14 DAY TRIAL // Today, Google made available for download the official Android 4.0.4 software update for the owners of the GSM flavor of Nexus S.
Also today, Google announced the release of Android 4.0.4 into the Android Open-Source Project, stating that it matches the update sent to "a few devices".
Apparently, the update is available for all users who have upgraded their devices to the Android 4.0.3 platform when it was released several months ago, and is the latest official release for the phone.
Google posted on its Google Plus account that it started delivering the software over the air, and that users will receive it in the coming weeks.
"We’ve started rolling out Android 4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich, to UMTS/GSM Nexus S, Xoom Wi-Fi, and HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus devices, and we'll be rolling it out to more devices in the coming weeks," the company notes.
"Some of you will be receiving Ice Cream Sandwich for the first time, while others will be receiving an update to your existing Ice Cream Sandwich experience with stability improvements, better camera performance, smoother screen rotation, improved phone number recognition and more"
Those who don't want to wait can now download and install it through their computers. The update file is available from Google's servers as software IMM76 (Android 4.0.4), and weighs 18MB.
However, as mentioned above, users will be able to download and install it only on top of stock IML74K software. The update is said to be working on the i9023 variant, and some claim that they have installed it on the T-Mobile Nexus S. However, it won't work on the Nexus S 4G on Sprint.
Some of those who managed to grab the update and install it note that the device is faster than before. They also note that the update fixes a battery issue that was previously spotted with the handset.
The user interface is said to be smoother than before, and the various applications that came along with it appear to be snappier.
Those users who would like to download and install the new OS on their Nexus S devices before the official update is pushed to them, can head over to Google's servers and download it.
Specific info on how to perform the update can be found over at Android Police. Just make sure that you follow the instructions so that nothing goes wrong. In case the update is unsuccessful, you might end up with a bricked device in your hand.
Some more info on the update can be found on this thread on XDA-Developers. Apparently, the new ROM can be easily rooted as well, for those who like more freedom on their phones.