That didn’t take long: Google Nexus 5 sells out within minutes

Just minutes after Google announced and released the Nexus 5, its online store sold out of the black 16-gigabyte version of the smartphone.

Google announced the long-awaited device Thursday morning. The new gadget features a near 5-inch full 1080p HD screen and is lighter as well as slimmer than its predecessor. The Nexus 5 is also the first smartphone to run Android 4.4 KitKat, the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system.

The Mountain View, Calif., company posted the device for sale on its Google Play online store after announcing it through a blog post. The gadget starts at $349 for the 16 GB model, but that didn’t stop eager customers from snatching up the smartphones.

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Initially, Google said the device could ship to buyers within a few days, but it sold out within minutes, according to 9to5Google. Now, Google says “We are out of inventory. Please check back soon.”

Interested consumers are not completely out of luck.

Google’s website says there are still white versions of the 16 GB Nexus 5 as well as 32 GB versions, which cost $399, in both black and white. But those devices won’t ship to customers until Nov. 8.

Consumers can also check with T-Mobile, Amazon, Best Buy and RadioShack for the Nexus 5. Google said those retailers will soon sell the device.

Sprint is also slated to carry the Nexus 5. It said it will sell the 16 GB version of the phone with a two-year contract for $149.99 starting Nov. 8.

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