Android L Keyboard with Material Design Successfully Ported to KitKat Devices

As expected, Google announced the Android L Developer Preview, which is a development version of the upcoming Android release, at its I/O 2014 conference. The Developer Preview will allow users to explore features and capabilities of the Android L and get started with developing and testing.

Currently, the Android L Developer Preview is available for download from the L Developer Preview site.

The Android L Developer Preview contains updated SDK tools, system images for testing on an emulator and system images for testing on Nexus 5 codenamed hammerhead and Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi variant.

Those who do not own either a Nexus 5 or, Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi can still taste the latest Android version as the Android L SDK is available.

Now senior XDA member has released a zip file for the Android L Keyboard featuring Material Design for other Android powered devices. The apk port works on AOSP based custom firmwares.

Android L Keyboard tested on the following devices

Xperia Arc with CM11

Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Xperia L with PA 4.4.4

Galaxy S5 with Phoenix ROM

Galaxy S4, MI3 running on 4.4.4

LG G2 with STOCK 4.4

HTC M8

Galaxy Nexus with 4.1.2 based ROM

Galaxy S3 with CM10.1

Android Soul claims to have tested this on the Moto X and the keyboard seems to have been working fine.

Once the new Android L keyboard is installed, it will show the same UI on the previous Android firmware version. In order to switch to the new Android L keyboard follow these easy steps given below.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any damage to the device.

How to get Material Design

Navigate to Android L Keyboard Settings

Now go to Advanced Settings

On Colour scheme choose Material

Head over to the development thread to know more about the Android L keyboard.

Below is the download link for Android L keyboard. Note that it is a recovery flashable zip file. In order to install the new keyboard, the device should have the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery.

Interested users, who wish to install the Android L Keyboard zip file using recovery, may follow the step-by-step guide below.

Download link: Android L Keyboard

Alternative links- Here or here

How to zip files using recovery mode

For CWM recovery

Step-1: Boot into recovery mode

Step-2: Create a Nandroid backup from recovery mode. It is optional but very important because if something goes wrong you can restore current phone settings. To make a Nandroid backup navigate to Backup and Restore>> Backup

Step-3: Go to main recovery menu and select Install zip then select Choose zip from sdcard. Now, head over to the location where the zip file is saved

Step-4: Select the zip file and confirm installation

Step-5: Once the installation is completed, return to the main recovery menu and reboot the device by selecting reboot system now

For TWRP recovery

Step-1: Boot the phone into recovery mode

Step-2: Create a Nandroid backup from recovery mode. It is optional but very important because if something goes wrong you can restore the current status. To make a Nandroid backup navigate to Backup>> select all check boxes and swipe on Swipe to Conform option at the bottom of the screen

Step-3: Install the zip file. Tap on Install then browse to the location where the zip file is saved and select it. Now do a swipe on the Swipe to confirm flash option to begin installation

Step-4: When the installation is completed, return to the main recovery menu and tap on Reboot>> System to reboot the phone

The Android L keyboard should now have been installed on your Android device. Try it out right now.