Google and Samsung were set to announce a new Nexus phone next week at a wireless industry trade show in San Diego. In the wake of Steve Job’s death, however, the two companies decided to postpone the announcement in tribute to the technology icon.
The latest Nexus phone, widely expected to use the Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich software and feature curved glass, was scheduled to be announced next Tuesday. But as CNN.com reported, a Google spokesman stated: “We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs’ passing.”
Google and Samsung made sure to make clear that the delay was only to respect the mourning of Mr. Jobs and had nothing to do with product development issues.
This is an astounding move from rivals who are often at each other’s throats and currently embroiled in legal battles. But like many other rivals, and other leaders, they put aside their differences for the moment to respect a fallen colleague.
Many issued statements similar to Samsung’s CEO Choi Gee-Sung who said: “Steve Jobs introduced numerous revolutionary changes to the information technology industry and was a great entrepreneur. His innovative spirit and remarkable accomplishments will forever be remembered by people around the world.”