Galaxy Nexus 4.3 OTA Upgrade?

[steampunk_cowboy]

It's Tuesday, 11 June 2013, and rumors continue about the much anticipated release of Google Jelly Bean 4.3 (or some variant of it). Though it didn't happen yesterday the 10th as some had expected--others now say July, an article by Robert Triggs just a few hours ago on Android Authority begs the question "Galaxy Nexus passes through Bluetooth SIG, is Android 4.3 incoming?" Apparently, a GT-I9250 (aka "Maguro": GSM/HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus variant on AT&T/T-Mobile networks) was spied being tested against Bluetooth standards, a requirement for new update releases. That, my friends, is a major step toward our beloved GNexes getting another transfusion that's slated to resolve the over-discussed problems of overheating and rapidly draining batteries. Plus, gaining a couple of new features: a new camera UI and a power-saving Bluetooth upgrade to v4.0 that most higher end devices have. To read Robert Triggs' complete article, go to " http://m.androidauthority.com/galaxy-nexus-passes-bluetooth-android-4-3-224336/ " . I'm so (steam)punked, I check my phone's System Updates in Settings every hour or so.

[Dabogues]

That is really interesting---I did not realize that about the tethering. Sort of explains some things about FoxFi Pro and why it works so well with the GNex.

I also have sort of been worried that eventually VZ would be able to "ungrandfather" us. If what you say is true, though, it sounds like that can't happen (at least for as long as the agreement lasts). That may change how I approach things in the future. Appreciate the knowledge dropping.

[Pyro411]

@Dabogues sadly I can see that happening soon as the carrier that starts

with T- already started removing the plans, but as a consolation to losing

unlimited data everyone now gets unlimited Talk/SMS/MMS on their network.

If Verizon throws me off of the Grandfathered plan I'm on now I'll jump

ship to a new vendor, permanent or not is to be seen on how VoLTE rolls out

& is handled with phones afterwards.

[TimTheK]

That is not entirely true. The government only ruled that people on TIERED (2gb, 4Gb, etc) LTE data plans cannot be prevented from tethering or sharing the data. However, that does NOT apply to anyone on a grandfathered unlimited plan. Verizon may continue to restrict you from tethering or sharing your data on an unlimited plan. Or at least they can charge you for tethering.

“Under the terms of today’s settlement, Verizon Wireless will make a voluntary payment to the Treasury in the amount of $1.25 million, and has committed to notifying the application store operator that it no longer objects to the availability of the tethering applications to C-Block network customers” and that Verizon “revised its service offerings such that consumers on usage-based pricing plans may tether, using any application, without paying an additional fee.”

For those of us who are still on unlimited plans, VZW will no doubt be looking for ways to push us off to tiered plans. And you may be right about them hoping some of us leave and abandon our unlimited plans.

[Dabogues]

Thanks for doing my homework for me, TimTheK! That makes more sense. I thought there was something in there about tethering that I read a long time ago. It's a non-issue for me, anyway, at this point, since I don't have any real use for tethering.

I do wonder if there are any guidelines in terms of how long the grandfathered plans must/will last, though, or if at this point it's all by VZ's good graces. The comparatively small number of us left (I can't believe the number of people I know who gave it up just for a new phone and look at me with envy when I told them I just bought a used phone and kept it) can't really hurt the bottom line that much.

Anecdotally speaking, the most recent call I got from VZ asking me if I wanted to upgrade had them "analyze" my usage to see if I was in the most economical plan. When he got to data usage (last), and he came up with 13GB last month, even the rep had to be like "Yeah...you're on the best plan right now." I don't tether (I stopped doing that which shall not be mentioned to my phone a long time ago for corporate email purposes)---they can blame Google Music All Access, mostly. Maybe they can block that, too.

[Leonardo77]

Someone mentioned that perhaps Verizon would not like it for a two-year-old phone to have the latest android version when most other phones that they are currently selling don't.

Not only would it have the latest software, but it would instantly become compatible with the new Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth LE low energy) since the Gnex has always had the hardware, but has never had the software to drive it. There are a lot of cool Bluetooth LE accessories, such as watches, fitness monitors and automated door locks. I look forward to the day when I will be able to walk up to my door and have it unlock and my watch and phone will have better battery life.

Unfortunately here I sit waiting. I tried to "shine up" my old galaxy Nexus, to no avail, so for now still waiting for Verizon

[TimTheK]

Oh, hey. Look at this.... The Verizon Galaxy S4 is scheduled to get Android 4.3 next week.

WHERE IS THE GALAXY NEXUS UPDATE VERIZON!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a ______ NEXUS phone. It should get updated IMMEDIATELY.

[Adirolf]

That's it! We are getting an update next week and they don't want to spoil the surprise for us 🙂

[DoctorDeDroid]

As is evident to anyone older than the age of 11, if VZW can push a 4.3 update to an over-skinned, over-bloated set of phones like the HTC One, the SIII and so on, then it ought to be a no-brainer to update the Gnex.  That leaves one reason and one reason alone:  to get you to "upgrade" and lock into another two years.  It CANNOT POSSIBLY take longer to qualify 4.3 for the Gnex than the SIII!!!!  And the SIII is JUST AS OLD.

