There have been reports of Galaxy Nexus not coming with the support for Google Wallet.According to Computer World, Google has confirmed that Samsung’s latest flagship handset won’t support its mobile payment app, largely because Verizon doesn’t want it to.
Previous report from 9to5Google speculated that Verizon it self may have chosen to block Google Wallet because of Isis — a competing mobile payment system that Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have already invested in. Despite the absence of Wallet, however, both Computer World and 9to5Google insist that VZW’s Galaxy Nexus will still be a “pure Google phone,” insofar as it will receive software updates directly from Google, rather than the carrier.Engadget approached Verizon for a comment and this is what they had to say about it.
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.
Verizon also responding to accusations that the carrier would block the Google Wallet app, Verizon said it’s not that simple.
Recent reports that Verizon is blocking Google Wallet on our devices are false. Verizon does not block applications.
Google Wallet is different from other widely-available m-commerce services. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of our phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, in order to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones.
We are continuing our commercial discussions with Google on this issue.
