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Nexus 4 smartphones back on Google Play in Germany (Update: now available in the US and Canada!)
If the Nexus 4's recent scarcity has been making you want it even more, there's good news: it's now back on Google Play shelves. After a lengthy shortage resulted in a minor finger-pointing episode between Mountain View and manufacturer LG, the pair have starting restocking the popular quad-core, Android 4.2-pure device, on Play, well ahead of LG's February estimate. So far, it's only popped up in Germany, and there's no word yet on when they'll arrive elsewhere. Given the pent-up demand, however, you may want to grab one when it does. Update: The Nexus 4 is now available through Google Play in the US as well! Hopefully other countries won't be far behind. Update 2: Google isn't leaving out our northern friends, as Canadians can once again buy both Nexus 4 capacities.
Mobile Miscellany: week of January 21st, 2013
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought a new smartphone from Xolo to India, HTC's crackdown on a custom ROM distributor and the UK's largest mobile spectrum auction to date. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of January 21st, 2013.
CyanogenMod 10.1 Milestone 1 hits Nexus and Samsung devices
Despite all the nightly builds of CyanogenMod 10.1, there hasn't been much of anything definitive to hang our hats on. There's at last some sense of reliability now that Milestone 1 versions have hit the servers. Most Nexus devices, as well as swaths of Samsung's Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab 2 ranges, can get the unofficial Android 4.2 build for themselves. The M1 code is deemed "mostly stable" and good enough for daily use, although that's relative -- it's not yet to the level of a fully stable build, let alone factory firmware. If you only needed fewer risks than before, though, the downloads and details await at the source links. [Thanks, Rashid]
French LG exec says Nexus 4 shortages due to Google's poor estimates
The Nexus 4 drought continues and it seems that both Google and LG are spreading the blame around... in the friendliest way possible. The back and forth started in December with Dan Cobley, managing director for the internet giant in the UK and Ireland, saying that, "supplies from the manufacturer are scarce and erratic, and our communication has been flawed." While the phrasing is pretty diplomatic, the bulk of the problem was squarely laid at LG's feet. Now LG Mobile's France director Cathy Robin is offering some clarification, saying that Mountain View's low estimates are partially to blame. Sales forecasts were based on the performance of the Galaxy Nexus, which resulted in the company building too few handsets and shipping them to the wrong regions. Despite these kinks, Robin told the French site Challenges.fr that the relationship between Google and LG was quite healthy. For more of the interview with Cathy Robin check out the source.
Nexus 7 now available to order with T-Mobile SIM, carrier expands Nexus 4 retail availability
There's some good news today for T-Mobile customers looking to add a few more Nexus devices to their lives. The carrier announced today that the Nexus 7 tablet is now available to order with a T-Mobile SIM from the Google Play store, where it will set you back the same $299 as the regular HSPA+ model (still 32GB only). What's more, T-Mobile has also confirmed that, as expected, it's expanding retail availability for the Nexus 4. That rollout began yesterday, and the carrier says all retail locations in the US should have the tablet in-store within the "coming weeks." You'll also be able to order it from T-Mobile's website beginning January 23rd.
Rough hack converts an Optimus G to a Nexus 4, minus the constant sellouts
It's almost a truism to say that the Nexus 4 is near impossible to buy, at least for those who don't want to pay a carrier premium. G33k3r, Rohan32 and others at XDA-Developers may just save us from camping at the Google Play storefront through a new software hack. Their work converts an LG Optimus G's firmware to that of an 8GB Nexus 4 by swapping every LG-customized software element with a Nexus 4 parallel. The nearly identical hardware makes for a very close rendition, at least if you discount the unavoidable design differences. If anything, the work is almost too faithful: the current hack turns off LTE, caps the internal storage at 8GB and even requires using Nexus 4 firmware for future upgrades. It's possible to revert to LG's code if there's jitters, but it goes without saying that the overall procedure carries more than the usual share of risk when even familiar ROM flashers are warned to be careful. Anyone who throws caution (and the price of an Optimus G) to the wind can find their stock Android experience at the source. [Thanks, Greg]
Android 4.2.2 potentially spied lurking in a Czech overview (video)
There's still some doubt as to whether or not Android 4.2.2 is real, or just a figment of the imagination for Nexus 4 owners wanting the latest code. While we can't guarantee that last group's satisfaction just yet, SmartMania.cz may have provided the next best thing. As part of an overview of the Nexus 4, the Czech site ever-so-casually shows at the 6:30 mark that its device is running the unannounced OS. The 4.2.2 sighting is almost incidental to the rest of the clip, although the time given to the rest of the software suggests there's no major differences visible to the everyday observer. We've reached out to Google and will let you know if the firmware is authentic and coming to other devices. In the meantime, the latest batch of potential evidence is visible after the break.
