Google Nexus 4 stock issues blamed on LG, UK MD offers apology

 

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Posted on 17 Dec 2012 at 10:28, by Gareth Halfacree

The Nexus 4 smartphone's popularity is still proving tough for Google to match supply with demand, forcing the company's UK arm to release a statement regarding the continued troubles, blaming manufacturer LG for the "scarce and erratic" supplies.

While the device can't quite beat the high specifications of Samsung's Galaxy S3, its low price and use of the cutting-edge Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system have proved popular. As a result, it's proving a difficult device to get hold of as a Christmas gift, with Google officially warning that the Nexus 4 will be out of stock until early 2013. Reports of software flaws in Android 4.2 and problems with a buzzing earpiece have done little to slow sales, and while some lucky customers have received their handsets in advance of the quoted 5-6 week timescale, many others are still waiting.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. An email shared on the XDA-Developers forum from Dan Cobley, Google UK & Ireland's managing director, offers hope and an explanation of why stock is so scarce. "I know that what you are going through is unacceptable and we are all working through the nights and weekends to resolve this issue. Supplies from the manufacturer are scarce and erratic, and our communication has been flawed. I can offer an unreserved apology for our service and communication failures in this process," Cobley explained in the email.

"For those that originally received a 3-5 days shipping estimate, your orders are now in process for fulfilment. You can expect an email notification early this week which will include tracking information. Although you will be initially charged in full, you will receive a credit for the shipping charge soon after.

"For others that received pre-Christmas shipping estimates, we anticipate processing your orders for fulfilment this week. I realise that the people who ordered the Nexus 4 so early are among our most committed and loyal users and we are doing all we can to put things right."

Sadly for those who have not yet placed their order, the chance to do so has passed: both the £239 8GB and £279 16GB Nexus 4 models are unavailable to order through Google Play, with the company unable to provide a timescale for the re-opening of orders.