Google Blames Nexus 4 Shortage On LG

Google has a real winner on its hands with the Nexus 4. It’s arguably the world’s most cost-effective Android superphone. At an unlocked price of just $299 for the 8GB version and $349 for the 16GB version, the Nexus 4 has been winning the hearts, minds, and wallets of users all over the world.

But there are two major flaws with the Nexus 4. The first flaw is that the Nexus 4 doesn’t include 4G LTE coverage. That’s Google’s fault, as they didn’t feel 4G LTE functionality was worth it. But the second flaw is the fault of the manufacturer – LG.

That second fault is the fact that the Nexus 4 is virtually impossible to buy. The phone is primarily sold through the Google Play Store. But every time a new shipment arrives, the phones sell out within hours and leave customers with 12 week or longer waiting times.

Google has taken a lot of heat for this issue. But apparently, it’s not their fault. Google is laying the blame for the device shortage on LG, which is its manufacturing partner. Google says that:

“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.”

In other words, LG hasn’t been able to keep up with the demand. But on the other hand, Google didn’t anticipate high demand for the Nexus 4 in the first place or else it would have initially manufactured a lot more.

So while it’s easy to look at the Nexus 4 like a cruel joke (an awesome phone that nobody can buy), you probably shouldn’t blame Google for your inability to get your hands on it.

Setting Change Lets Nexus 4 Pick Up Limited LTE Signal in Canada

So, the LG Nexus 4 has a dormant LTE capability inside, and no it's not going to magically start working with LTE. Or is it? Kind of, is possibly the best way to describe what we're now starting to see. Seems some enterprising types up in Canada have been fiddling with things and amazingly have managed to kick LTE into gear on TELUS and Rogers by changing a setting in Android's testing menu (*#*#4636#*#* in the dialer app).

It all stems from an apparent compatibility with LTE band 4 on the 1700MHz and 2100MHz frequencies, due to the existing radio assembly supporting LTE on those bands. It looks like for some reason LG decided to leave a fully functional LTE radio on the N4, but disable it through a software setting. In Canada, LTE band 4 is supported by TELUS, Rogers and Bell. Outside of Canada, your HSPA+ Nexus 4 won't be able to pick up any LTE reception, unless you're in one of the very few markets AT&T has enabled LTE on band 4.

It's a neat trick, make no mistake, but before we all go running off to try and do this we should remember a few things. Just because it's possible, doesn't mean we'll be able to make good use of it for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's no use anywhere outside of Canada right now. Secondly, the Nexus 4 is not approved for use with LTE anywhere in the world at this moment in time, and as such it will likely be patched out in the future to avoid LG getting into hot water with the regulators. Remember, the Nexus 4 is marketed as a HSPA+ phone for a reason, and regulations have a part to play in that. Technically, it's unlawful to use LTE on these bands without regulatory approval, even if all it takes to enable it is a quick setting change. (It's also slightly baffling as to why LG would've left LTE radio software in a non-LTE phone — presumably this is a hang-over from the Optimus G rather than something specifically designed for the N4.)

In any case, click on past the break for a walkthrough video of how it all came about. 

Source: XDA Developers via Android Central Forums

Android Kids App: GoodNight Moon

Does it get any more classic than this? Developer Loud Crow — which has brought the works of Sandra Boynton, Beatrix Potter and even Charles Schulz's Charlie Brown to Android — now has brought us the timeless kids book, "Goodnight Moon."

It's done in the usual Loud Crow fashion. The app can read the book aloud, word for word. Tap a word, and it's sounded out. Or you can choose to read to yourself. As you make your way through the story, you can use a magnifying glass to explore the great green room, and get a closer look at the telephone. And the red balloon. And the picture of the cow jumping over the moon. And there are plenty of animations to keep kids interested. Or, parents who love to reminisce. 

If you still need more, in-app purchases will unlock letter and number features in the app. Be sure to take a look at the app after you buy it. It works fine on tablets, but not on my Nexus 4. We've got some demo video after the break.

More: Android kids apps

More Nexus 4 handsets ready to ship out this week

While many anxious Nexus 4 customers patiently wait for their back ordered handsets, it appears as though Google and LG have managed to ready another batch smartphones which are due to ship out sometime this week.

Users are now reporting that the above email is hitting their inbox's in waves, notifying them that their precious LG-manufactured Nexus 4s are ready to be sent out this week. According to the provided information, tracking numbers will be assigned and credit cards will be charged once the devices leave Google’s warehouse.

Thankfully, this lines up with the three-week timetable that Google gave earlier this month. We still don’t have exact dates, but perhaps LG has solved its manufacturing. A inefficiencies and intends to replenish the Play Store. A Be sure to let us know if you've gotten the email in the comments below.

Source: AndroidCentralA 

How To Unlock Nexus 4 Bootloader [Tutorial]

Google and LG may only have announced the Nexus 4 earlier this week, but the Android community is by far the most dogmatic in its quest to tweak and mod every aspect of the search company’s firmware, and already, a method for unlocking the device’s bootloader is ready and available; more details after the jump!

LG Nexus 4 release date set for October 29, Le Figaro says

Today is quite a day for Android rumors and leaks, especially when it comes to devices such as the upcoming LG