not necessarily the same one that’s been postponed – there’s nothing to indicate that it isn’t some other Samsung unveiling except for the time frame. If would-be Nexus Prime owners are discouraged, at least they’ve got plenty of leaks and rumors to ruminate on until the event comes (whenever that is). Between Samsung’s teaser video, unofficial mockups, leaked video of what may be the Prime and its software, not to mention a lot of guessing and finger-pointing as to the actual specifications of the device, the tech world has plenty to digest before Ice Cream Sandwich arrives. When it does, Android Community will be there live with all the blessedly confirmed details.

UPDATE: A Google spokeperson confirmed that the delay is to allow more time to pass after the death of Steve Jobs .

We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs’s passing.

[via SlashGear]