Samsung Nexus Prime Launch Delayed in Memory of Steve Jobs?

The launch of Samsung Nexus Prime, the latest smartphone based on Google's new version of the Android operating system Ice Cream Sandwich, will be delayed reportedly to pay respect to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who passed away last week on Oct. 5.

Initially, Samsung had scheduled to release Nexus Prime at its Mobile Unpack event in San Diego on Tuesday (Oct. 11). However, Jobs suddenly passed away on Oct. 5, which stirred sadness and grief around the world. Samsung, the biggest rival and parts supplier of Apple, also showed its honor for Jobs in its own way by deciding to postpone the launch of Nexus Prime.

We decided it (Oct. 11 event) was not the right time to announce a new product while the world was expressing tribute to Steve Jobs's passing, a Samsung spokesman said.

So far the Korean company hasn't decided on a new date and venue for the release, according to the spokesman.

But some analysts and IT bloggers are suspecting that there might be some true reasons behind the postponement. It is well-known that Samsung and Apple have long-term legal battle with each other, and which is still intensifying.

The two tech giants have been suing one another in 20 cases filed in 10 countries since April. The increasing confrontation makes Samsung's honor for Jobs like crocodile tears somehow.

According to some experts, Samsung might be waiting for a better timing to maximize the effect of the launch of Nexus Prime, especially as iPhone 4S has achieved unprecedented pre-order record - one million units were sold out within first 24 hours.

The delay seems aimed at avoiding a direct battle with the iPhone 4S, which “is enjoying a bigger-than-expected halo effect of Steve Jobs,” an analyst at HMC Investment & Securities in Seoul Greg Roh said.

However, “They might have needed more time to test the new Ice Cream Sandwich operating system,” he continued.

Samsung and Google also might want to refine their new product, for they had seen iPhone 4S made the fans disappointed at first.

“If the iPhone 4S were overwhelmingly good, Samsung wouldn’t have changed its schedule. It would have gone with the schedule, regardless of his death,” an analyst at Mirae Asset Securities, Lee Soon-hak said. “By delaying the launch, it can have more time to fine-tune its new product.”

What do you think about the reasons behind the delayed release? Leave your comments below.