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Yes, Android L can be installed on the Nexus 4 and first-gen Nexus 7

Published Jul 7th, 2014 4:29PM EDT
Nexus 4 Android L Download and Install

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Google at I/O 2014 released a preview of Android L, its next major Android operating system version that brings a complete design makeover and a slew of new features. But the company only posted the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) Android L builds, leaving Android fans who own other Nexus devices waiting for official Android L ROMs that could be installed on the Nexus 4 smartphone or the older Nexus 7 (2012) and Nexus 10 tablets.

While Google is yet to release the official Android L Developer Preview for older Nexus devices, developers have already put the Android L SDK and Android L source code to good use to come up with their own Android L ports for the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 (2012).

Both builds are available to download, although Nexus 4 and old Nexus 7 owners should expect various issues and bugs, not only because these are not official Android L builds for these devices, but also because Google is still working on Android L, and has only released it in Developer Preview mode, aimed specifically at developers and handset makers.

As always, BGR strongly advises against installing unofficial ROMs on any devices, procedures that could come with unwanted side effects. That said, the video below shows Android L in action on a Nexus 4, with links to the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 (2012) respective Android L builds available in the source section at the end of this post.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.