Google Galaxy Nexus

The Galaxy Nexus (GT-I9250) is a touchscreen Android smartphone co-developed by Google and Samsung. It is the third smartphone in the Google Nexus series, a family of Android consumer devices built by an original equipment manufacturer partner. The phone is the successor to Google's previous flagship phones, the Nexus One and Nexus S.
The Galaxy Nexus has a high-definition (1280 × 720) Super AMOLED display with a Dragontrail curved glass surface, an improved camera, and was the first Android version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich device.Samsung Galaxy Nexus – Full phone specifications. Gsmarena.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21. The name is the result of co-branding between the Samsung Galaxy and Google Nexus brands of Android smartphones. The device is known as the Galaxy X in Brazil, however, due to a trademark on the "Nexus" brand.Apresentando Galaxy X. Apresentando Galaxy X. Retrieved on 2012-09-23.
The Galaxy Nexus was unveiled jointly by Google and Samsung on 19 October 2011 in Hong Kong. It was released in Europe on 17 November 2011.Samsung Galaxy Nexus now available in UK, but still no word on US launch. VentureBeat (17 November 2011). Retrieved on 2011-12-15. It is one of the few phones recommended by the Android Open Source Project for building Android from source. By 29 October 2012, the Galaxy Nexus was no longer available for sale on the Google Play Store, following the release of its successor, the LG Nexus 4.Chavez, "Galaxy Nexus no longer available for sale in the Play Store, Nexus Q removed from device lineup", The Verge, 29 October 2012
== History ==
Google's plans to continue the Nexus series and bring a third-generation Nexus to market were confirmed by Google's senior vice president of mobile platforms Andy Rubin in May 2011.Google confirms there will be a Nexus 3. Techradar.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-15. Samsung mobile put out a teaser videoSAMSUNG Mobile Unpacked 2011 – Google Episode Teaser Video. YouTube. Retrieved on 2011-12-15. for its "Google Episode" of Unpacked on 11 OctoberSamsung teases next week's 'Unpacked,' offers a momentary glance at a mysterious device. Engadget.com (5 October 2011). Retrieved on 2011-12-15. but later postponed (to 19 October)Samsung confirms Ice Cream Sandwich event on 19 October. Engadget (13 October 2011). Retrieved on 2011-12-15. the product announcement out of respect, following the death of Steve Jobs on 5 October.
Before the official announcement, it was also referred to as the Google "Nexus Prime" by the general public and the media. There had been repeated leaks containing almost accurate details about this device. The phone was officially announced on 19 October 2011 in Hong Kong, revealing the official name as "Galaxy Nexus".Galaxy Nexus, Ice Cream Sandwich roundup: specs, details and insight, oh my!. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
== Hardware ==
The Galaxy Nexus hosts support for MHL through the use of its Micro USB 2.0 port, allowing the Galaxy Nexus to output up to 1080p audio-visual content (through HDMI) to any supported external display such as a HD Television. USB port supports both host and devices modes (OTG); as a note, its successor Nexus 4 supports only the device mode. The Galaxy Nexus has no physical buttons on the front, but instead features on-screen soft keys embedded into the system software (part of Android 4.0). Beneath the soft keys, a multicolored notification LED is featured, a feature missing from the Nexus S.The 3.5 mm headphone jack is located on the bottom
There is no card storage expandability (SD).
== Software ==
The Galaxy Nexus was the first device to run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich,Couts, Andrew. (19 August 2011) Google's 'Nexus Prime' with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich allegedly set for October release. News.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21. introducing a large number of new features and improvements.Android – Introducing Ice Cream Sandwich Beginning from 11 July 2012, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean began rolling out to the GSM Galaxy Nexus as an over-the-air (OTA) update.
The 4.2 update began rolling out on 13 November 2012 to the GSM Galaxy Nexus Takju/Maguro variant (smartphones sold in the USA and directly supported by Google) as an (OTA) update. Google started rolling out the update to the international version (Yakju/Maguro) a week later. Towards the end of December, however, not all phones had received the update. On 19 March 2013 Verizon Wireless began updating OTA their CDMA Galaxy Nexus Mysid/Toro variant to Android 4.2.2.Galaxy Nexus Updates to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean was released for GSM models on 24 July 2013, and Sprint began OTA updates on 31 October 2013.
