The telco carriers hate not getting their cut of anything that happens on smartphones, and this is just the latest chapter. Thanks for nothing, Verizon; I'll be seriously looking at jailbreaking whatever I get from you, if you're going to block apps that aren't your proprietary bailiwick from being installed on my phone. #ddtb
Reshared post from +Les Jenkins
Got that Verizon subscribers? You don't get a choice as to whether or not to use Google Wallet cause Verizon has already decided for you.
Embedded Link
Verizon Blocks Google Wallet On Some New Smartphones
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus may run on Google's Android OS, but that doesn't mean Verizon Wireless is going to allow the device to run Google's pay-by-phone app Google Wallet.
Last night, a rep for Google told the Wall Street Journal that Verizon has asked the Android maker to not include Google Wallet on the new smartphone and that users will be blocked from installing the app on the device.
A rep for Verizon Wireless explains, "We're working to provide expanded services that will provide the…
well, I'm split here. I mean, the grumbling from those in the Apple universe is not very loud when they are TOTALLY locked down. If Verizon wants to make a business decision that is sure to alienate some customers who are attracted to the open architecture nature of Android, well, that doesn't seem too abusive to me. Now if they locked out a free app when they had a paid service competitor, like if they disallowed Google Maps Navigator and only allowed their inferior (and pay for play) navigation app, then I'd be seriously looking for service provider alternatives. But free vs free, in house vs outside developer apps? I'm just not feeling as large an amount of disgruntlement as you apparently are.
If I could be certain that the service VZ and its cohorts (ISIS) will be as good as Wallet, won't limit my choices, will care for my privacy as much as Google usually does, and won't have any other ill side effects, I might be more open to it. But I trust the carriers as far as I can throw them.
Yes, there is that.
And an interesting twist here: http://m.androidcentral.com/verizon-says-its-not-blocking-google-wallet-it-just-doesnt-have-it
Stay tuned!