Google posts updated Android L factory images for Nexus 5, 7 with support for Google Fit

By Andrew Martonik
last updated

After a bit of speculation as to whether Google would be updating the Android L developer preview before it launched into a full product, Google has just posted new Android L images for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013). This latest release, which carries the version number LPV81C (up from LPV79), includes support for the recently-announced Google Fit platform, but considering the small bump in version number we're not expecting many changes beyond that.

In any case, you can snag a download of the system image for either your Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 at the source link below if you're wanting to checking it out — just keep in mind that this is a developer preview and shouldn't be considered a stable release in any way.

Source: Google Developers

Andrew Martonik
Andrew Martonik

Andrew was an Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central between 2012 and 2020.

42 Comments
  • Cool can't wait Posted via Android Central App
  • Still no Nexus 4!!
  • me too
    eager to get it......
    wonder weather its going to happen or not
  • Look on XDA for the port. I'm using it as my daily driver. Posted via Android Central App
  • Tried it a few times, helping to get it usable (beta testing) But I need Bluetooth 'Headset' which at the moment doesn't work!
  • Yea you can thank the updated selinux for that. Sykopompos is working day and night on it, literally. He will get it figured out. Posted via Android Central App
  • It will happen, just not worth it for a preview
  • I'm curious about Nexus 4, too. Posted via Android Central App
  • No OTA? Posted via Android Central App
  • I wouldn't expect OTA updates for the pre-release builds.
  • +1
  • Well, Apple updates iOS betas via OTA...
  • Haha Posted via the Android Central App
  • So, the build is a "factory" build as opposed to a "preview" build. What does that mean? Old: "hammerhead-lpv79-preview-ac1d8a8e.tgz"
    New: "hammerhead-lpv81c-factory-15580494.tgz" I've also noticed that if you download older nexus ROMS, they're labeled as "factory"
  • it is more than likely just the way the release build was done. It is far from complete so I would not read into it that this is the "Final" build
  • Did Google implement the multi user support for phones which they said they would do in next public build? Posted via Android Central App using Asus Zenfone 5
  • No.
  • How's the battery life on the L builds? Really hating this 4.4.4 battery drain bug.
  • I'm using it on my Nexus 7, and with heavy use, the battery life seems about the same as it was with 4.4. I have noticed that standby time is significantly better with L than with 4.4, though.
  • Standby time is what is killing me. I am not a heavy user (less than an hour a day) and my N5 doesn't make it through a day.
  • Huh. The N5 doesn't have the best battery life, but what you're describing is not normal. When you check the battery menu in settings, what does it say is using a lot of power?
  • I had great battery life on the 4.4.2 version. Somewhere either in 4.4.3 or 4.4.4 (my updates were very close together), the battery life went in the tank. I am currently at 58% battery life after 7hrs (which includes about 30 minutes on the charger at lunch). The display has been on 30 minutes. The biggest user of battery is Android OS at 30%.
  • I would recommend a factory reset and loading apps and settings back manually
  • I hate to say it, but I agree with copatoke. Definitely check the forums for some posts on battery issues with 4.4.4 before you do it (there are lots of people who are much more knowledgeable than I am), but I can't think of anything that would help with what you're describing.
  • Yeah, Seems like I checked the forums soon after the update and there were some folks complaining of battery drains. I'll check there again. Thanks folks!
  • I am going to install android L in my nexus 5 . Can you tell me any disadvantage of it like playing music ,capture image,playing game as normal before.
  • Hi, I already have LPV79 installed in my Nexus 7 (2013). is it possible that we get an OTA update or do we need to reflash to the latest factory image (which means I will loose all my Apps and App data .. :( )
  • Re-flash Posted via the Android Central App
  • Not going to get an OTA, I don't think.
  • lots of crap code and debug stuff can get left in these preview or beta build so I would never expect to see an OTA on these, including the final build. It could happen, but I really doubt it and would not recommend it.
  • You could backup and flash it without wiping. Worst case you have to wipe and flash after. Posted via Android Central App
  • Nice hope things are working better than a few weeks ago when I tried L. Some apps I use were still buggy
  • At this rate we might be able to get the next version of Android the same time iOS is released. Posted via Android Central App
  • I'll just wait for the OTA full version to arrive I think. Posted via Android Central App
  • Anyone knows if Bluetooth and MMS have been fixed with this one? I used the previous build for a couple of weeks, but had to go back to KitKat because of those issues.
  • Yes I'm interested in this too.
  • According to android police this build is only 2 days newer than the original one. So not expecting anything major difference to what we currently have. Posted via Android Central App
  • That disclaimer at the end, of course, won't stop people from loading it and complaining about bugs and incompatible apps.
  • Literally just put 4.4.4 back on my N7 last night...damnit you guys. Lol Posted via Android Central App
  • I dont know what I want more? The start of the football season or a first stable build of Android L to be released? Posted via Android Central App
  • What are you guys talking about, it looks almost the same as Kit Kat. Posted via Android Central App
  • I love my Chromecast, but I would like to have the Nexus Player since it has an interface for when I do not want to mess with my phone. Also, the games!