Google has stated that the Galaxy Nexus will not receive Android 4.4 KitKat,Galaxy Nexus & Android 4.4 (KitKat) FAQs even after having 14,000 signatures requesting it.Galaxy Nexus Owners Send Sundar Pichai 14,000 Signatures Asking for Android 4.4 KitKat | Androidheadlines.com New drivers may allow unofficial Android versions to be available for the device.New TI OMAP4 GPU Drivers to Possibly Aid KitKat Development for the Galaxy Nexus – xda-developers
Canonical's Ubuntu Touch operating system is also available and supported on the Galaxy Nexus.
=== Google Wallet ===
The Galaxy Nexus is one of few devices that officially supports Google Wallet. The Verizon variant is the only variant that does not support Google Wallet officially. This unsupported feature has caused a controversy among US users. Verizon defends its actions with reasoning that the Galaxy Nexus uses a "secure element."Seifert, "Verizon won't offer Google Wallet for the Galaxy Nexus because it uses a 'secure element'", The Verge, 10 December 2012 It is possible to side load Google Wallet and it will install and work. Care must be taken when using aftermarket batteries to be sure it has near field communication ability, since the NFC antenna is located in the battery.
== Availability ==
In some countries, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is sold SIM-unlocked. It is also hardware-unlocked (unlocked bootloader, allowing root access). The fact that the Galaxy Nexus is sold SIM-locked in some markets—primarily where operators subsidize the phone or have exclusive selling rights—breaks the more liberal tradition of previous Nexus phones: Nexus One and Nexus S.
=== Europe ===
In the UK, the HSPA+ version of the Galaxy Nexus became available on O2 and 3 on 17 November 2011.Samsung makes Galaxy Nexus release date official, available in the UK on 17 November. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21. In Germany, the HSPA+ version was sold SIM-unlocked from Vodafone and O2. It launched in December 2011 in Portugal, by Vodafone.
=== North America ===
In Canada, the device was launched on 8 December 2011. The Canadian model was sold unlocked and supports GSM/UMTS/HSPA/AWS bands. A GSM/UMTS, SIM-unlocked version was officially released in the United States by Google in the Google Play Store. Sprint officially announced the Galaxy Nexus for their network at CES 2012, and was released on 22 April 2012, as one of Sprint Nextel's first LTE smartphones. On 24 April 2012, the Galaxy Nexus was sold sim-unlocked on Google's Play Store for 399.99 then dropped to 349.99 later. The only difference between this variant and the internationally sold variant is the inclusion of "Google Wallet" out of the box.
==== Brief sales ban ====
On 29 June 2012, Apple was granted a request for a pre-trial injunction against the import and sale to the U.S. of Galaxy Nexus by Samsung. The order was issued by U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California.Breaking: Judge grants Apple an injunction against the Galaxy Nexus, Ars Technica The ruling was based primarily on a patent which is defined as a "universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system". The injunction against Samsung took effect when Apple paid a $96 million bond that will be used to cover damages done to Samsung if Apple loses the case.Apple Granted Preliminary Injunction on Sale of Galaxy Nexus in U.S, The Next WebApple scores second legal win vs Samsung in a week, Reuters The Galaxy Nexus was temporarily unavailable for purchase on Google's Play store, and Google stated they would push a software update that would remove local phone searching.Apple enforces Galaxy Nexus smartphone ban in the US, BBC News On 6 July the ban was lifted.Galaxy Nexus reappears in Google Play store CNET News
=== Asia-Pacific ===
On 3 May 2012, Samsung India officially announced that India will not have the official release of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus,Samsung Galaxy Nexus Won’t Be Coming To India Anymore despite numerous earlier reports that the device would be launched as early as mid-December 2011.Makwana, Samir. (8 November 2011) Galaxy Nexus to arrive in India by Mid-December. Themobileindian.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21. The Galaxy Nexus was released in Indonesia on 21 January 2012, the Philippines on 28 January 2012,Samsung Galaxy Nexus now up for pre-order with Smart | YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews Bahrain on 4 March 2012,Batelco launches Galaxy Nexus and Saudi Arabia in March 2012.http://www.ameinfo.com/blog/telecoms/stc-to-launch-google-galaxy-nexus-in-saudi-arabia/
== Variants ==
The device was originally only available in black, developed under the codename "Tuna". A white version (with the front-panel in black) was made available in February 2012. There was a special edition released to Google employees with a unique back cover.Vlad Savov. Google hands out special edition Galaxy Nexus phones to employees. The Verge, 19 December 2011
Because the device was designed to work with carriers utilizing different network technology, there are several hardware variations of the Galaxy Nexus:
*SCH-i515 "Toro": Verizon Wireless's variant featuring 4G LTE connectivity in the 700 MHz band (Band 13) as well as CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A connectivity in the PCS bands (800/1900 MHz). This device features 32 GB of on-board storage, measures 9.47 mm thick and features a 1850 mAh battery. This device's appearance is similar to that of the international version.
