The Nexus 4 Fiasco Continues: Google Backtracks On USB Support, Changes Documentation

(9:05 pm PDT, Dec 7th 2012)

The Nexus 4 Fiasco Continues: Google Backtracks On USB Support, Changes Documentation

Boy, oh boy, just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse Google goes ahead and essentially pulls a bait-and-switch. I’m really not sure what excuse Nexus 4 owners are going to come up with to justify Google’s latest charade but I’m extremely disappointed. What am I making such a fuss about you ask? It’s been discovered that the Nexus 4 does not support USB (for peripherals) despite original documentation clearly stating that it did.

Why is this such a big deal? It’s a big deal because a large number of Android users who purchased the Nexus 4 were planning on using the USB support to extend the measly storage capacity offered by the Nexus 4. For example, some Android users figured they could pick up the cheaper 8GB model, purchase a $1 OTG cable, and use usb sticks to store their movies, music, or any other files that may take up a large amount of space. Now they can’t!

The worst part: Google hasn’t said a word about the issue. What have they done? Slyly update their support page to now state that the Nexus 4 does not support USB.

No explanation, no apology, just a cover up. Shame on you Google.

It’s not just those looking for extended storage that suffer from this. Anyone who was hoping to use an OTG cable to hook up a gaming controller or any other peripheral must now look for another solution. It’s just disappointing in so many ways.

Let’s see… we have a botched launch, customers left in limbo, delayed shipping, a glass back that cracks fairly easy, no CDMA, no LTE, limited storage, and no USB support. But… but… it’s a Nexus and it’s only $349 off contract.

Google, I am dissapoint.

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Comment »

  • gmac

    I bought the Kingston wi-drive and store all my movies and music on that.

  • Lyn Scott

    Can we access the files on the phone if we connect it to a PC?

    • VinMessina

      Yes, just can’t use USB for any peripherals.

  • Michael97F

    Can we still charge the damn thing? This is really annoying. And how about transferring files?

    • VinMessina

      Yes, you just can’t use USB for any peripherals.

      • Michael97F

        Thanks for the info!

  • Nicholas Maher

    Pretty tired of seeing people cry and moan about the nexus 4. Google supports cloud storage and hates local storage. Are you REALLY surprised that you can’t plug a flash drive into it with a USB cable? Who needs access to 30 HD movies from their phone? Also some of us are happy that there is no CDMA/LTE. Some of us can’t stand Verizon. Also , I am confused by your complaint over wait times. It just means the nexus 4 is successful. When things sell out it means the manufacturer did something right. I am HAPPILY waiting for mine. I want it and it is worth the wait. I am very disappointed that a website titled cult of android would down talk a nexus device to this degree. Go buy a SIII and deal with the terrible touchwiz skin like every one else.

    • shaxs

      You are an idiot. 8gb and 30 HD movies? Really?? A 720p tv show takes up 1.12gb. So after all your apps and the os, you can fit maybe 2-3 tv shows on it to watch on the plane. Sounds awesome….not. If OTG cable would have worked (AS ADVERTISED), people could fit a decent amount of content on it to keep them busy while travelling.

      • Nicholas Maher

        Then buy a different phone. The nexus 4 is not for you

        • slik101

          You sir, are stupid..you just made an excuse for every feature Google failed to include..or you’re just truing to make convince yourself you made the right purchase..when in reality you will eventually regret it

    • http://www.facebook.com/markdavidanderton Mark Anderton

      USB OTG is one of the features that really elevates android devices above the iPhone crowd.

      As for your question ‘ Who needs access to 30 HD movies from their phone?’ the answer is ME. Or anyone else who travels extensively outside network-rich areas. I’m a member of the Armed Forces and frequently find myself using my Samsung Galaxy S3 for entertainment in my downtime, and when the battery dies, I can swap in another.

      Google’s pimping of the cloud is fine for office dwellers, but for me and many like me, I NEED to be able to swap a dead battery, I NEED expandable memory and and I really want USB OTG.

      Your mention of Verizon is only relevant to the USA, whereas the Nexus 4 is a worldwide phone. Considering how networks offering TRUE unlimited data packages are few and far between, uploading and downloading HD movies to and from the cloud, even when I’m in network coverage, is infeasible.

      If Samsung continue incorporating micro SD card slots, removable batteries and USB OTG, they need not fear people like me jumping ship to a Nexus. Touchwiz is easily replaced.

About the author

Vincent MessinaVincent Messina has been writing and evangelizing about Android for the past three years. When he's not playing the part of "Loki" to his 5 and 4-year-old, he can be found here, covering all things Android. He adamantly believes Android has the greatest community around and can be harassed at any of the following locations: Google+, Twitter.

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