Android L, the next major version of Android, was launched at Google I/O this week. As promised during the keynote, Google has released a developer preview to try out. It didn’t take long though for developers to root it, and package the images into a zip file to flash in a custom recovery. If you are rooted, and have a custom recovery, feel free to follow this method, or you can go the traditional route with ADB and Fastboot.
Google’s new L release of Android is a major overhaul of the operating system. Android L follows Google’s new Material design guidelines, and includes 5000 new APIs. It is in developer preview status now, with a release slated for fall.
First and foremost, this method is for the N5. It will require root and a custom recovery (TWRP, Clockworkmod, etc.) Check the original XDA thread here to grab the needed files. All thanks goes to recognized contributor Vomer. Time to begin…
- Boot into recovery, then unmount the system. Afterwards, choose the option to wipe the system, data, Dalvik, and cache. A clean install is highly recommended, if you are going from Kit Kat or earlier, to the new Android L.
- Flash the L zip package in recovery.
- Then flash the modified kernel, this will reestablish root, along with Chainfire’s SuperSU, and new radios.
- Finish the process by rebooting your Nexus 5. Be patient, the first loading of Android L will take a while.
You are now ready to check out Android L in all of its preview goodness. Expect bugs though, Android L is still in development and might be unstable, so install and use at your own risk.
Did you install Android L, either through custom recovery, or via ADB and fastboot? What do you think? Please leave a comment telling us about your initial impressions of Android L.