If you’re frustrated the Google Nexus 4 went out of stock again on Google Play, you’re not alone. A large number of Android fans feel the same. Speaking to CNET UK, LG said that “huge demand” caused the handset to be out of stock.
The Nexus 4 first went on sale in the middle of November. In less than 30 minutes of going live, it was quickly sold out. Weeks after, it went live again, but the 8GB version went out of stock in less than 24 hours.
Andy Coughlin, LG UK’s head of mobile, said that the smartphone “had proven extremely popular, and as such retailers have been met with huge demand.
“We are working closely with Google to ensure that those who wish to purchase a handset are able to do so.”
Coughlin explains, “As with any sales process, LG supplies product quantities against partners’/customers’ (ie retailers, operators etc) forecasts.”
He adds that “demand via the Play Store has been very high in this instance”.
This suggests that the search giant may not have predicted that the Nexus 4 would do so well. With specs that outperform the Samsung Galaxy S3 and at almost half the cost, it’s puzzling how Google failed to predict that the phone would sell like hotcakes.
Network operators are offering the Nexus 4, but a price that would make you raise your eyebrows. LG says, “The retail price of LG products is decided by individual retailers.”
IHS analyst, Ian Fogg, says, “It’s hard to say whether Google underestimated demand, or whether they chose simply to have a number of devices available.”
Speaking about the shortage, he said “the fact that the Nexus 4 is high profile is good for Google.
“All of this raises the public profile of Android. All of this helps Google’s strategic objectives.”
Were you lucky enough to get your hands on the Google Nexus 4 before it went out of stock? Let us know through a comment on our Facebook page.
