Google Nexus 4 has been a huge hit, too popular that Google is facing a serious supply shortage which forced its UK's managing director to make a fulsome apology to would-be buyers of the device. The 16GB model of the smartphone is now listed as sold out after the 8GB model became officially sold out for the second time on Dec 5.

Dan Cobley, the managing director for Google's UK operations, put the blame on "scarce and erratic" supplies from manufacturer LG while admitting that the search engine giant's communication has been flawed.

Google was seemingly surprised over the huge demand for Nexus 4 after the unlocked Android smartphone was sold out in a matter of minutes on the launch day. What followed was weeks of unavailability until Google finally managed to bring the product back on sale. But to the surprise of many pre-order customers from the first round, they were still shown in the waiting list for shipments while later buyers received their orders first. While it remains to be a mystery as to when Google will have steady supplies of the Nexus 4, many loyal customers are angered by Google's silence and the mismanagement of the matter so far.

Manufactured by LG on Google's specifications, Nexus 4 runs a "pure Google" version of Android without any handset maker's alterations. It is the fourth "pure Google" Android phone, following the Nexus One by HTC, and the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus made by Samsung.

Here is the text of Cobley's apology on his Google+ page:

"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 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 fulfillment this week. 

I am optimistic that we will be able to share some positive news shortly, but I do not want to cause any more disappointment by making a commitment until we are 100 percent sure we can deliver on it.  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."