Google released the developer preview for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013). And it seems like Google left out the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 (2012). Also it is likely to happen that the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 may not see the Official Android L update, as Google promise of support is for 18 months. But some leaks suggest that Official Android L for Nexus 4 is on the way. But it’s not keeping the Nexus 4 owners and enthusiasts from porting the Android L to Nexus 4, even before the official public release.
Google announced the Android L at the Google I/O and also released the Developer preview, aimed at presenting the new Material design and also the developers to design new apps in line with the Material design.
We have already mentioned about the Developer preview of Android L for Nexus 5, installing it and Rooting it. It is comparatively easy. But it doesn’t seem a good road for the Nexus 4, thanks to radical changes such as new file system organization and other updates. We’ll look into where the Nexus 4 port of Android L preview stands now.
Official Updates From Google about Nexus 4 Android L
When the complaints of the lack of the Android L for the Nexus 4 arised, a Google project member told users that:
“The L Developer Preview system images are only for the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 7 2013 (wifi). If you do not own one of those devices, we have also enabled the Android emulator to support the L Developer Preview to help developers test their applications.”
Also, Google hasn’t confirmed which devices are in line for update. It is likely that Nexus 4 may see Android L update this fall. It’s worth noting that Galaxy Nexus support was dropped, and it never saw official Kitkat 4.4, with Google siting the device’s 18 month update period was over. Nexus 4 is also as old now, but it’s a safe bet that Google may include Nexus 4 also in this version of Android.
There’s also some good news about the Android L for Nexus 4. Here, take a look at this Reddit post, which leaves many info and leaks about the Android L for Nexus 4.
It also seems that Google has already talked about Android L for Nexus 4 indirectly. They even shared a few slides on ART for Nexus 4 (Graph shows N4, which is confirmed Nexus 4 by the speaker). Given below is the Keynote. If you watch it, you can see that one slide in that actually shows Dalvik and ART on 4.4 and a comparison with an improved version of ART, which can be considered this is actually from the Android L which has the new ART. This can be taken as a confirmation that Google is already working on the Official Android L for Nexus 4. Watch the Youtube video below.
Updates about port of Android L for Nexus 4
The Android L ports are yet to come. When the developer preview of the Android L for Nexus 5 was released, many users were expecting ports of the Nexus 5 factory images for Nexus 4, that included all the functions present in the original. However, it is yet to come.
There are a lot of work going in this. In fact, Cyanogenmod Developer Ryan Scott posted on Google+ on Nexus 4 Android L port:
“Doing a quick port of the Android L Nexus 5 preview to the Nexus 4 (mako) It’s probably going to end up a lot “hacky” but at least this time it’s not from an SDK image. I’m doing this for myself since I don’t have a Nexus 5 but once it’s done if any mako users want it I will provide a zip to flash in custom recoveries (TWRP and CWM)”
A Nexus 4 Android L port is also very important for developers, as it is a nexus device and a lot of development is going on that device by developers. It’s like a legacy device now, that too with millions of users and developers worldwide.
There are also many other discussions going on this topic, you can follow these discussion on XDA.
As of now, there is no Android L port available for Nexus 4. That could take some time, may be Official Android L will be there right in time. We’ll keep you updated on this subject!
UPDATE
Google has released Android L developer preview code to the AOSP (Android Open Source Project). And that means Nexus 4 Android L port is coming soon, matterfact, as soon as next 24 hours. Sit tight and keep watching this space.
