The Google ploy appears to pay off as the 8GB LG Nexus 4 Play Store inventory is reportedly running near to zero level a few months prior to the rumoured Nexus 5 release date on October 31.

Checking on Google Play Store, the notice reads that the basic Nexus 4 build is "out of inventory," with the site advising that fresh stocks could arrive later. Android watchers, however, are doubtful if Google still intends to manufacture new units of its 2012 flagship.

If anything, Nexus shoppers will have to make do with the 16GB build, which along with the 8GB, saw a significant price cut of $100 on Google's online store. The 16GB now sells for only $250 while the 8GB can be had for $200, that is if buyers can get hold of new stocks.

It is understood that the stock outs affect Google's Nexus 4 global distribution.

According to analysts, there is little chance that the tech giant will resupply its soon-to-exit signature phone as the focus is now on the more powerful and still affordable (hopefully) Nexus 5.

In fact, the recent Nexus price slashing from Google is the biggest sign that its successor is coming out and real soon, Android observers said.

When exactly is that, Google would refuse to say until now but the safest bet would be the last week of October 2013, likely on the 31st, according to Droid Life, citing an anonymous source.

It will be the same day that the Android will be regaled by the mobile device capabilities that its maker will let out through the new Android 5.0 or Key Lime Pie as suggested in numerous reports and blog posts.

It's only logical, analysts said, that Google will rollout the KLP with the Nexus 5 as Jelly Bean 4.3 or the latest Android build, made its way out via the 7-inch Nexus 7, which is the company's answer to Apple's iPad Mini (possibly too, the iPad Mini 2 with Retina) and Samsung's Galaxy Note 8.0 and the Galaxy Tab 3 series.

The KLP is seen to tussle directly with the new iOS 7 that Apple will launch with the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C on Sept 20 but more importantly, it is viewed by experts to end the notorious Android fragmentation, among its other so-called killer features.

On the other hand, the Nexus 5, though its builder remains a big question mark, is highly touted as the biggest challenger to Apple's iPhone 5S and Samsung's Galaxy S4 and Note 3.

The Nexus 5, on release date, is expected to sport a 5.2-inch screen, a quad-core Snapdragon processing chip and a 1080p screen resolution, specs that are said to be based on the recently unveiled LG G2.