Android L
Screenshot of Android L Developer Preview running on Nexus 4.

After the first generation HTC One (M7), LG's Optimus G is the second non-Nexus device to get Android L Developer Preview port.

Senior XDA members ThatKawaiiGuy and Kevinjoa have successfully ported the Android L in to LG Optimus G. The developers have released some 11 builds so far. Users might come across bug issues with this port, but these issues are expected to be fixed with upcoming releases.

Below are the features, which are not working in this port. Thankfully, fixes are available for a few bugs.

Bug issues

  • Heat issue
  • Charging slow issue
  • Service may take some tweaking to work on Sprint Optimus. Fix available: Download the Release 3 version of the Android L Developer Preview, then add the carrier in carrier settings and install the latest version
  • Random device update force close issues. Fix available: Use a file manager app with root permission, rename /system/app/OmaDmclient.apk to OmaDmclient.apk.bak.
  • No SD Card error. Fix available: Use a file manager app, navigate to /sdcard/android/data, loop for the app's folder, which is giving the error and delete it.
  • NFC isn't working
  • Camera is a bit wonky

Head over to the development thread to know more about the Android L Developer Preview port for LG Optimus G.

Interested users, who wish to have the latest version of Android running on their Optimus G, may follow the step-by-step guide below.

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

Pre-Requisites

1) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recovery tools such as ClockworkMod or TWRP, then backup data using the same.

2) If the Android phone powers off due to lack of battery during the process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Optimus G should have a charge above 80% battery charge.

3) The phone should be rooted and have the latest version of either CWM or TWRP recovery.

4) The Android L Developer Preview port works only with Optimus G E975 (GEE) and applying this to any incorrect variant might brick the device.

5) The Android L Developer Preview port is in the development stage, therefore flashing this on Optimus G might come across bugs.

Download link: Android L Developer Preview

Move the downloaded zip file to the internal storage of the phone and remember the location.

Below are the installation guide for CWM and TWRP recoveries. You may follow either of these according to the recovery installed on the device.

How to install Android L Developer Preview on LG Optimus G with CWM recovery

Step-1: Boot the LG Optimus G into recovery mode

  • Switch off the phone and wait for a few seconds until the device is completely switched off.
  • Press and hold Volume Down and Power buttons together then release them when the bootloader screen appears.
  • Press Volume Down button twice then press Power button to boot into recovery mode.

Note: In recovery mode, use Volume buttons to scroll down between options and Power button to select the desired option.

Step-2: In recovery mode, perform a Nandroid back up. Users are recommended to do this as in case something goes wrong, you can easily restore the current status. For this, navigate to Backup and Restore>> Backup

Step-3: Perform a full clean-up of the device. Remember this will delete all apps and their settings and game process

  • Select Wipe data/factory reset then select Yes on the next screen to confirm the action.
  • Select Wipe cache Partition then select Yes on the next screen to confirm the wiping cache.

Step-4: Select Install zip>> Choose zip from sdcard. Now browse to the location where the Android L Developer Preview file file is saved. Select it and confirm installation

Step-5: When the installation process is completed, reboot the phone by selecting reboot system now from the recovery menu. The device will take some time to reboot for the first time

Note: If the phone faces bootloop issue or, stuck at logo while rebooting, perform a factory reset, everything will be fine.

How to Install Android L Developer Preview on LG Optimus G With TWRP Recovery

Step-1: Boot the phone into recovery mode

  • Switch off the phone and wait for a few seconds until the device is completely switched off.
  • Press and hold Volume Down and Power buttons together then release them when the bootloader screen appears.
  • Press Volume Down button twice then press Power button to boot into recovery mode.

Note: In recovery mode use Volume buttons to navigate between options and Power button to select the desired option.

Step-2: Create a Nandroid back up of the current ROM. Users are recommended to do this in case something goes wrong you can easily restore the current status. Go to Backup and select all check boxes and do a swipe on the Swipe to confirm option at the bottom of the screen

Step-3: Perform a Factory Reset. Remember this will delete all apps, their settings and game process. Tap on Wipe>> now at the bottom of the screen do a swipe on the Swipe to factory reset option

Step-4: Tap on Install>> browse to the location where the downloaded file is saved. Tap on the ROM file and at the bottom of the screen, do a swipe on Swipe to confirm flash option

Step-5: After the installation is completed, perform wipe cache and dalvik cache

Step-6: Reboot the phone. Return to the main recovery menu and tap on Reboot>> System

Note: If the phone faces bootloop issue or, stuck at logo while rebooting, perform a factory reset, everything will be fine.

The LG Optimus G should now be having Android L Developer Previews installed on it.

[Source: Android Soul]