Despite its lack of LTE, the Nexus 4 has been hugely popular.

Google’s new Nexus 4 smartphone has been a hugely popular handset since making its debut back in November, but supply issues have somewhat spoiled what should have been a successful launch. When the handset is made available through Google Play, it doesn’t take long for stock to disappear again, and those who do get an order in on time are forced to wait weeks for their device to arrive.

Dan Cobley, managing director of Google U.K. & Ireland, says the “scarce” supplies from LG are “unacceptable.” He’s issued an “unreserved apology” to Nexus 4 customers, but says Google hopes to fulfill “pre-Christmas” delivery promises by sending out a new batch of handsets this week.

Been itching to get the Google Nexus 4 but don’t want to join O2 for some reason? Maybe a contract with Three would be better for you. The carrier has just become only the second in the United Kingdom to offer Google’s latest smartphone, breaking its month-long exclusivity to O2.

When Android 4.1 was released, Google introduced it’s own sound search widget to help users identify songs and direct them to Google Play to purchase them. It’s basically Google’s version of Soundhound or Shazam. It’s a great feature to have built into Android and it’s even better now that it’s built right into Google search. Now, Google has decided to release the standalone widget onto the Play store so that users running Android 4.0 can also enjoy it.

It looks like our friends across the pond may be getting Google Play gift cards just in time for the holidays. UK user Lee Jarratt reported on Google+ that he no longer gets the dreaded “gift cards aren’t available in this Country.” Instead, he’s now directed to the redemption code page. The redemption page clearly shows Play balances in UK currency and has us thinking the purchase of Play credit might not be far off.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City finally makes its debut on Android today, a week after the title make its mobile debut on iOS. It comes to celebrate the original title’s 10th anniversary, and although it’s very much the same game we enjoyed on PlayStation 2 back in 2002, developers Rockstar Games have made a bunch of nice improvements.