yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Zepius:
i fully understand what a nexus phone is. thanks.

it is 2 apps. are you seriously going to start a riot over it? it looks like you are heading that way.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
please read my post above, regarding OS updates.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Zepius:
that is a more legitimate concern, but we dont know how its actually going to play out.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] onthecouchagain:
I don't think this is necessarily about the two apps. It's about the principle and what a Nexus phone is supposed to represent.

Are two Verizon branded apps and a Verizon branded logo on the back of a device a big deal? Ultimately, not really.

Will updates be handled through Verizon? This is possible. This is a much bigger deal.

But most importantly, what does a "Google Nexus" phone represent now? This Galaxy Nexus is straining what it used to mean, and what it should mean, or at the very least, what we were led to believe it means. This is the issue I think most people are taking up with--myself included.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BiGMERF:
wow there cant be that many Verizon fanboys that would actually advocate this.. is there?!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
Yeah, I'm sure the Verizon apps are being developed as part of AOSP and Google is the one pushing them out.

No wait...it's the opposite of that.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
I think we all know exactly how it's going to play out, considering that it's played out this way for every carrier modified ROM. Because that is exactly what the Verizon Galaxy Nexus has - a carrier modified ROM.

Indeed. I think what it all boils down to is - If you buy a phone that is

1) Subsidised by a carrier

and

2) Has carrier branding on the outside of the phone

then you're not going to get a stock Android experience.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] onthecouchagain:
A more important question than whether the updates are pushed via Verizon or Google is:

What does a "Google Nexus" phone represent now? I understand why Google wanted to sell via a carrier this time, but if carrier-brand and carrier-bloatware (semantics if you want to call it bloatware or not; it shouldn't be there) is the future of the Nexus line, people are rightfully upset.

I've Twittered GoogleNexus and GoogleMobile to ask. I'll report if they respond.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] SeanFloyd:
Lame. Another reason to pass on this phone. As if the shady release information wasn't enough.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] keatre:
I'm really trying to find a bright side here -- maybe the demo phone had these apps only? Verizon requested the demo device to show these? Perhaps these Verizon apps are installed, but not integrated (ie - they are removable)? Someone help me out here --

I doubt any of those are the case, and we're looking at the Verizon-approved Google experience. Serious sad-face, indeed.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] _hyperdude:
^ This.

My OG Droid came with Google-Experience Android (i.e. stock), but had, what, a dozen apps preloaded by Verizon? I just ignored them, didn't need them. Eventually I flashed different ROMs on it and that takes care of it.

I'm just happy Verizon didn't go and print their name on the FRONT of the Nexus. I'll most likely have it in a case anyway, so the name on the back doesn't bother me.

Also happy that in one of those videos when they're booting the phone up, you can see that it's unlocked (the bootloader, that is). So that's a good sign for the dev community on Verizon.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
sorry to correct you here, but a phone that is marked as "Google Experience" is not necessarily running stock Android. So far, of the phones that have come out, the only ones that run pure unadulterated stock Android and that get their updates direct from Google are the Nexus handsets.

Until now, that is...

as for the bootloader screen showing on those videos, I wouldn't place too much faith in them - they're videos made with (likely) Google dev handsets. Of course they're going to have unlocked bootloaders and stuff.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] onthecouchagain:
My understanding is that the Sprint Nexus S 4G has Sprint bloatware too. Are updates straight from Google, or through Sprint?

I think the answer to that will be the same answer to the Verizon Galaxy Nexus.

This may indeed be the end of the Nexus line as we know it. Google may be giving up on keeping this thing truly carrier free. Sad if true. I hope not.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] xManMythLegend:
You realize you just described the new data usage app , and the entirety of Googles cloud contact management right ?

Carrier BLOATWARE = there awful versions of pre existing apps so THEY can monetize it.

Were you around 2 years ago ? Do you know what the Nexus brand was supposed to be about ?

