Galaxy Nexus Removed From Play Store

We reported last week that Apple had been granted a preliminary injunction on the Galaxy Nexus. Now, Google has removed the Nexus device from the online Play Store. It is not certain that the device was removed due to the injunction. If that is the reasoning, Apple has to have posted a $96 million bond first.

The device’s Play Store listing now says “Coming Soon” and asks for an email address so Google can keep you updated.

The main patent in question is #8,086,604 which is for multi-source searching, also known as Siri on Apple’s devices. Apple says this patent applies to unified text search as well, not just voice.

Samsung’s appeal of the ruling was also rejected earlier today by Judge Lucy Koh.

Update 1: The Verge has now learned that Apple has in fact posted the $96 million bond. While still not confirmed, it is becoming more and more likely that the Galaxy Nexus has been removed because of the injunction.

Update 2: Google has said that the Galaxy Nexus will be back on the Play Store next week. The company would not say why the device was removed, but it did say the devices will return with Jelly Bean.

We will keep you updated on any other developments and announcements from Google regarding this story.