Update: Verizon issued the following Statement to us this morning then another one:
We’re working to provide expanded services that will provide the best security and user experience in the market around m-commerce. We expect to provide access to an open wallet when those goals are achieved.
The Galaxy Nexus headed to Verizon Wireless in the next week or so won’t feature Google Wallet, even though it has the NFC chip to do so, we have learned. The app won’t be available in the Android Market for Verizon Galaxy Nexus users. Big Red simply blocked it.
Blasphemy you say? ”Pure Google Android?” Nope. The Verizon Galaxy Nexus will receive its updates directly from Google, not a carrier. But Google caved to Verizon and blocked Wallet from the device.
The reason Verizon has chosen to kick Wallet out of the device is likely because of their recent creation of a new mobile payment project called ISIS. ISIS not only features Verizon, but also is a partnership with AT&T and T-mobile to build a new mobile payment network much like Wallet. It is supposed to roll out in 2012.
The Nexus S on the remaining U.S. big four carrier Sprint was the introductory device to receive Google Wallet but many would guess that the Galaxy Nexus, being pure Google, would see Google Wallet.
Luckily, Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus will still feature NFC technology like the European version does. You’ll still be able to use NFC enabled apps including the ability to swap files and tap NFC enabled signs — just not Google Wallet.
So where does Google Wallet go next?
Since Verizon won’t offer it, we’d imagine the rumor of T-mobile and AT&T receiving the Galaxy Nexus will probably stand true. It’s just not clear yet if they will block Wallet too. Is Sprint Google’s only salvation? Hopefully not.
Google should allow its Nexus Users to sideload the Wallet app if the carriers, in this case Verizon, block it. IT is a Google phone after all. why can’t we use a Google app? Especially one that doesn’t interfere with Verizon’s core functionality.
The Galaxy Nexus is reportedly launching for $299 on two-year contract, says WSJ. If that stands true, the Galaxy Nexus will be matched in terms of price with the Droid RAZR and HTC Rezound and of course the 32GB iPhone. Hopefully, we’ll see significant discounts on the Galaxy Nexus, just like the Rezound and RAZR, which were free for two weeks at Amazon and are still significantly reduced.
While a December 9th-ish release date still sounds about right, there’s no official word. We’ll let you know when we hear more.
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I personally don't even give a rat's ass about NFC payment options…. but crap like this will make me root my phone just to load google wallet to give Verizon the finger. Not that I will use it anyway. Its the principle. When will carrier's get it through their thick skull that we don't want their crappy services. We just want them to be what they should be, a dumb pipe!!
I just want to make sure I understand completely: you're going to give Verizon "the finger" by buying the phone from Verizon, renewing a two-year contract with Verizon, and rooting your phone (thereby likely voiding the warranty?) which does nothing to Verizon's bottom line..
WHERE DO I SIGN UP, ACE?
Switch carriers. That'll show 'em.
This will probably overlooked as soon as we have root access…not that big of a deal.
Well technically if you obtain the APK you can do that. But that will significantly reduce the number of users for google wallet on the Nexus leading to compatibility issues (like screen size might affect be ugly or stop the flow due to UI bug)
Come on Verizon!!! Seriously!?
What do you mean Verizon? Google are the twats that caved!
So Verizon choose an open standard instead of Google Wallet?
How is this an open standard?
I don't think ISIS claims to be an open standard. It's just the standard the other 3 big carriers want to use.
Unclear why you can't have more than one NFC payment scheme on a phone. Have only one in the default install seems fine, but blocking others from a user install for no reason seems wrong.
I can't believe they're getting away with that — could you imagine a carrier blocking Square on the iPhone?
I can't believe the founder of WordPress is commenting on our little blog here. Cheers!
Wallet is only supported on the Nexus S 4G on Sprint. Until Google adds support for other Android devices and carriers Verizon doesn't even have a chance to block it. http://www.google.com/wallet/faq.html
Google sucks.
gee whiz, guys, when are you finally going to figure it out? "open" means the OEM's and telcos can do anything they want or don't want with Android for their own business advantage – and you're stuck with it until your two year contract is up. but yeah, you get a lot of choices – once ever two years. in between 98% of consumers don't root or jailbreak their phones. they just have to grin and bear it.
Google does NOT have your back.
That's why you just gotta go the classy route and stick to the iPhone. Try as they may they still can't beat the best.
What I want to know is how does Verizon do this to a phone running on c-block 700 MHz that is supposed to be open access compliant, meaning they can't mess with device functions that are built in.
Google has officially abandoned its core values.
"You can't run your service on our network because it would damage the sales of our competing service."
Doesn't this fall into anti-competitive violations?
No. Verizon isn't a monopoly.
One more reason to get an iPhone.
Yes! Since Google Wallet is blocked on the Nexus S, might as well get the iPhone, which also doesn't have Google Wallet.
Yes, but Apple is the only manufacturer that has control over what a carrier installs or doesn't allow to install on the phone.
"But they’re blocking it in an open way, not a closed way"
Not the first time Google has caved. The Nexus "2" (S) on AT&T turns its 3G radio off if you try use the phone as a moblile hot spot.
In one month when my contract is up,instead of buying this phone and renewing my contract I will be changing carries.
Dick move by Verizon.