The Samsung Galaxy Nexus can't catch a break at the moment. Earlier this week, the Ice Cream Sandwich-packing superphone was revealed to have a very annoying volume bug, and today we've discovered it doesn't allow you to play USB audio over your car speakers. WTH?
It's all down to the fact the Galaxy Nexus doesn't support USB Mass Storage (UMS), so it can't function in quite the same way as a USB thumb drive, as many phones can. This leaves you with just three options for playing in-car music -- purchasing a clunky auxiliary cable, connecting via the highly compressed, battery-draining magic of Bluetooth A2DP streaming, or buying a different phone.
Why no UMS support? It's down to the fact the Galaxy Nexus uses a 'unified storage system', a data-management method first introduced in Android Honeycomb that mixes apps and storage data together in a single partition. That means you have more space for apps than previous Nexus phones, which don't have expandable storage.
But UMS and single partitions aren't always a great idea, because UMS is a block-level protocol that allows the host (your PC or car) direct access to the physical blocks of storage in your device. When this occurs, your phone isn't able to access the data it requires and throws a right royal wobbly.
Instead of UMS, the Galaxy Nexus uses Media Transfer Protocol (MTP), which allows Windows PCs the ability to browse files exactly as they would a normal disk. Sadly, car stereos have't caught up and there are relatively few models that allow you play tracks via MTP.
As we said, there are clear upsides to using a UMS-free unified storage system -- you'll never encounter the issue of your data partition becoming full up while you still have gigabytes upon gigabytes of free, inaccessible storage on your apps partition (or vice versa).
But Samsung and Google could have avoided this issue by fitting the Galaxy Nexus with a microSD card slot, as this would have provided a separate, UMS-ready partition that's playable in cars -- and potentially trebles the phone's storage.
Let us know if you've been affected by any of the Galaxy Nexus' issues in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 35
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anonymous 25 November, 2011 15:29
Seriously? this is a complaint? an Aux cable is not "Clunky" - it is easily comparable to the USB cable you would need for UMS. This is an adjustment people will have to make but it's by no means a deal breaker.
Rory Reid 25 November, 2011 15:44
Lovin' that analogue, huh?
anonymous 25 November, 2011 15:48
USB cable and Aux cable are about the same size so how is this a problem?
CNET biggest issue with the Galaxy Nexus seems to be that it's not made by Apple and called an iphone...
georg55 25 November, 2011 16:03
So what is a phone the main sound system in a car ? sad cnet
Craig Barratt 25 November, 2011 16:03
Well done, you managed to write an article without mentioning the you-know-what...
anonymous 25 November, 2011 16:28
Surprised you didnt mention how the iPhone can do it...
...but seriously usb cable is the same size as the aux cable, and most will use it anyway - its no different! What a pathetic article
anonymous 25 November, 2011 16:48
Seriously, every article you write trashes Android at every turn... why no article about the fact the iPhone struggles to connect to bluetooth handsfree for half the Vauxhall range? Your site loses credibility every day. It's just full of useless ****.
anonymous 25 November, 2011 16:49
I hear nothing but slander of the Galaxy Nexus on this site is like there such apple fans there actually scared on it. Engadget has a fair review.
Peter Hudson 25 November, 2011 16:53
There is a difference between USB and Aux.
At least when I USB my phone into my car, the sound system syncs all the track info and I can use the touch panel on the dash to navigate the music and the buttons on the steering wheel to control the music that's playing.
If I had to Aux it in, I would have to do everything on the phone. Clunky
Peter Hudson 25 November, 2011 16:55
And we're all so quick to point out when apple omits a basic feature (like expandable storage) from their devices because they dont like the feature. We dont seem to be heaping the scorn on google for leaving out this basic feature too
Rory Reid 25 November, 2011 17:01
Ladies, gentlemen, android fanboys... presenting: The iPhone is the worst phone in the world (written by CNET UK) http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/the-iphone-is-the-worst-phone-in-the-world-49303754/
anonymous 25 November, 2011 17:06
on a small note its not got it at thsi tiem, but it be worked on as they need to do it in a new way due to the ways its now setup, this will never be added to the iphone any time soon
anonymous 25 November, 2011 18:44
I use windows phone, it just works.. I guess thats why it never gets much press..
anonymous 25 November, 2011 22:52
The Galaxy S2 uses MTP too. Initially I couldn't get my car to the play music on it using a USB connection, but there is a normal USB connection mode too (settings, wireless and network, USB utilities) which works. Would be a shame if they didn't include this on the Nexus...
ace9988 26 November, 2011 13:35
i've never been able to use my Desire HD to play music in the car via USB, how do you do it?
anonymous 26 November, 2011 16:39
Must say this seems, well, a bit silly. No phone is perfect, and - notwithstanding the volume bug (which Google and Samsung) are releasing a fix for - the Nexus is head and shoulders above any other Android handset. Nothing on the market seems even close to it's spec. It seems really very silly to start nit-picking about i something as trivial as not playing 'in car USB stereo' which, after all, affects so many other handsets too.
anonymous 26 November, 2011 18:34
Got to say, I've never bothered posting, but this such a non-issue! It does feel like some effort has gone into really picking faults.
Fair enough the volume issue is significant and disappointing, but this isn't even a factor that should come into consideration when purchasing a phone.
Mugen13 27 November, 2011 07:29
very poor comment. you are saying that a cable is a deal breaker because it should use another cable which is the same width and dimension yet is "better".... is not, its the same thing. most cars have an aux anyways not a usb join so shame on you
anonymous 27 November, 2011 20:46
cnet is full of a bunch of jokers. I can't take you guy's seriously, too much apple fanboyishism is going on for that crappy toy. The usb does work in car stereo you people are just retarded.
anonymous 27 November, 2011 20:48
Everyone is spreading hate about CNET.
