The Nexus 4 is still an extremely hot topic, almost a month after it was originally launched. The main reason is because Google has no idea how to sell the device on the Google Play Store and get them to their customers in a timely manner. Earlier today, we saw shipping notices going out to some of those who purchased on the November 27th, when Google re-released the Nexus 4 on the Play Store. So why can’t LG keep up with demand for the Nexus 4? Well here’s what LG UK’s Head of Mobile, Andy Coughlin said about the struggle for meeting Nexus 4 demand “had proven extremely popular, and as such retailers have been met with huge demand”. It’s kinda surprising that LG didn’t expect the Nexus 4 to sell as well as it is.
Coughlin also said “We are working closely with Google to ensure that those who wish to purchase a handset are able to do so,”. So that’s probably what the whole re-releasing thing was last week in the US, and this week in Canada, and the UK.
Now before the Nexus 4 came out, we heard so many people saying they wouldn’t buy it because it’s lacking LTE, and the lack of storage. Only sporting 8GB or 16GB versions, with no expandable storage. Which probably added to LG’s thoughts that the device wouldn’t sell that well. But it looks like LG was wrong. Many people have left CDMA carriers like Sprint and Verizon for GSM carriers and pre-paid GSM carriers. And to top the demand, the device only costs $299-349 unlocked. Which means most people can buy it, and join a pre-paid carrier and say goodbye to contracts.
While its good for Google to have such a demand for the Nexus 4, it’s also bad for them. It’s making them look bad that they can’t simply sell a device to their customers. And this isn’t some new company. This is Google, the search giant. They should be able to run an e-commerce site. But that’s on Google’s side. Part of the blame also belongs to LG, for not supplying enough Nexus 4s. Hopefully we’ll see LG cranking out a ton of Nexus 4s in the next few weeks to get these, so everyone can get their precious Nexus 4 ASAP.