Android L for Sony Xperia Devices: New Boot Animation, New Keyboard and New Xperia Theme

A receptionist speaks on a phone under a Sony Corp logo at the company's headquarters in Tokyo, in this file picture taken February 6, 2014. REUTERS

Android L is still a few months away from release until Google finalises the next generation Android version. But for Sony Xperia users, there are three ways to get some first-hand experience of Android L right on a smartphone or tablet.

Android L Stock Keyboard

Android app developer Shen Ye uploaded the Android L stock keyboard at the Google Play Store in June 29, 2014 which is compatible for all Android devices running Android 4.0 ICS or higher. The app is based from the Android L Developer Preview which has been modified to run as a standalone app by Chrisch1974 and Shen Ye.

It features no ads, no bloatware and does not require any root access to work. Moreover, the stock Android L keyboard contains several refinements on languages, swipe writing, suggestions and more.

App Features:

Emoji icons
Swipe writing
Native and personal dictionaries
Contact names added to suggestions

Android L via Xperia Themes

Android L theme is now available on any Xperia smartphone or tablet using Sony's Xperia Theme feature. The theme has been developed by XDA member JanM RS and added several notable changes on the user interface from Android L.

Android L style buttons
Android L colour accent
Android L wallpaper

It is currently working 100 per cent on any Xperia device running Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Otherwise, the soft key buttons will remain as default but keeps the home and lock screen wallpaper. Click here to download the app installer.

But if your device has root access, you may use Ben Ling's import version to get the Android L soft key buttons for Android 4.3 Jelly Bean firmware.

Android L Boot Animation

Another from XDA developer forum is the Android L boot animation for Sony Xperia devices. It has been uploaded by XDA recognised contributor Levered and made compatible to Xperia smartphones such as Xperia SP provided with root access.

You only need to download the file from the XDA developer forum site then move it to the directory "system/media" and set the correct permissions (RW-, R-, R-). Reboot the smartphone and see for yourself the new boot animation of Android L.