They have help forums and they have Google+. Lets BOMB them.

No you dont.

1 app or 20 its the principal.

It was the end the instant they gave there Net Neutrality butt buddies exclusivity. They also handed the brand name over to Samsung.

Listen say what you want but Google is pretty spineless in these matters. I always think back at that picture of Eric Schmidt hunched over talking to Steve Jobs.Its a common trait with them. Steve Jobs never allowed there bloatware to the point they gave ATT exclusivity. Google is bending over backwards or bowing..however you want to picture them getting reemed.

If true..the Nexus brand/purpose is officially dead.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] kgbkny:
Wah wah wah...

Like many others, the main reason why I was looking forward to this phone is the pure Android experience and timely, non-carrier-bastardized updates directly from Google. Sure, it can be argued that the two Verizon apps are useful and are not bloatware. However, that's not the point. These two apps ensure that software updates will have to be handed over to Verizon by Google, and Verizon will decide when they are rolled out. I'm now reconsidering not only this device, but also my plans to switch to Verizon.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] onthecouchagain:
One only needs to point to the Verizon iPhone to see that it doesn't (and shouldn't) have to be this way.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Rytkonen:
Awesome nerd rage. Oh no google is actually trying to sell their phone to more than two people. Two apps, are you serious?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
you, along with many others in this thread, completely miss the point.

come back when you have a clue.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] onthecouchagain:
Catch up on the thread.

Anyone serious about what the Nexus line is about (*should be about?), should be concerned.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
missing the point. again.

cool story though, bro.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] silver03wrx:
Correct

This is an outrage. Not nerd rage you clearly have no clue what your talking about. If.this is how.its going to be were all screwed and will have to buy a new device everytime a new android flavor comes out if.we want it because the trend of carriers which is geting worse and worse is to eol phone like 6 months after they come out and release new devices with the new os so they get there greedy hands on as much money as possible withbthe least.amount of customer support. And they most likely will not update previously released devices but if they do it will only be a few and take them 6 months to a year to do it. This pisses me off and shame on google for giving up what nexus is about
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] _hyperdude:
Yeah I know the only handsets that run absolutely unadulterated Android are the Nexus phones, but the OG came out before the N1, didn't have an OEM skin, didn't have a encrypted bootloader, and simply had some apps preloaded by Verizon. It's as close to unadulterated as you were going to see on a carrier-subsidized phone at that time.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] onthecouchagain:
The Nexus line, and what it *used* to represent, is dead in the US.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
The apps are spotted in official videos from Google.

Larry Page as CEO, I'm definitely not liking their new direction. =/
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
sorry, but the bolded line proves that the OG was not stock Android.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BiGMERF:
Are you serious?! i really thought coming to XDA and posting this would result in the fury that i felt.. to see some people actually making excuses for Googles sell out is simply shameful
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] _hyperdude:
The OS is stock Android, not necessarily the entire package. When I was mentioned the Google Experience relevant to the OG, I meant the 'skin' over the OS (i.e. it wasn't Touchwiz or Sense, etc.).

Somewhat like saying that HP laptops don't really run Windows 7 because they load their crapware on it. (That's a different matter though.)

My point is, even if the VZW model of the GN comes with two preloaded Verizon apps, know what I'll do? Disable them, then they're out of my way (except for when I go through the Applications list in settings). Or failing that, delete them once I'm rooted. All that would put me off from getting the Nexus would be if they locked and encrypted the bootloader (so much so that it was unhackable), or if it came with TouchWiz/Sense/Blur over ICS.

Is it a shame that Google is letting Verizon put their bloat on the Nexus? Yes. I'm not arguing there. Do I see it as something to hate Google for? Not so much. It's Verizon, what can you really expect?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] xManMythLegend:
Some people get it..some dont.

They are wrong , and its people like that that allows companies to do as they wish and screw over consumers. Its a demented sense of pride they get by standing by and letting themselves get taken advantage of as if it makes them more rugged.

