Google Retaliates by Removing Nexus from Play Store

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Google Retaliates by Removing Nexus from Play Store

Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) today removed Galaxy Nexus smartphone from its Google Play store. The company said it would start selling the upgraded version of the device with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which is likely to hit the market next week. The withdrawal is in compliance with the US court orders that banned sales of Galaxy Nexus in the US market over patent issues. Apple  Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has sued Samsung, claiming that Galaxy Nexus is the blatant copy of its iPhone model.

Customers won’t be able to purchase the current version from the store, which has replaced “Purchase” button with a note, “Coming Soon.” The potential buyers can sign up for notifications about availability of the upgraded version. Galaxy Nexus was the first device to get Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and only the second device on Jelly Bean platform. Google’s ASUSTEK Computer Inc. (TPE:2357)-made Nexus 7 tablet which features the new Jelly Bean OS.

Galaxy Nexus is one of the biggest casualties in the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung patent war. Samsung had appealed in the California District Court to remove the ban, but its plea was rejected. Taking the battle further, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) are likely to file a revaluation of Apple’s patent in US Patent and Trademark Office.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has dragged several Android-based smartphone makers, including HTC Corp (TPE:2498) and Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc (NYSE:MMI), to court, claiming that the smartphones infringe on iPhone.

Google Play store doesn’t give any details if the updated software doesn’t violate Apple’s “universal search” patent. The patent war is likely to heat up more, as many other companies are launching their own tablets and smartphones.

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