Google Nexus 4 could be available soon for gadget shoppers who have been itching to get the smartphone since late last year. Could this be the beginning of a "regularized" supply chain for one of the most sought-after devices of 2012?

Google Nexus 4 Play Store Status Hints Available Stock Soon (Image: Google)

Related News: Google Nexus 4 Hits Australia Retail Store Feb. 1 -- Price?

From "Sold Out," the status for the LG-manufactured device has been changed to "Temporarily out of stock." PC Advisor told consumers to "keep a sharp eye" on the Nexus 4 page in the Google Play Store.

Nexus 4 is a dream budget smartphone for its 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro and 2GB RAM with 8 or 16 GB of internal storage. It will run on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean out of the box. As Google's flagship smartphone, Android users get the latest OS update and a lot of control over their device. Its IPS screen display (1280×768 px) is stunning at 320 pixels per inch in a 4.7-in frame with Corning Gorilla Glass 2. Mobile photographers will also enjoy its 8 MP rear camera, which is able to capture 1080p video at 30 frames per second.

The Google Nexus 4 will be available by Feb. 1 in Australia via Harvey Norman. At AU$496 off-contract, buyers get a sweet deal. In contrast, Sony Xperia Z will cost AU$749 direct from Sony Centers. The new flagship smartphone from Sony is also fueled by 1.6 GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro and 2 GB RAM memory. Like the Nexus 4, Xperia Z will allow users to enjoy NFC connectivity.

The Nexus 4 has drawn controversy for being out of stock too soon and too often on the Google Play Store. A Google executive has openly blamed it on erratic supply chain, while a spokesperson for LG mentioned there was a miscalculation of demand from the Google side.

Many gadget shoppers are left with no choice but to wait until Nexus 4 availability and production normalize. LG earlier said production rate for the Google smartphone will see a jump in February.

VIDEO: Google Nexus 4 Review

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