They are losing credibility. They think the iphone is better than any other phone....sad what a crappy review site.
anonymous 28 November, 2011 09:24
Who honestly cares? Just can an iPod!
Chris Nash 30 November, 2011 07:32
I'd like to add how THE IPHONE CAN NOT DO IT. the iphone requires the device to be "iPhone Enabled" it cannot be read as mass storage either. and agreed usb lead and phono cable I think a usb lead is slightly more bulky.
anonymous 30 November, 2011 12:42
Oh, cut the anti-Android crap, Cnet! I have always sought out your reviews on tech, but like everyone else, I'm really noticing all the crap you seem to heap on Android products while holding Apple on a pedestal.
So the Nexus won't work over USB? Boo-freakidy-hoo. Guess what? My iPhone doesn't work over USB in my car either. I have to use a "clunky" aux cable which... y'know what? Is actually smaller than any USB cables I know of.
This is hardly any reason to knock down the Nexus any further than you guys already are. If it were, may as well pile up on the iPhone for the exact same reason. (A shame you have the iPhone 4 at 4 stars despite the antenna issues, which uh... weren't fixed. Do yourselves a favour and look up the meaning of "double-standards").
anonymous 2 December, 2011 22:33
Try using your 4G on the Apple 4s. Ops, there isn't 4G there. BUMMER!!!
anonymous 9 December, 2011 17:39
Well that sealed the fate on this phone for me. I need that USB support in my car. and fyi, the iPhone does work over usb. And yes, USB is very different from a 3.5mm headphone jack.
anonymous 9 December, 2011 19:41
I agree with the other posters, there's really no difference between aux and USB, except that via USB you can potentially use the built in car controls. So in that aspect it's superior.
However, in my opinion, blue tooth is superior to both. I think you would be hard pressed to hear any audio degradation, I for one have not been able to detect any. I have quality JL component speakers, JL amps, JL sub, bass shakers and blue tooth works and sounds great. Auto connects, no wires, and allows for use of the car controls.
If you want to complain about features, complain that more cars don't have blutooth from factory.
anonymous 17 December, 2011 21:24
I hate it :-@ I think if I would of know about this issue I would no bought this phone :-(
anonymous 18 December, 2011 12:57
My car stereo says N/A USB when I plug it in. I seriously hate this part of my phone the most. I wanted to eliminate having my iPod. I just wanted one device for everything. Camera, Phone, Music Player. That's all I want. But it looks like I will have to carry my iPod to listen to music in my car. But since my iPod is only WiFi. I can't stream Pandora. Which is the main reason I wanted a smart phone in the first place.
anonymous 27 December, 2011 15:15
This is probably going to be the killer for me and cause me to return the phone. I have and iphone/usb hookup in my car and LOVE being able to control music via the steering wheel controls. Obvious safety advantage as well. The aux cable just won't cut it for me...
anonymous 8 January, 2012 18:31
This article is utter rubbish, My wife owns a dreaded Apple phone and guess what this needs TWO cables to connect it to a car audio system.
I think the author must be a complete moron if they could not add "just like the iPhone ****"
anonymous 18 January, 2012 22:23
I hate to say it, but for me this actually is turning out to be a big issue. As a former iPhone owner I just purchased the Nexus two days ago and love everything about it, and feel it is a far superior phone in many ways, however not being able to play the directly through a USB seriously blows! There are definitley drawbacks in not being able to do this.
For starters, because a USB cord charges the device while plugged in, users are going to need a purchase a separate car charger that will also occupy the cigarette lighter port, to do the same job as the one USB cable. With the battery life of the Nexus as minimal as it is, this is not ideal.
Secondly, a true audiophile will tell you that sound quality is most definitely comprised while using the AUX port in comparison to playback directly from the storage drive. The degree to which it is compromised may not be a factor to many, but for me, I very much do care about the quality of my music.
Also, not being able to control the music on the radio, but having to do so entirely on the phone can be a safety concern while driving.
While this may not be a deal breaker, it certainly is an annoyance to me and I'm sure others who use these features.
anonymous 22 January, 2012 09:00
I agree with the last comment. I had an iPhone and just got very annoyed with the button that started to fail. That is why I just got myself the Galaxy Nexus. Great phone, great screen, great feeling. But this missing feature is at the moment a disappointment.
With the iPhone it was connected to the car by USB which took care of charging and the music connection no matter whether that was song played from the iPhone, radio coming in over the internet (I work in Bangkok and used to play Dutch radio). With the controls on the steering wheel I could control the songs.
On the radio unit in the car I could control playlists etc. no need to touch the phone.
black 16 April, 2012 17:28
I have a alpine ida-x300 and only plays iPhone 3GS or below. Does not connect with iPhone 4 or s on both USB and iPhone port. This unit is designed for iPod and iPhones. IPhones hate 3rd party equipment. I now have a galaxy nexus so I can't play music on USB. I got myself a Bluetooth adapter and works perfect and does same job except no leads. Or buy a unit that does support USB MTP. I bet iPhone will do the same. Stop being cheap because there always some way around it and because this is new technology it won't take long for someone to get a app or another way around it. I would never get a iPhone again its small and only way its OK is if you jailbreak it and when that happens there always bugs. You don't need to do that with android.
anonymous 19 June, 2012 05:51
I, like many others, find the usb audio feature essential when i'm driving. My galaxy nexus works as gps and i was hoping to use it as media storage, all while charging at some rate. My car supports mtp but i still can't get it to work. I don't understand why samsung/google didn't allow backward compatibility to usb mass storage device mode as this is far from being a legacy feature. Looks like i'll have to resort to some trickery and clunky adapters to get it to work.
anonymous 10 February, 2013 20:11
I was trying to use nexus on tv