We know already that Verizon Wireless will soon carry Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus, the first smartphone to incorporate Google’s new Android operating system named after a summer treat: Ice Cream Sandwich.
The question is whether Verizon will be the exclusive U.S. carrier to sell the device.
Earlier this week, Basking Ridge, N.J.-based Verizon Wireless was advertising the Galaxy Nexus as an exclusive product on its website, Phandroid reported. But the nation’s largest wireless operator removed any reference to an exclusive deal, according to the report.
Samsung didn’t respond Friday morning to a request for comment on the U.S. carriers that would have the rights to sell the Galaxy Nexus.
On Oct. 21, Verizon Wireless announced that it would sell the gadget later this year at its stores and online.
The phone includes such features as facial recognition technology to unlock the device, a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display and Android Beam, which allows customers to share Web pages, apps and YouTube videos by tapping compatible phones together. Verizon’s 4G customers also can access more than 300,000 apps and games from Android Market and stream movies.
Verizon Wireless customers who buy the Galaxy Nexus must subscribe to a Nationwide Talk plan for at least $39.99 a month and a smartphone data package starting at $30 a month for 2 GB of data.
There's been much speculation that VzW passed on the globally popular Galaxy S II smartphone earlier this fall because it would be getting a U.S. exclusive on the Nexus. Stay tuned.