It never ceases to amaze me how someone will run on for paragraphs about a companies right to do this and that but whine that people are complaining and speaking out about there disappointment.

Netflix would still be sitting at 300$ a share if people just kept there mouth shuts raaawwr !!

---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:33 PM ----------

Apples and Oranges.

There's nothing on a preloaded Win7 that I cant uninstall, get rid if with a reformat , or that stops me from getting immediate updates.

Carrier bloatware prevents you from doing any of that. If anyone can cite Android examples where it doesn't I'm happy to listen.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] haydonxda:
So, to sum it all up...

We have a Nexus "exclusive" to Verizon in the US with:

1. Worse specs than the Galaxy S2 (confirmed)

2. Already six months out of date compared to Galaxy S2 (confirmed)

3. Will have carrier approval and delay of updates (almost assured)

4. Pre-installed un-removable carrier bloatware (confirmed)

5. Will cost more than the Galaxy S2 (almost assured)

6. People are saying, "no big deal, just install custom ROMs" (wha?!)

Why would anyone want this?

I was finally hoping to get a well supported phone without having to resort to the hacker community. Maybe I should just get an iPhone and forget about this Android experiment?

It's got a nice big screen... That's the only potential advantage over the competition I see. And that's if you don't mind the size of the phone.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
so it doesn't put you off that there is a very real and likely prospect that you will be waiting on Verizon for Android OS updates?

more power to you if that doesn't put you off.

Doesn't change the fact that the whole point of a Nexus phone has now been made completely irrelevant.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] WhiterThanWhite:
Exactly. This whole Verizon issue doesn't affect me, as I'm in the UK and I'm able to pick the network I want or to simply buy the phone sim-free.

For a Nexus phone to have a physical network logo on the back, along with any preloaded applications in the ROM is an absolute disgrace. Google have completely tarnished the Nexus name, firstly by naming this phone the Galaxy Nexus and now by allowing themselves to be raped by a network. It's shameful.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] fillyo:
Absolutely ridiculous, two minor apps, and people are crying like a bunch of star wars nerds. I don't mind the My Verizon app, I can monitor usage and account, I would probably download anyways. The other, who cares. If everyone was offered this phone upon the condition there was two verizon apps, everyone would raise their hands. If you don't want it now, move on, choose a different phone, switch carriers, just go cry somewhere else. Bring on the Nexus!

Wah..wah..they tarnished the Nexus, it's a disgrace..wah...wah. Really, it's a f##%ing phone, dorks.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] onthecouchagain:
There's still hope for a true carrier-free unlocked Galaxy Nexus to hit stateside once Veriz's exclusivity is over with... ....
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
you miss the point too. so many ignorant people in this thread.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] fillyo:
NO, you are still missing the point, it's a phone, that's all, just a phone. Don't like it, don't buy it.

Android 4.0 = check

VZW LTE = check

Specs - damn good, it's all a pissing contest anyways
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] s.m.knipe:
True... I just hope that whiny Sprint and greedy AT&T don't say "but Verizon got their logo on it, and two of their apps pre-installed." It appears that Sprint has already done this as well with the Nexus S 4G (although not the logo), it might be becoming the new norm...

I wish Google would just market it like the Nexus One- in house. Sales is 90% marketing/advertising/money and Google has enough of all three that they could really do it right.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
no, you are most definitely missing the point. come back when you're educated.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] onthecouchagain:
By your rationale, anything can be construed as acceptable.

Catch up on thread, and on what the Nexus line is supposed to represent. It might be clearer why people are up in arms about it.

There's no teetering around it, Google gave up on the Nexus line (apparently as early as with the Sprint Nexus S 4G).
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] _hyperdude:
Since I'll have it rooted and be able to flash ROMs, no, not really. I realize that Verizon could end up being the ones to push out OS updates. But JBQ has said that the device-specific source code for the Verizon model (Toro) should be released along with the device. Since the OS on the Verizon model is really identical to the global one (just with Verizon's apps in it a little), and they're the same hardware inside, what will keep Verizon from being able to keep it up to date with AOSP, other than them building the updates for themselves and pushing it out? It's not like with the "just-a-phone"s where their OEM skins that need to be installed over each update.

