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Why did Verizon remove Smart Settings, User Profile and Theme features from LG G4?

The above features were a significant factor when deciding on this phone. The fact that the capability of changing a phone's theme is not a feature of a smart phone in 2015, let alone a flagship device seems ludicrous to the point where I assume that this is a temporary glitch that will be resolved in a few days. This lost capability combined with no smart settings and user profile flexibility seem significant enough to sway me to turn in both of my recently purchased G4s in and cancel my service agreement (within 14 day window) and go with another provider which has a fully capable G4 device.

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Tidbits

Due to Block C rules and consumer willing to pay. Manufacturers charge for these features. Since Verizon has to cover more spectrum they don't pick up other options.

Verizon did a test many years ago and the devices were $50 more expensive than their competition. People weren't happy and now Verizon does whatever it takes to price match.

The question will soon become are you willing to pay up to $150 more for all these features(Europe averages that much without VAT) and spectrum support.

the_stitch

Not familiar with Block C rules, but there are other options aside from paying $150 more such as paying $50 more for a more capable phone and using Sprint or T-mobile albeit having a more limited coverage but unlimited data.for roughly the same cost for service. Options on the table if such features are indeed purposefully omitted for reduced cost.

stevedave1234

this is completely unacceptable in my opinion. You would think that Verizon, as a company, would announce that they were INTENTIONALLY omitting several fairly key features that make this phone an attractive purchase. Instead they expect people to just shell over their money without questioning. This is an unacceptable business practice and I for one will be returning my phone and opting out of my plan. I will go to T-Mobile or Sprint if Verizon has no intention of fixing this. I feel like I am not alone either.

Tidbits

Are you willing to pay more for it? No well it isn't happening. There's hundreds of threads about this and manufacturers admit they charge carriers for features.

Good luck with T-Mobile or Sprint. When they buy the next major low block spectrum they'll follow similar rules and end up doing the same thing just a heads up.

Tidbits

It is what it is. Eventually when all carriers end up buying low block spectrum(600 is going on sale soon) and if any carrier picks them up they will follow the same rules...

Here are rules that affect the price of the phone.

Device MUST be unlocked. All Verizon LTE devices are unlocked.

They must work on all US carriers and be fully functional. That means paying spectrum licensing and paying for FCC approval (manufacturers pass the buck to carriers).

Consumers are unwilling to pay more for the same device on another carrier. Just like you pointed out yourself.

So if and when Sprint or T-Mobile end up with 600 spectrum you WILL end up on the same boat.

I actually wish the FCC forced away device subsidies and exclusive deals like they do in Europe. Sure device prices will go up but threads like these would be non existent.

the_stitch

You misread my comment which stated that I am considering paying the $50 more for a more capable device when coupled with a plan that has unlimited data vice better coverage in areas not of concern to me. Regarding macro transactions such as spectrum updates, they have never effected the price of an existing service agreement whether it was with T-mobile or Sprint over the past decade or more. I would decide at the end of my service agreement which carrier to go with based on cost (among other factors) and, in the case of Verizon, will also have to consider the potential for a reduction in phone features as another factor in my decision. Not sure where luck would be necessary aside from being fortunate to be able to scrutinize a Verizon phone for reduced capabilities since online reviews and manufacturer descriptions are somewhat nullified.

stevedave1234

I think you may be missing the point from the OP. Clearly stated that they would be willing to pay the extra $ for a different carrier and actually get to use the features that are advertised on a $600 cell phone....as would I. As for the "literally hundreds of threads about this".....please link some.....Because while there may be some about different block settings, there is NOTHING out there saying that the G4 would not have specific features in a statement from Verizon. These were big selling points for the phone, its not like they were just simple little things....so if you can honestly sit and tell me that Verizon SHOULDNT have told the consumers what we were paying for, or NOT paying for, well then that is a sad thing.

Tidbits

There are hundreds of threads of devices since block C rules went into effect for Verizon that are missing features. Just go and use the search function here. From LG to Sony devices. Samsung too.

If you are willing then why are you still here? Why wait to get what you want? Both carriers that you guys mentioned are willing to reimburse your ETF or payment plans. Seriously if you were willing to pay that extra you'd always buy international unlocked devices and would never buy a carrier branded device.

You failed to realize something. Verizon never advertised anything about the phone. It's not their phone. LG choose to advertise their devices with features with a small disclaimer stating features are region and carrier not available.

Be prepared for the mobile landscape to change here. Whether for the better or not.

duhdonutman

Does Block C have anything to do with the missing 100gb of google drive storage free for 2 years too? Does verizon's little 'enhancements' (VZ messenger, vz navigation, vz something else that the phone already comes with) fall under block c or something else?

Tidbits

A sense it could. That could be an add-on charge to have available and Verizon didn't want to partake due to the fact they pay for far more spectrum licensing for their devices.

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