*SCH-i516 "Toro": This model is same as Verizon's Galaxy Nexus: SCH-i515, however this version has 16 GB.
*GT-i9250 "Maguro": GSM/HSPA+ variant. Features support for both AT&T's and T-Mobile's HSPA+ bands in the United States. This particular variant was sold SIM-unlocked by Google in the Play Store.Google back in the smartphone sales game: unlocked Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ (GSM) available for $399
*SPH-L700 "Toro Plus": Sprint's variant featuring 4G LTE connectivity in the 1900 MHz band (Band 25). It is virtually identical to the Verizon variant, save for the omission of the SIM slot, and minor cosmetic differences.
*GT-i9250T: Australian GSM/HSPA+ variant. Complies with Australian regulatory requirements and the baseband is tuned to prefer 3G 850 MHz. This particular variant is currently sold by Optus, Telstra and Vodafone.Software Update Weekly Wrap – 19 September 2012 | Vodafone Australia blog
*SHW-M420S/K: Korean GSM/HSPA+ variant. Complies with Korean regulatory requirements, like a camera shutter sound. This particular variant was sold by SKT and KT.
== Accessories ==
The official Samsung accessory range includes a Desktop Dock with an HDMI port, a Desk Stand with a 3.5 mm jack, a stand with a charging port for a second battery and a car holder that will let users turn their Galaxy Nexus phone into a SatNav replacement. All of the Samsung accessories feature a microUSB port so the phone can be charged while it is being used.
== Reception ==
The Galaxy Nexus generated a high level of anticipation, and received very positive reviews.Galaxy Nexus review roundup, LTE release date Monday? – Computerworld Blogs. Blogs.computerworld.com (17 November 2011). Retrieved on 2011-11-21. Engadget's Myriam Joire, praised the phone's speed, feel, display and battery life. Joire concluded that at the time of writing, the Galaxy Nexus is "the best Android phone available today" further concluding that it's "possibly even the best phone available today, period".Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ review. Engadget (24 November 2011). Retrieved on 2011-12-31. Ginny Mies of PCWorld echoed the previous statement, while saying that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is "a superb phone, and a great vehicle for introducing Android Ice Cream Sandwich to the world". Despite writing that Android has "a long way" to go, in terms of progression, the tweaks and updates Google has implemented throughout the operating system substantially improves the efficiency and ease of use of the operating system. In their review, Mobilesyrup lauded the phone, saying "there is no going back". They praised its aesthetics, noting that the Galaxy Nexus combined design elements of the Nexus S and Galaxy S II. They also praised its software, as the "experience is just that much better", declaring the phone as "the first best Android device ever."
Engadget's Darren Murph, described Ice Cream Sandwich as "smooth as ever" further saying that "without question, this is easily the slickest, most polished version of Android yet".Google Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0): a hands-on screenshot gallery. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21. Murph was overall "thrilled with how the first Ice Cream Sandwich handset has turned out." with its "understated, sleek, beautiful" continuing with lauding the phone's display.Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Ice Cream Sandwich hands-on (video). Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21. Vincent Nguyen, from SlashGear noted the fast performance of Android 4.0.1, the tight integration between the operating system and the hardware and concluded that "this is the best Android phone around today". J.R. Raphael of Computerworld, stated "The Galaxy Nexus [...] is an exceptional phone, arguably the finest Android handset to date", saying it is "sleek and attractive, with a thin, light body and a beautiful HD display". Raphael ended the review writing that the Galaxy Nexus is "screamingly fast [...] delivering what may be the best overall performance of any mobile device available".
In a T3 review, Thomas Tamblyn noted the camera was "quicker than many digital cameras", and praised the phone's experience to be "very fluid" and that "it feels like a version of Android that is already very polished." The Verge's Joshua Topolsky stated the phone is one of the "best smartphones ever made, and with a couple of minor tweaks (particularly to the camera), it could be the best smartphone ever produced." Charlie White, at Mashable, described the screen as "gorgeous", offering "an exquisitely sharp view", and describing the hardware design as "a spectacular success", concluding the Galaxy Nexus "is by far the best Android phone I’ve seen yet".
== References ==
== External links ==
* Official website
Category:Phones
Category:Google Nexus
Category:Devices designed by Google
Category:Devices manufactured by Samsung
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