Android 4.2.2 supposedly shipping with new Nexus 4 units in Brazil and Malaysia
Google has a tendency to post minor Android updates on devices and timetables we wouldn't entirely expect. We might just be witnessing a repeat: both Brazil's Adrenaline and Malaysia's Lowyat.net claim to have seen newly shipping Nexus 4s with an as yet unannounced Android 4.2.2. What's new in the extra 0.0.1's worth of code isn't immediately evident, although the update (if real) isn't known to be rolling out as a separate upgrade for existing devices. We've reached out to Google for comment; let us know if you see any 4.2.2-based surprises in the interim.
Nexus 4 coming to all T-Mobile locations later this month
Having a hard time getting your hands on the coveted LG-made Nexus 4? Look to your local retailer: word on the street has it that the device is heading to all T-Mobile retail locations later this month. The phone has been available at select locations since November, but an internal document uncovered by TmoNews promises a full rollout for sometime in January -- touting the Nexus 4's 8MP camera, quad-core processor and 4.7-inch display. The notice didn't give a specific availability date, but gave stores the green light to sell the device as soon as they receive inventory. The document is also careful to remind employees that the Nexus 4 can still be had through Google and stresses that devices purchased through Play are not eligible for exchange at T-Mobile stores. Skip on past the break to see T-Mobile's availability expansion notice.
Mobile Miscellany: week of December 10th, 2012
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This past week, a company that you're no doubt familiar with announced its departure from the smartphone business, a UK-based carrier put the Nexus 4 up for sale and Republic Wireless made good on a promise. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of December 10th, 2012.
Nexus 4 reportedly able to get LTE in select US markets where Band 4 is available
You might not need to move to Canada after all, LTE-seeking Nexus 4 owners. It appears that several users on the XDA Developers forums claim you can tap into LTE Band 4, which the Google phone requires for LTE, in select US markets where AT&T has AWS 1700 / 2100MHz spectrum. Those cities are Phoenix, Raleigh, San Juan, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, Athens, GA and College Station, TX. However, LTE Band 4 is not widely deployed even in those areas, so don't feel too disappointed if your Nexus 4 struggles for an LTE signal if you live nearby.
Shocker: Google, LG seeing more Nexus 4 demand than expected
Who'd have thought that pricing a high-end smartphone like the Nexus 4 at $350 or less would lead to strong sales? Google and LG certainly appear to have been caught off-guard. LG's UK mobile lead Andy Coughlin tells CNET that the pair estimated Nexus 4 shipments in the way you'd expect for any phone, but have been rocked by "huge demand" -- in short, they didn't realize that offering such a giant bargain would lead to sellouts within minutes. While we don't have tangible shipping numbers, that the spending sprees happen over and over again suggests that LG is producing more than a handful of Nexus 4s as it tries to keep up. We suspect that many of you reading this just want to know when sales resume; sadly, Coughlin's not telling.
Nexus 4 set to become available in the UK and Germany again today at 5PM local time
Canadians got their crack at it yesterday, and it looks like today's the day that those in the UK and Germany will have another chance to order a Nexus 4. Google has sent out emails informing subscribers that the phone will again be available to order from the Play store in Germany at 5:00PM CET (less than an hour from now), and from the UK store at 5:00PM GMT. Once again, there's no indication of quantities available, but if past history is any indication it's a good bet that they'll sell out fairly quickly. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Nexus 4 returns to Google Play store in Canada at 3PM Eastern today
It certainly hasn't been the easiest phone to get a hold for for those interested, but those in Canada now at least know when they'll have another chance to grab a Nexus 4. Google's today sent out emails informing prospective customers that the phone will again be available in the Canadian Play store starting at 3PM Eastern (noon Pacific time), although it's of course making no guarantees about quantities. It also hasn't specified if both the 8GB and 16GB models will be available, but there's now less than an hour 'til we find out. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
iPhone 5 in stock for the holidays, Nexus 4 is nowhere to be found
Though Apple has struggled with iPhone 5 supply in the past few months, the company knows that it has to have ample inventory of the iPhone for the holiday season. Now, eight weeks after launch, Apple has reached the point where the iPhone 5 is available in stores and online ship times have dropped to one week, says a report by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. As noted by Philip Elmer-Dewitt of Apple 2.0, Apple's situation contrasts greatly with the handset shortfall that Google is facing. Google launched its flagship Nexus 4 earlier this month to demand that exceeded the company's expectations. Both the 8 GB and 16 GB version of the handset sold out in record time. Pre-orders were halted until earlier this week when another small batch of phones became available. This second supply of phones also sold out immediately and now pre-orders are being accpeted for the device. Don't expect to see a Nexus 4 anytime soon as estimated ship dates are eight to nine weeks out. With the Nexus 4 nowhere in sight and the iPhone now becoming more available, Apple is positioned to sell a lot of iPhone handsets this holiday shopping season. Google should take a page from Apple's book the next time it plans to roll out a hot, new phone during the holiday shopping season.