I've been waiting on upgrading for a year now because I never found a phone on Verizon that was what I wanted hardware-wise AND was nicely hackable. Probably would have gotten the Bionic if the bootloader were unlocked. On another note, I was pissed both when Verizon dropped its Nexus One plans and when there was no Verizon-compatible NS. But a couple of APPS preinstalled (which aren't built into the framework) and a little branding on the back battery cover are a few concessions I'll make to have a Nexus on Verizon.

That being said, if the VZW GN is less developable (is that a word?) than the GSM model [i.e. encrypted bootloader, they made it really difficult to root/flash, lacking source code, etc.] then I'll probably just wait for the next great phone.

And to all the haters who want to point out to me what the Nexus line represents, I know. But Verizon has given us the shaft on Nexus phones up til now. The phone itself is no less great because of a tiny bit of software and carrier branding on the carrier-specific (read: not global) model. That's all I'm going to say.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] kgbkny:
Just a phone? Nope. RAZR and Rezound are both "just a phone". The Nexus is supposed to be a pure Google experience, with no carrier interference. The bloat apps all but assure carrier interference. Updates that are rolled out directly by Google are the primary reason to buying a Nexus in the first place. Come to think of it, you're absolutely right. With Verizon's bloatware, Nexus has become just another phone.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] farfromovin:
Yup, this is the beginning of the end. I just hope dev support for either the LTE or GSM version doesn't drop off now. So much for a dev phone... Thanks Google.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] edgeicator:
Of course it was going to have worse specs. The Exynos SoC isn't compatible with LTE, so they went with the next best SoC that was.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] fillyo:
I am bowing out of this, I did find this funny. Why don't all of you get together and start a movement, I got it:

Occupy 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] onthecouchagain:
At the end of the day, it's still the best Android device one can get.

It's just a sad day that the Nexus line is dead. Google, you've changed things forever. There's no going back. See, to them, you're just a sellout. They need you right now, but when they don't, they'll carrier-brand you, like bloatware! You see, their morals, their code, it's a bad joke. Dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as complacent customers allow them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these... these Android fans, they'll eat each other.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
Its not kinda problem, just root and just remove the apps with Titanium Backup
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
thank you for the very well put response.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] _hyperdude:
You're welcome.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] keatre:
I almost made fun of you for being overly dramatic..., But I see what you did there...

It's darkest just before the dawn?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
Sad to see so many people supporting CDMA.

It's no wonder things like SOPA are happening.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] haydonxda:
OK, great, so that's the reason it has worse specs. The original question remains though. Since it has worse specs and no advantages that people have come to expect from the "Nexus" moniker why would anyone buy it?

This phone would have brought me to Verizon. But no way now.

And for the "it's just a phone crowd" it's not just a phone. It's an example illustrating a problem with the entire wireless carrier system we have in the US. Aside from the iPhone we get new phone technology well after the rest of the world with poor support and high prices. It's more than a phone, it's a statement of how badly the lack of competition in the US is hurting the consumer. (Sorry for that detour.)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] rsalina9:
I have faith that even after the whole att/tmobile thing gets sorted out, that tmobiles going to get an unbranded compatible GN. Hopefully :)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] sosquidtaste:
Very well-put detour, however. That's the more troubling intellectual implication to "just two apps" on the Verizon GN.

