If you"ve wanted a Nexus 4 direct from Google"s Play Store, you"ll know the pain that comes with purchasing one. Issues with placing orders, delivery times; you"d be forgiven for thinking that getting a handset is luck of the draw.
Some customers aren"t happy about their experience with buying a Nexus 4, and they"ve reached out to Google"s Dan Cobley. Dan is Managing Director for Google in the UK and Ireland, so he"s certainly a big fish in this pond.
Today, Cobley issued a public message through his Google+ page. He updated the situation and delivered an apology, also stating that supplies from Nexus 4 manufacturer LG have been "scarce and erratic". Such a comment definitely has some weight behind it; critics of Google"s manufacturer choice for the Nexus 4 did forewarn issues with the South Korean company.
While arguably the hottest Android phone on the market right now, the issues with actually getting one can only be causing more strife for Google. With a powerhouse at mid-to-high range pricing like the Nexus 4, there never really was a doubt they"d fly off the shelves. That the first batch was gone in under an hour, however, was unexpected.
Upon checking Cobley"s page I could not see his message. Here it is, verbatim, should it have been removed or hidden:
Dear all
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.
For those that originally received a 3-5 days shipping estimate, your orders are now in process for fulfillment. 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 fulfillment 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.
Sorry again.
Dan
Source: Google+, Android Central