CyanogenMod 10.1 nightlies now available for Nexus 4
At this point in time, ownership of Google's much sought-after Nexus 4 is still the pride of few, with most eager users stuck in delivery and ordering limbo. But for those of you who do lay claim to that unassuming slab of LG design, CyanogenMod's ready and willing to share some nightly perks. Released as a response to unofficial third party ROMs, experimental (read: unstable) builds of CM10.1 (built upon Android 4.2) are now available on the outfit's site. For now, these nightlies will be Nexus 4-only, but there are plans to open'em up to Nexus 10 owners soon. There's no word on when that final, polished 10.1 build will be ready for all Android devices, so for now, the keys to CM10.1 belong to a small group of privileged folks.
PSA: Nexus 4 returns to Google Play at 3PM ET (update)
Google's been emailing some good news for those that didn't snatch up its new smartphone within minutes of its online launch a few weeks back. Anyone that asked to be kept up-to-date with Nexus 4 news has been told that new phone stock will be available starting at 3PM ET (Noon PT) -- for US customers only. We've also heard rumors that customers will be limited to ordering up to two phones each, but at these prices, there's likely to be plenty of online traffic jostling for this 4.7-inch slab. Update: As of 3:08PM ET, it looks as if the Nexus 4 is sold out. These games are no fun, now are they? Update 2: Google has just posted this update: "Google Play is currently experiencing very high traffic. Nexus 4 is not sold out and will still be available for purchase. Please try again shortly. Thank you for your patience." So, keep trying, we wish you luck, and let us know how you get on in comments!
Google hustles Android 4.2.1 onto Nexus devices to give you December back
With the rollout of a major OS upgrade like Android 4.2, we can imagine it's easy to forget something, but Google's omission of the entire month of December in the People app was certainly a doozy. The beauty of the Nexus program is that Google can rectify little issues like that post-haste, however, and Mountain View has now rolled out Jelly Bean 4.2.1, a small update that adds back that all-too-important month. So far, Nexus 4 and 10 users have reported getting the update, according to XDA Developers, though there's no evidence yet of any other fixes. Check your Nexus device (or the source) to see if it's arrived in time for, you know. Update: Looks as if the Nexus 7 is a go, too!
Huzzah! Some Nexus 4 orders shipping this week, says Google
Hordes of Nexus 4 hopefuls cringed after receiving an email stating that their order had been delayed due to the overwhelming demand for Google's latest purebred smartphone. While some folks opted to cancel their purchase in hopes of buying the handset elsewhere, those who chose to weather the storm are in for some good news. Google is now sending out emails advising customers that their order will go out sometime this week and that it will provide tracking details once a device officially ships out. If you're among those who hunkered down and exercised patience, you'll want to keep a close eye on your inbox, as there may be a precious gem in your junk mail folder resting somewhere between messages from a Nigerian Prince who desperately needs your help. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Nexus 4 shown working on Canadian LTE through simple carrier menu code (video)
Want LTE on your new Nexus 4? Well, you might have to move to another country. Unless it's some elaborate post-Thanksgiving hoax from our Canadian neighbors, several Telus customers have demonstrated that the LTE chip hiding inside the Nexus 4 does work, and have connected to some data speeds resembling a 4G connection. This was enabled through the test menu, accessed by dialing *#*# 4636 *#*#. Tapping on the preferred network type option, you can select either LTE on its own, or a mix of LTE, GSM and CDMA. According to the videos, the Google phone then taps into your carrier's LTE network if Band 4 is available, and you're good to go. We've so far been unable to replicate it in the UK, which doesn't use the same LTE Band 4 (AWS 2100 / 1700MHz) of Canadian carriers Bell, Rogers and Telus. We have also tested this with AT&T's LTE, but had no luck there either -- we tried it in a Band 17 area, not a Band 4 area (which is less common). This is, however, great news for T-Mobile customers as this is precisely the type of LTE they'll be getting very soon. But for now, there's two working videos already doing the rounds from Canada and we've included them both below. [Thanks Kaung]Update: There was a typo in the code required to activate the test menu. We've updated with the correct key combination.
