This may help w/ ur JB update(I thought the system updates come from the manufacturer...it did for my driod)

[cynindesign]

No help for me, but it might for someone else:  http://www.androidauthority.com/jelly-bean-4-1-1-build-jro03c-rolling-out-now-to-hspa-galaxy-nexus-a...  read all the posts.....apparently google is responsible for the update for the GNex, not the carrier.

[Ann154]

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus brand has always come from Google.

The Galaxy Nexus phone on Verizon does have that extra step of carrier testing and approval.

[nimiaj]

IMHO Google should have themselves manufactured LTE band phones for VZW and ATT and sold them through the Play Store. VZW Carrier Testing and Approval in case of the Nexus device is not adding any value. Google has always been prompt to address any issues that arise, and this VZW process simply delays the hell out of it. Bigger problem is communication. Google already announced that all Galaxy Nexii will get Jelly Bean, VZW is not even communicating if they have the update in carrier testing. The funny thing is that even after an unusally longer (as compared to other carriers) validation process the darn updates still have issues. What exactly are they doing!!!

I am waiting for the day when manufacturers in the US start making multi-band LTE phones so people can just buy and use on whichever network they prefer!

[silver6056]

nimiaj wrote:

IMHO Google should have themselves manufactured LTE band phones for VZW and ATT and sold them through the Play Store. VZW Carrier Testing and Approval in case of the Nexus device is not adding any value.

Right, because handset manufacturing was clearly one of Google's core businesses!

Of course, now that they own Motorola, things have changed.

[nimiaj]

Handset manufacturing was not their core business, however, the Nexus line is their offering. Usually in partnership with of the the major manufacturers. They managed to keep the GSM variant of all their devices carrier independant. All I am saying is that they should have done the same with LTE variants. So when I say Google should have themselves manufactured, I mean it in the same way as they do with the GSM variants of their Nexus devices. One can hope! 🙂

[21stNow]

Your definition of prompt may be different from my definition of prompt as far as the speed of Google addressing issues.  A year and a half ago, the Nexus S had an issue with the phone rebooting during phone calls.  If I recall correctly, it took them at least two months to resolve this issue.  The issue was fairly widespread and had a high frequency of occurrence.  It didn't bother me as much, because that was not my primary phone. 

I can only imagine how this would go over on VZW today if that were to happen and take over two months to resolve.  I'm reminded of that megathread of iPhone users primarily in Michigan having the searching/no network problem.

[nimiaj]

Yes agreed it took Google time to figure out the problem and solve it. But once it got done, there was not waiting. If that same phone was on Verizon, don't you think that after the two months of issue resolution, the VZW process would have added more time (atleast a month) making it more like 3 months! Being a GalNex owner, I know how much later than everyone else I got the 4.0.4 update. And yes I also went through hell with the network disconnect issues before that update finally rolled along. Even certain Google employees were publicly frustrated with how long it took VZW GalNex to get the update. I just hope there is some communication from VerizonWireless that give us some idea of what's happening. Especially after such a major public announcement by Google for JellyBean.

[21stNow]

What I think is that a Verizon Wireless Galaxy Nexus is just that, a Verizon Wireless Galaxy Nexus.  It is not a Google Galaxy Nexus, which it seems that you are somewhat painfully aware of. 

I feel your pain in the slowness of the updates.  I have a VZW Motorola XOOM and the Wi-fi XOOM gets updated long before mine does.  Unfortunately when VZW slapped their name on the back of the phone, the owners were burdened with everything that comes with carrier branding, just like any other device.

[Tidbits]

Nexus S 4G got updates the Nexus S, and the 4G is waiting for JB also.  Certain GSM versions has not even seen JB and just got 4.0.4 long after we go ours.  So far only the playstore versions have gotten the update, and slowly GSM versions are getting it that were sold outside the play store.  CDMA versions throughout the world have not gotten theirs.  There is more required just on the CDMA aspect than GSM.