NOW do you understand why so much hate is heaped upon you VZW???  Don't you get it?  It's not enough we pay our bill every month...  it's just not enough for you is it?  Maybe your top execs ought to sell that third vacation home they have in the Hamptons and live just slightly less large than they do... and then you clowns can get back to the business of actually providing VALUE for the money you charge.

[readyfireaim]

The answer is, VZ will have fancy new commercials on TV on 11/1 pushing "The NEW Nexus 5!!!! A pure google experience!!! Immediate updates!!!!"

... And folks will fall for it and buy it.

I will only buy the N5 if updates are handled by google.

[mbe3204m]

I don't think the Nexus5 will have a radio for Verizon's network, not from what I've read online at least.  Even if it does, did you see one TV ad for the Galaxy Nexus?  I can't recall seeing one, but I haven't had a cable TV subscription in over a year

[readyfireaim]

I think you are on to something;  Looks like Google is adding an LTE radio to the Nexus 4, and NOT to the Nexus 5. 

So basically, VZ botched the implementation and updates on the Samsung G Nexus, so they are just going to toss a 1 year old phone to VZ.  Great job, VZ, your constant pooh-stinking of the Samsung G Nex earned you a one year old phone!  Your phone lineup is looking like stale compared to the rest of the US providers.

[vzw_customer_support]

We work hard with all of the manufacturers to get a great update out to their phones as quickly as possible, DoctorDeDroid. Any updates for the Nexus will be announced at http://vz.to/twIwDZ as they become available. In the meantime, are you having trouble with your Nexus? I don't want you to feel like you're locked into a phone for 2 years that you can't enjoy. We are here for you and ready to help with your phone so you can enjoy the value of our network.

Thank you
JenniferH_VZW

Please follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

[mbe3204m]

The issue we all have is that other providers got Google's updates out to the end users far faster than Verizon.  And Google doesn't seem interested in going down this road again with Verizon as Verizon apparently is too demanding of the manufacturer when it comes to software updates that are pushed.  I'd rather go to ATT/TMobile or one of their prepaids and know that updated software is pushed when Google wants it pushed instead of when the service provider is done tinkering with it.

[TimTheK]

No "JenniferH_VZW " you don't work with manufacturers to get updates out quickly, its exactly the opposite. And quite frankly, its offensive that you sit here and claim that you do.  If anything, Verizon works to slow down the update process. It insults the intelligence of customers like myself who know full well that the "manufacturer" of the Galaxy Nexus has already publicly released the latest update for this device. In fact, the first update was released on July 24th, followed by a minor version on August 21st. These updates for were developed by Google/Samsung and pushed out to the public 3 months ago. That update was good enough for AT&T and T-Mobile customers. Verizon has to go through their "testing procedures" so now we are left in the dark with no news, no dates, no information at all. 3 months for an update that we know works because it runs on the GSM versions, and ROMs built from the AOSP releases work just fine on the Verizon version....but here we wait.

I thought that Verizon ignoring our questions about this update was rude, but then this comes out and is even more insulting than pretending you weren't listening.

[GameDiversity]

Well, I purchased the micro SIM card I plan to use for my Nexus 5 ... I will go with whatever come first .. an update to 4.4 (not just 4.3) for my Verizon Galaxy Nexus or the Google Nexus 5.

[mbe3204m]

Game, do tell - how will you get your own microSIM to work on Verizon's network (or did you purchase it through Verizon)?  Does this allow you to obtain updates more frequently even while using the phone on Verizon's network?

[TimTheK]

I'm guessing he means he's got a micro sim for another carrier that he will get the Nexus 5 for unless the VZW Galaxy Nexus gets an update first. There have been no credible rumors about a Nexus 5 on Verizon, plus the FCC documents didn't show the Nexus 5 having the Verizon radios on board, so I would not hold my breath waiting for a N5 on VZW.

There is nothing that can bypass Verizon for device updates (aside from loading custom ROMS), so buying your own SIM won't help. I don't even know if Verizon sells SIM's.... its not like there are many devices that you can buy and activate on Verizon's network. Maybe a tablet, maybe.

[GameDiversity]

Yep ... exactly right .... the Verizon Galaxy Nexus has spoiled me enough that either Verizon treats the Galaxy Nexus as it should with quicker updates, or I would prefer to test the pre-paid market with the Google Nexus 5 ... I say test because I have been with Verizon since about 2002 , maybe their service is just so great that I am left with simply enjoying what they give me ....

[mbe3204m]

I'm in the same position; been a customer since 2000.  But now that smartphones are barely used to call anyone anymore, and there's wifi in so many places, I don't know if I need the network so much.  Of course, the first time I realize I have spotty coverage for data or voice in an area I didn't before, I'll be the first to complain, should I switch.  But I do want the Nexus5 *and* the official updates from Google when they come out vs. waiting for Verizon to release them.

[GameDiversity]

Well, I am going to suspend my service for 3 months and use that time to text the pre-paid market. I did it a few weeks back and used Google Hangouts with my friends for calling and texting.

[TimTheK]

JenniferH_VZW ,

I'm considering whether I should click on the "report abuse" button under your post for lying to and insulting your customers. That's abusive.