Verizon Galaxy “Nexus” is now four updates behind

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Verizon Galaxy “Nexus” is now four updates behind

In case you all haven’t noticed, over the past 24 hours Google has just issued the latest Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update for a wide array of Nexus devices. In fact every device since the Galaxy Nexus is getting updates as we speak. Well, all but one Galaxy Nexus. We wanted to drop in and remind everyone that we haven’t forgot about the Samsung G-Nex over on Verizon Wireless, one that is now a full 4 updates behind.

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We are starting to just call this the Samsung Galaxy on Verizon, because the “Nexus” part is basically non-existent. Even Sprint’s G-Nex has Android 4.2.1 yet over here in Big Red land we are stuck a full 4 updates behind the rest of the pack. It’s a shame really. Today along with the Nexus 4, 7, and 10 the GSM Galaxy Nexus is receiving Android 4.2.2 bringing an array of changes and bug fixes. Thanks Google!

No thanks to Verizon, their smartphone is a little behind the times considering it is a Nexus — or was. In fact, many of Samsung’s regular Galaxy S III phones have 4.1.2, which is a later version than Verizon’s Nexus. Back in June 2012 at Google I/O Android 4.1 Jelly Bean was announced to the world. Within a few weeks it had arrived for the HSPA+ version, and even the aging XOOM tablet. Yet Verizon never delivered the treat in a timely manor. The Verizon G-Nex received Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean over 3 months after it was announced and two months behind the others.

Verizon customers didn’t officially get it until late September. For those not keeping track at home, we’re now on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Since Verizon last updated their Galaxy Nexus to 4.1.1 we’ve seen 4.1.2 arrive, followed by the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with tons of features. Things like gesture typing on an improved keyboard, Photosphere camera, expandable notifications, a better faster Google Now and more. Not to mention with 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 (that makes us 4 behind) a new unlock screen with widgets, shortcuts and more.

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So what we’re getting at is Google’s released and improved tons of features and options for Android, all which are things we are not able to enjoy on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. The last update was in September to Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, and we’ve not heard a peep, seen a leak, or any evidence to think an update is in the works.

Hopefully someone over at Google and Verizon are working on something, but we have our doubts. Now we know why the Nexus 4 wasn’t tied to any specific carrier, and with good reason. Thankfully the Android community of loyal developers have kept the Verizon (toro) Nexus alive and kicking, and that won’t be stopping anytime soon.

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  • http://picasaweb.google.com/JTHolroyd/TileStoneWork JessSayin

    Same thing happened to me with my Nexus S 4G on Sprint last year. “First to get updates” my ass.
    (The XDA devs fixed all that)

  • Cristi Istrate

    Just wait. It will be five soon!

  • Gilbert Gonzalez

    Yet another reason I will never buy service with Verizon.

  • gr227

    Verizon where if you dare ask for lube they just dry it off even more before sticking it in deeper.

    • dudder

      wow perfect analogy

      • Tomi Golob

        best pun ever

  • Nick

    They don’t want their customers to keep their devices for 2+ years. They want them to sign up for extra lines, to get the new phones that keep coming out every 3 months.

  • simon

    I bet us Vzw owners won’t ever see 4.2.2 They care little about this phone as well as Samsung.

  • Bob Someguy

    Mine is only one behind. Thank you Mmuzzy.

    • http://www.androidcommunity.com Cory Gunther

      Yup.. Or #Euroskank

    • LANCE

      4.2.2 is online now :)

  • David Schmidlin

    RAGE!

  • abqnm

    I still like my Verizon Galaxy Bastard. Then again, it has never seen stock software.

    • Captain_Doug

      Only way to live is with root.

  • michael sanchez

    Its really time for me to leave

    • Captain_Doug

      Where do you plan on going?

  • Derpy Mc Derp

    VZW is terrible with updates. A good reference is the HTC Thunderbolt, which JUST got ICS.

  • Steven

    This is why I root my phones.

  • hitesh

    Heyy any one can say how can i update the version of my samsung galaxy pop+ s5570 ….

  • PMaranci

    I asked the Verizon people who’d sold me my Samsung Galaxy Nexus why it wasn’t receiving updates any more – and if it would. Their answer?

    “We don’t know. But it’s not Verizon’s fault. The updates are supposed to come direct from Google. Or Samsung.”

    I didn’t bother to ask them why all other versions of the phone had received multiple updates. Can anyone recommend a good guide to rooting?

  • http://twitter.com/josefferguson Josef Ferguson

    If anybody here uses IFTTT, I created this little recipe to remind Verizon on Twitter how much they suck:
    https://ifttt.com/recipes/78710

  • nexus

    I just got my new Nexus 4 from Google Play Store and signed up for month to month plan with T-Mobile. I love the phone, and am looking forward to updating it to 4.2.2 already. The battery on this thing lasts all day easily.

    I came from a Thunderbolt on Verizon that JUST got updated to ICS. Truly, without question, the most asinine and absurd update situation in smartphone history.
    I will NEVER buy a phone through a carrier again.
    Galaxy Nexus will be lucky to get 4.2.1 or 4.2.2. If it does, that will be the last one it gets.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=708103109 Bill Haley

    And people wonder why the N4 isn’t verizon friendly…

  • leed25d

    I am ditching Verizon after my contract runs out. (1) no updates (2) no more unlimited data (3) crappy tech support. (4) sales staff that doesn’t care a whit about you once they have your money

  • Tom

    Root, flash, done. Or be lazy and take what VZW gives you.

    • Chuck

      Tom…it took me a long time to learn that lesson, but I finally flashed my Vzw GNex to Cyanogen MOD 10.1 and couldn’t be more pleased…why didn’t I do this sooner??!!

  • J M

    Between the lack of updates, the relatively poor cellular reception in fringe areas, and not-very-impressive camera, the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon has been a bit of a disappointment for me.

    Believe it or not, I switched back to my HTC Thunderbolt when the ICS update (with new basebands) finally hit the air, and I ACTUALLY LIKE IT! (Well, except for the battery life, but I have a spare.) Weird, because except for the nice pictures it took (for a phone), I was starting to hate the T-Bolt and its outdated OS.

    Verizon is amazing, except that they’re so slow with OTAs. Ugh!

  • keltypack

    I love my GNex that I bought directly from Google. I want freedom from this carrier crap. However, Google is to blame, too. They should not allow carriers to control their phone. My view of a carrier is a DUMB PIPE. I don’t want any more from them. Until they actually add value (not just cost) with their services, I have no interest.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Foosa-Noble/100001939436588 Foosa Noble

    Why are the other green androids beating up the black nexus android???

  • Yogibearinyourface

    Does anyone know if there is ANY user agreement or terms of service language that allows for an early termination, without ETF, if a device is no longer offered and/or supported by the carrier? Any help would be great because I have yet to find anything.