In the face of unexpected demand, Google has halted further orders of the 16GB version of the new Galaxy Nexus 7 tablet. This comes after Google posted a message last week that shipments of the 16GB model would be delayed by one to two weeks.
According to a Guardian report, sources close to the matter say the search giant “seriously underestimated” the demand for the 16GB version, thinking orders for the 8GB model would be much higher.
The 8GB version remains “in stock” in the Google Play store in the US and UK, with a delivery time of three to five days. Customers looking for the 16GB model only have the option to sign up to be notified by e-mail when new stock becomes available.
Google reportedly anticipated the 8GB model to be more popular due to its lower price tag ($159 as opposed to $199 for the 16GB model), and the availability of Google's own cloud storage service, Google Drive.
The Nexus 7 was unveiled at the end of June, and was given a warm reception, with some critics calling it the best Android tablet to date.
The Nexus 7 is Google's first attempt at creating its own tablet and has been designed according to Google's specifications by Asus. Asus is said to be ramping up production of the 16GB model in order to meet demand.
The new tablet has fired up competition in the seven-inch tablet space - specifically with Amazon's Kindle Fire. Given the potential success of the Nexus 7, it is speculated that Apple will unveil its own “iPad Mini” in order to maintain its dominance in the tablet space.
The launch of the Nexus 7 has, however, not been entirely smooth. While Google is yet to release any official sales figures, numerous customer complaints have emerged online over the quality of the tablet. According to reports, many consumers are complaining of loose screens that bleed light from the edges and move when touched. Other complaints include stuck pixels and problems with the responsiveness of the touch-screen.
Consumers have also slammed Google's customer support and lack of responsiveness, as well as difficulty in getting through via the helplines.
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