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Verizon Galaxy Nexus won't have Google Wallet, will have Verizon apps

Verizon Galaxy Nexus won't have Google Wallet, will have Verizon apps

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The Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus won't ship with Google Wallet. It's the latest move in a high-stakes game that pits Google and Sprint up against the ISIS consortium of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile for the future of mobile payments.

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Galaxy Nexus LTE Verizon Wireless Hands-On
Galaxy Nexus LTE Verizon Wireless Hands-On

While the launch date and price for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus are still not officially confirmed, it's not complete radio silence about the device out there. Computer World received confirmation from Google that its Google Wallet software won't be included on the Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus. Apparently, Verizon's Galaxy Nexus will also have some pre-loaded Verizon apps installed out of the box. Fortunately, Android 4.0 makes it easier than before to uninstall such apps should a user desire.

The Google Wallet news follows an earlier report from 9to5Google that it was Verizon's decision to block the app. That's not entirely a surprise, as Verizon has kept Google's mobile payment system at arm's length while it works with along with AT&T and T-Mobile on the ISIS system for mobile payments, due out sometime in 2012. ISIS has powerful backers. In addition to the three carriers, it also will be tied in with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Meanwhile, Google Wallet remains officially available on a single phone: the Nexus S 4G on Sprint, with only MasterCard hooked in as a credit card provider. Even though ISIS has yet to launch, both Sprint and Google are beginning to look isolated in the high stakes game of who will control NFC payments should they ever hit the mainstream.

For Verizon, it looks like offering a "pure Google" phone is one thing, but offering Google a chance to gain a foothold in a potentially lucrative new revenue stream is something else entirely.