Google Pulling Support of the Galaxy Nexus? Not So Fast

[cereal killer]

There has been a lot of innuendo thrown around the web this afternoon that Google would no longer be supporting Verizon's Galaxy Nexus. A scare swept through the web when the G-Nex, codenamed "toro" went missing from Android Open Source Project's list. Also, Google's downloadable factory ROM images listed "toro's" files as archived for reference only. This lead the original source of this story to assume that Google would be stopping support of the G-Nex.

The answer as to why is now known and is a much simpler explanation without the rampant speculation. According to Google, the reason both Nexus platforms were removed is simply because not all features are supported. Furthermore, Google reiterated that the company will continue to support the Verizon Galaxy Nexus through official firmware updates.

It will be business as usual if you own the Nexus, so there is no need to worry. The full explanation is below.

Hello! This is a quick clarification about support for CDMA devices.


For various technical reasons, recent CDMA Android devices implement core telephony functionality in .apk files provided in binary form by the carriers. To function correctly, these .apk files must be signed by the so-called "platform" key. However, when an individual creates a custom build from the AOSP source code, they don't use the same signing key as these CDMA flies were signed with.


The result is that these files don't work properly, and pure AOSP builds running on these devices can't place calls, access mobile data, and so on. Because we aim to make sure that we are as clear as possible about the degree of support that devices have, we updated the docs over at source.android.com to reflect this reality.


We will still make available as many as possible of the closed-source binaries for these devices, and Nexus devices will continue to have unlockable bootloaders. And, of course, GSM/HSPA+ devices are still supported, as are any other devices we're able to support. We've simply updated the documentation to be clearer about the current extent of CDMA support.


We are of course always working to improve support, and we'll keep everyone updated as we make improvements. Thanks as always for your interest in AOSP!


- Dan

Via: The Verge
Source: Google/DL

[combatmedic870]

I still really doubt we will get updates from google. They will be from verizon most likely....1-2 months after they get them from google(IE 4.0.3). Should have known better.

[Juicemane]

I still really doubt we will get updates from google. They will be from verizon most likely....1-2 months after they get them from google(IE 4.0.3). Should have known better.

Just root and update yourself. At least you still have an unlocked bootloader

[tjk629]

Doesn't the Sprint Nexus S get updates a little bit after the GSM Nexus S?