It's a Nexus through and through.  The real point of a Nexus is a developers tool, and to get people onboard onto Android.  If you bought one... Well the Nexus did it job.  People get caught up into the hype thrown by the media and fanboys, and it doesn't help Google doesn't set the record straight.

[phx32259]

Ann154 wrote:

  The Galaxy Nexus phone on Verizon does have that extra step of carrier testing and approval.

And by carrier testing you mean removal of Google wallet and baking in their crappy apps.

[Tidbits]

Wallet is only installed from the play store version. All other versions do not have it preinstalled.

[cynindesign]

More info " However, if you happen to own the Galaxy Nexus, you’ll be happy to hear that Jelly Bean OTA update is available for manual install. As always, there’s a catch: the update doesn’t fit all Galaxy Nexus versions out there, so if you’re not in possession of the “Takju” U.S. GSM version of the Galaxy Nexus you’re out of luck, as the 156MB update will not work on your Nexus device. Moreover, there’s a chance the update will only work with the Galaxy Nexus units handed out to developers at Google I/O, as those devices came with Ice Cream Sandwich installed....Don’t despair though, worse case scenario you’ll have to wait a few more weeks for Google to roll out the OTA update that will work on all Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus versions, as well as on the Xoom tablet. Not to mention that until then developers may find a way to have Jelly Bean running on these devices and maybe even other smartphones and tablets. Link from (removed link to comply with VZW Community ToS)

So how do you find out if you have a “Takju” U.S. GSM version of the Galaxy Nexus? From (removed link to comply with VZW Community ToS) Download Android System Info (electricsheep) free. Under the System tab, expand the BuilInfos + and you will see it (removed link to comply with VZW Community ToS)

Dang I have the mysid......how many versions are there?  Again, it looks like Google will be pushing the updates

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator (CM)

[Bartley]

You have a Verizon Galaxy Nexus. You have a "Toro" Galaxy Nexus version which is CDMA and not GSM. The official version of Jelly Bean is not available to the Verizon Galaxy Nexus in any way shape or form. Only ROMs made from AOSP files are available to use at your own risk. Verizon is basically pushing you into buying a new phone for a change in your contract. You feel satisfied with your phone and its updated software and that's less money coming in because you aren't forced into a new contract for buying a subsidized phone.

[Tidbits]

People who owned the Nexus S waited just as long as we did to see 4.0.4 if not longer.  They didn't even see 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, and they got 4.0.3.  They didn't see 4.0.4.  Google isn't all that when it comes to updating themselves.  AOSP is where you get the latest when YOU want it.  You only void your software warranty.  When my Nexus One broke and I sent it into Google it was replaced because of a hardware defect.  My Nexus S same deal and it was replaced.  Both times I left the custom rom on them.

This is where you are wrong Bartley.  Verizon doesn't make money off the devices you buy.  They make money off the services you pay for.  They do not care what versions you have as long as it works with their services and the way CDMA is coded they must test this. If you don't sign a contract with Verizon for the next 4 years they make MORE money than if you take the subsidization.  They don't have to pay manufacturers what you didn't pay them, and wait to recoup it back.  Since both scenarios you are paying the same price per month well wouldn't it be better for Verizon to have you out of contract and continue paying for services?  So if that device works for 5 years and you don't sign a contract they would make more money than if you signed a contract twice out of those 5 years.

[Bartley]

This is where your wrong Tidbits, in my post I did not say that Verizon made money directly off of the sale of the device itself, but indirectly off the restructuring of your contract or signing of a new one. "If you don't sign for the next 4 years they make MORE money than if you take the subsidization" just doesn't make any sense to state. The price for smartphone services has been steadily increasing over the years so how would remaining with your current contract be more than signing a new one? They even use that as a selling point. Get locked in now so you won't face higher costs later. They make more money from 4G LTE phones coupled with Tiered plans that offer low data caps.

And it would never be better for Verizon to have any of us off contract because that would mean you were free to leave taking your money with you whenever you pleased. There are plenty of online resources to help you rectify your false information. They have a Google power search class that would most definitely help with your queries.

