Talk Droids - The Android Diary

Whether it’s an actual new version of Android or just a preview of a future release, there is always a lot of folks out in the cold looking in because it’s usually not available for the majority of phones. With the Android L Developer Preview, there really isn’t a need to get jealous since it’s not even in it’s final stage and has a lot of bugs. Still, I know a lot of you want a taste now so let’s take a look at your best options assuming you don’t want to risk turning your phone or tablet into a brick to get it.


The first thing you can do is grab Nova Launcher Beta. You can grab it in the Play Store here, but you must first join their Google+ community in order to get access to it. Then all you need to do is click on “Become A Tester” then “Download Nova Launcher Beta from the Play Store” after clicking on the Play Store page link I just mentioned. If you’re not familiar with Nova Launcher, check out our guide on the best launchers. This Beta version will give you these additional features that are not in the “normal” version…

• “L” Folder Preview (Nova Settings – Folder – Folder Preview – Line)
• “L” App Drawer Icon (Long-press app drawer – Edit – Tap Icon – All white icon under “Built-in”)
• “L” App Animation (Nova Settings – Look and Feel – App Animation – Slide Up)

UPDATE: You no longer need the Beta version of Nova Launcher. These updates were added to the normal Play Store App. Click here to download it.
Next up is to grab the Moonshine Icon Pack from the Play Store, which will give you 385 vector-designed icons offering the same look.
Installing the icon pack is as follows:

1. Open the Moonshine application and hit “Apply Theme”
2. Select your dedicated launcher and you are set to go!

The lock screen notifications is also important to get the Android L feel, and there is a new app in town called Floatify that will take care of that.
You can download it from the Play Store here. Floatify differs from Android L in that it works in all areas of your Android UI, but it also works on the lock screen. You will be able to directly open or cancel notifications even if your phone is locked.
You can also install the ported Android L keyboard directly from the Play Store.
Of course, no Android L device isn’t complete without the official wallpapers. You can grab them here, along with a few other things like ringtones.
After completing the above steps, you won’t have an actual Android L Developer Preview device, but you will have the look and feel, and more importantly……..better functionality with no bugs.