As if I needed more reminders as to why the telecom industry here in the States frustrates me so badly.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] samagon:
Not sure this is a big issue, or at least not a new issue. N1 (which I obviously still use) came with preloaded software, so this isn't a departure from the soul of the nexus, and not the death of a line. It is what it is. Now, if there was a UI cover, sense, or whatever, then you're right, but just preloaded apps? Calm down, it's not the end of the world, or a departure from what signifies the nexus name.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] keatre:
My memory fails me as of late; but what pre-loaded software came with the N1? And the Nexus S 4G, for that matter?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Chirality:
How do you guys know that these are unremovable apps installed in /system/app? For all we know, they are just pre-installed regular apps in /data/app, and Verizon hasn't touched the Android /system partition at all.

This is a Nexus phone, after all. Just because Verizon put their bloatware in /system/app on all their other devices, doesn't mean they were able to on a Nexus.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] kgbkny:
You're missing the point, samagon. I really don't think it's the apps that have everyone (myself included) so up in arms. Now that Verizon included their own apps on the phone, Google will have to submit the updates to Verizon for their approval and bloatware compatibility testing, instead of rolling it out directly to the phone.

Direct updates are the main reason why I wanted a Nexus phone. More likely than not, there will be no direct updates for the Verizon version (see above), making the ownership of a Nexus a moot point.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
If that was on the user partition it would say Uninstall instead of Disable/Enable.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BiGMERF:
lmao.. enough said
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] fdm1:
Again, speculation...Google may very well have a contract clause where the GN exclusivity is in exchange for not having to get Verizon's approval on updates. This of course is also speculation on my part, but in the end, we don't know either way for sure, so there's no reason to get so worked up just yet.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oscillik:
two posts above you - there's your confirmation
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Tom Servo:
Who knows what's going on. It's however pretty telling that they went out of their way on their Youtube channel, to make a second version of the intro video with the Verizon battery cover, which is pretty much identical in content to the generic one.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] phazerorg:
Nexus One came loaded with Amazon MP3 at least. I can't remember what other software.

Also, this all happened with the N1 too. Vodaphone sold the N1 and used their own firmware which they had to update. I don't like it either, but this is definitely not new with the Nexus line... it's been happening since the first Nexus phone with some carriers. Hopefully not all carriers will be doing this with the new Nexus though.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] kgbkny:
Looking at the screenshot provided by JCopernicus, I'd say it's confirmed. The manufacturers develop the software updates (or, in this case, Google) and hand them over to the carriers to add their bloatware and ensure that the update is compliant with the bloat. Then, and only then, the carriers release the updates.

I highly doubt that Google will incorporate Verizon's bloat and conduct compliance testing on their behalf. The international (unlocked) GNex will get the updates from Google. Verizon customers will be at the mercy of Verizon.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] fdm1:
I didn't argue that verizon's software isn't confirmed...that's plain to see.

Im saying we know little to none of the agreement terms between google and verizon (unless you were personally involved in the negotiation), so let's not go claiming rumors as fact.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
Looks like it's starting to spill out to the non nerds:

http://m.gizmodo.com/5860540/why-do...crapware-it-does-have-a-bigger-battery-though
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ianwood:
It's pretty simple:

carrier subsidized device = carrier branded device = carrier bloatware inside

un-subsidized device = unbranded device = no bloatware

Who the hell is gonna pay for integrating this device with CDMA and LTE other than Verizon??? SK Telecom maybe. But the list is short. I guarantee you Verizon has money on the table in this situation. Therefore, they get to put their bloat on the device.

If you don't like having your device monkeyed with by the carrier, you should go nowhere near Verizon.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] zigzackattack:
But the good news... it still is a Google phone. Verizon knows why that's important. They know that all holding back updates will do is lose customers. Chances are we are going to get the same updates as everyone else at about the same time.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] phazerorg:
The Nexus S was sold subsidized by all major carriers in Canada, SIM-unlocked and firmware untouched. I really hope the HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus is going to be the same!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] player911:
They don't care once they take your money and sign you up for 2 years.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Flippy125:
This is so terrible, a couple apps were installed to one of the easiest to root phones. I'm going to have to go buy a locked down Droid Razr now. </endsarcasm>