[cynindesign]

I spoke w/ my son last night, he's w/ Sprint and he still doesn't have ICS.....so I guess it's all carriers.....I just can't see paying full price for a unlocked phone by not going w/ a carrier.  The annoying thing is I paid $400 for mine in Jan.  I enjoy my phone so much more w/ the 4.0.4 update, I feel for those who are still having a lot of problems.

Bartley wrote:

You have a Verizon Galaxy Nexus. You have a "Toro" Galaxy Nexus version which is CDMA and not GSM. The official version of Jelly Bean is not available to the Verizon Galaxy Nexus in any way shape or form. subsidized phone....

So are you saying no Verizon Galaxy Nexus will be available for JB update?  If so what's what's the point of all the JB posts?  Or is it just my version?  Well I suppose I could have a cow, but I intend to upgrade my phone in 2yrs to a quadcore anyway..  My previous phone was a Moto Droid and it didn't even have Gingerbread....so ICS was a GREAT update for me.  Too bad Google isn't a carrier, I've certainly enjoyed the connection to them

[Tidbits]

It should have 4.0.4 as it came out with it. Unless I am mistaken and came out with 4.0.3 and hasn't been updated to 4.0.4...

[Tidbits]

How does it matter if you are under or off contract?  The prices are still the same and as long as you have service it doesn't matter they make money.  So exactly why does it matter to lock people in?  If that device lasts 6 years and  you keep service for 6 years then what?  If you keep upgrading every 2 years Verizon pays subsidization costs for you so they lose out on subsidization.  Anyone can do the math.  Do you want me to break it down for  you?  If you go by the way people think Verizon is nickle and diming all the time...  $200-400 being paid out to manufacturers every 2 years is a BAD thing to profits.  Would be better off keeping people on a single device for 2+ years if they wanted to maximize profits.

Here's another thing that's stupid with what you are saying.... So by having everyone switch devices every 2 years to lock someone in...  If they update these devices and people could use them for multiple years over 2 years it would be more cost efficient for people.  There are people still using the OG Droid today.  Still off contract and still have Verizon service.  You are assuming once that 2 year contract is over people will leave.  If a device is updated enough and the service is good I am willing to bet a LARGE majority of people wouldn't think of leaving.  At the same time it saves both sides at least $200 every 20months.  Verizon would LOVE to not spend 200M every 3 months subsidizing devices which by updating devices would help them do it.

[Tidbits]

Too top it off.  Google is subsidizing their own devices to get people to go Android.  They make money off the market for every app downloaded.  They do not have a 2 year contract and people can leave as they please.  It works out well for them don't you think?  People are still buying Nexus devices as they are always updated faster than any other Android device out there.  See the trend? Overall Google services are good, and the devices are updated quicker than anyone else.  Market share shows improvement every month every year.

[Bartley]

Yeah...and these phones aren't CDMA phones so I don't see the point of the post. People are still buying Nexus devices but not so much Verizon Nexus devices. Verizon is ruining the rep on that. The average customer doesn't want to have to go to a developer site to find out how to root and flash. 6 months for updating on a Nexus device is bad news. And if that happens again, it'll be the death of Nexus on Verizon. No one will buy with this lag in updates.

[Bartley]

Verizon loses out on the cost of the device itself not the contract that you sign that comes along with subsidization. Its been explained a million times over even by Verizon.

Tidbits, I know that you are a smart guy. If Verizon weren't making any money off of locking people into new contracts then it wouldn't be doing it. Its a corporation. $200-400 is insignificant to what they make off the new contracts or extensions derived from offering subsidized phones. They wouldn't automatically enroll you into current pricing structure plans if there was no profit to be made.

Stating that keeping people on a single device for 2+ years would be better if they want to maximize profits only makes sense if those people who upgraded devices kept the same contract, but upgrading devices automatically enrolls you into the new pricing structure if your contracted wireless plan is phased out, which happens a lot.