Android L 5.0 Release Date & Download: Nexus 4 Unofficial Port Released
Samsung has officially released its newest OS, the Android Lollipop -- but which device gets it first?
On Monday, Nicholas Jitkoff from Android's official blog announced that the company's latest operating system is out, featuring fresh material design that thrives with strong colors and bold typography -- essentially graphic design in its most attention-catching form.
We have reported that Android 5.0 Lollipop is shipping with HTC's Nexus 9 and Motorola's Nexus 6. Older models such as Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 will be receiving the new mobile OS as an update OTA. Google Play Edition devices will also be receiving the update, as well as Nvidia's Shield Tablet.
While Nexus owners and other prospects check out their devices for the update, an unofficial sneak peak of the Android L may already be accessed for the Nexus 4. According to AndroidOrigin, XDA developers were able to port two near-perfect versions of the new OS. Theoretically, these ports will provide an early experience of Android's sweetest treat yet.
The XDA developing team is made up of sykopompos, defconoi, zyr3x, percy_g2 and bpye, as reported by Android Geeks.
The outlet explained that the first port is based on the Nexus 6 dump (LRX08) firmware. Such port is said to contain the complete Nexus 6 framework with S-build applications. On the other hand, the second port is based on the official Android L Developer Preview for the Nexus 5.
It must be noted that both ports are unofficial ROMs. Android Geeks warned that interested folks may not want to run them simultaneously. Moving between the builds will prompt the need for complete factory reset upon every installation.
AndroidOrigin pointed out that the need to perform a clean flash prior to installation may be necessary, since upgrading to the 5.0 ROM potentially causes some issues. That said, make sure files are clean and cache is cleared. Flashing tips by ramjet73 can be found here.
The XDA Team provided instructions for installation below:
1. Download the ROM and other optional files from here.
2. Connect the Nexus 4 to PC.
3. Transfer all the zips to the root of the Nexus 4's storage.
4. Reboot into recovery mode: shut down > press VolDown + power buttons; in bootloader mode, select Recovery mode.
5. Wipe these partitions: System, Data and Cache.
6. Install the ROM zip file.
7. Allow the program to boot.
8. Begin set-up.
9. Wait for the ROM to settle.
10. Reboot into Recovery again and install the remaining zip files.
Alternatively, you may opt to wait until the official update rolls out on your device. It will definitely come after all.
Visit Android 5.0 Lollipop for more information about the OS' features.