It's available via Google’s Firmware over-the-air update platform

Apr 5, 2012 21:11 GMT  ·  By

It looks like more carrier-bounded Nexus S devices are getting the Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich update. Given the fact that this Android-based smartphone is aimed at developers, Google promised this would be the first to receive its software updates.

True to its promise, the search giant deployed the Android 4.0 ICS update for Nexus S back in December, but the update was mostly available for unlocked GSM units.

Today, Australian carrier Vodafone announced the immediate availability of the Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich update for Nexus S devices. In fact, the update will be available for both Vodafone and Three customers in Australia.

This software update can be downloaded via Google’s Firmware OTA (over the air) update platform, which means users won’t need a PC to perform the upgrade to Android 4.0.4 ICS.

There are two ways one could obtain the file needed for the upgrade. Either by receiving a notification on the Nexus S when the update is available for download, or by manually checking for the update by going to Settings / About Phone / System Updates.

Keep in mind that the update is approximately 140MB in size, so it’s recommended to use a Wi-Fi connection to download it in order to avoid being charged on the monthly bill.

The following changes have been included in this major update:

- Change wallpaper: Touch & hold an empty location on a Home screen, or touch Menu > Wallpaper; - Add a widget to the Home screen: On any Home screen, touch the All Apps icon . Then touch the Widgets tab and touch & hold a widget; - View recent apps: Touch & hold the Home button. Icons and thumbnails for recent apps appear; - Create folders: Drag and drop apps, contacts, and more on top of each other to create a new folder; - Scroll through your apps or widgets: Swipe left or right; - View or edit your contacts: Open the People app, which provides improved integration with Gmail, Email, Google+, and other apps.

In addition, there are new features, optimizations and improvements included, along with changes to the user interface and various bug fixes.