Google and Samsung have reportedly cancelled the launch of their new Nexus Prime Android smartphone next Tuesday at an event in San Diego entitled the 'Samsung Unpacked: Google Edition' .

In a joint statement to IT news site Engadget, the two companies stated: "Samsung and Google decide to postpone the new product announcement at CTIA Fall." They further added "We agree that it is just not the right time to announce a new product. New date and venue will be shortly announced."

No specific reason has been given for the cancellation of the product launch, but it has been speculated that the move may be a mark of respect after the death of Steve Jobs - and due to a possible clash with funeral arrangements. No date or time for the Apple co-founder's funeral has so far been released by the Jobs family, however.

The event would not only have seen the launch of the highly anticipated successor to the Nexus S, but would also have witnessed the launch of the latest version of Android, 4.0, code-named 'Ice Cream Sandwich'. The Nexus Prime was set to be the first device launched with the new OS.

According to a report in the UK's Telegraph newspaper, sources have also revealed that at least one product was going to be launched alongside the smartphone, rumoured to be a tablet.

Until its specs were leaked online yesterday, the Nexus Prime had been one of Google and Samsung's best-kept secrets. Its launch is due to be rescheduled, but no official confirmation has so far been given regarding a new date.

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