Samsung and Google have delayed the announcement of a high-end NFC handset originally scheduled for for 11 October. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is the latest in Google’s handset range (its codename is thought to be Google Nexus Prime). According to Boy Genius Report, its features will include a large 4.65 inch curved screen, a 1.2 GHz dual core CPU and LTE connectivity in addition to an NFC capability. The handset, which will run the latest version of the Android OS called Ice Cream Sandwich, might be exclusive to Verizon Wireless in the US, says the site. Its predecessor, the Google Nexus S, also ran NFC. It is paramount for Google’s wallet service to have a high volume of NFC-enabled handsets in the market. Samsung and Google have postponed the original launch of the handset which was to have been on 11 October although the launch is still expected to happen shortly. The postponement is out of respect following the death of Steve Jobs. Separately, Samsung and Apple are locked in legal disputes over IPR issues.

Elsewhere Samsung’s partner Visa Europe has given out more details about the plan to launch an NFC handset ahead of London 2012 which was originally announced at the end of March (pictured). Sandra Alzetta, Visa Europe’s head of innovation and new product development, said the handset will launch in the first quarter of next year, according to Pocket Lint. The phone will have special Olympic content and worldwide availability.