Galaxy Nexus launch delayed due to Jobs' death

Google and Samsung have delayed the arrival of the next, much-anticipated Android smartphone, because of the passing of Steve Jobs.

In a statement today, the companies said they won't be showing off the upcoming device at the Samsung Unpacked event next week during CTIA as had been expected. They are looking for a "new date and venue" to unveil the smartphone, which has been dubbed both the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus Prime.

"We agree that it is just not the right time to announce a new product," the companies said in a statement. In a follow-up statement to CNET, a Samsung spokesperson said that the death of Apple co-founder Jobs prompted the decision.

Apple announced earlier this week that Jobs had died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56.

"We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs's passing," the spokesperson said. "We do not have information on the rescheduling of the event."

Samsung's upcoming smartphone could be one of the worst-kept secrets in the mobile arena right now.

While neither Google nor Samsung wants to admit its existence, several reports have cropped up that offer details on what the device will feature when it's finally announced. Just two days, Samsung has posted a teaser video for the device, which has a definite curve in its design.

Yesterday, Boy Genius Report said the phone will be available exclusively on Verizon's network and run Ice Cream Sandwich--the newest, and as-yet unlaunched, version of the Android OS. The smartphone will reportedly come with a 1.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage. BSG says the device will feature a 5-megapixel camera and have the ability to record video content in 1080p HD. The handset is also rumored to have a 4.65-inch display.

In addition, images and video of Samsung's handset have reportedly been leaked by a Romanian Web site, called Mobilissimo. Those images and video seem to corroborate BGR's claims about the handset's specs, including a big display and 5-megapixel camera.

If and when the smartphone hits store shelves, the device will be facing off with Apple's latest handset, the iPhone 4S. That device, unveiled this week at Apple's Cupertino, Calif., headquarters, features the same body as its predecessor, the iPhone 4 but offers a dual-core processor, 8-megapixel camera, and up to 64GB of storage. Apple's iPhone 4S is available for preorder starting today and will launch next week.

Update at 5:24 a.m. PT and again at 9:11 a.m. PT to include more details.