Convert your LG Optimus G to a Google Nexus 4

With many Android fans still waiting to get their hands on the latest Nexus device—the Nexus 4, some industrious hackers have taken a different approach. According to Engadget, members of the XDA-Developers forums, including G33k3r and Rohan32, have come up with a software hack that converts the firmware of LG’s Optimus G into that of an 8GB Nexus 4.

The hack does this by swapping every LG-customised software element with a Nexus 4 parallel. The hack turns off LTE, caps the internal storage at 8GB and requires using Nexus 4 firmware for future upgrades. Aside from the different physical designs of the devices, they seem to be indistinguishable.

Turn it into a Nexus 4 with a software hack

Those who face problems with the hack can revert to the original LG firmware, but there is still an element of risk involved, to the point that those who are already accustomed to flashing new ROMs are warned to be careful. You can grab the hack from its thread on the XDA-Developers forums.

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According to an earlier report, some detective work by members of the XDA Developer forums had revealed the reason for shortage of the device. It has been mostly out of stock since its release and since Google doesn’t reveal device sales, it’s especially difficult to figure out how many devices LG has produced so far. It was discovered that LG has produced about 400,000 units of the Nexus 4.

The number was arrived on by analysing the serial numbers that were printed on the box. The date of production is encoded in the first three positions, with the first position defining the year and the second and third positions defining the month. The fourth position defines the country. The last six digits of the number match the last six numbers of the IMEI. This seems to be incremented by one with each newly produced unit.

The Nexus 4 hasn’t yet been launched in India, but if you’re lucky, you can grab one from some online retailers. The phone is available online at a steep price of Rs 35,999. It is rumoured though that the Nexus 4 is expected to launch in India this month. Along with this handset, LG is expected to introduce the LG Optimus G in India, which is the company’s flagship handset.

LG had originally launched the Optimus G back in August. This smartphone is loaded with a plethora of features that will surely entice anyone who is remotely interested in smartphone technology. As the first 1.5GHz Quad-Core LTE smartphone to utilise Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064 processor, LG’s newest device will not only offer blazing fast performance but also longer battery life, thinner profile, brighter display and a new touchscreen panel technology as a result of the vertically-integrated development process.