14 DAY TRIAL // Google has recently announced a software update for the Nexus S that adds the ability to make voice and video chat over a carrier's network (3G or 4G) or Wi-Fi, through Gtalk
Currently, Android 2.3.4 is only available for Nexus S devices, but Google announced that the software update will launch on other Android 2.3 or newer smartphones in the future.
The reason Nexus S is the first to receive this upgrade is because it is mainly a developer phone, thus it will always be the first to get new software updates, until the device is replaced by a newer generation.
This usually means that software version 2.3.4 won't be available on other Android 2.3 or newer devices for at least 3 months or more.
Although Google officially announced the availability of the update, the company said that it would be gradually rolled out OTA (over-the-air) to Nexus S handsets in the next few weeks.
Fortunately, the guys over at Android Central found the file containing the update for the Nexus S, which will allow you to manually download and install Android 2.3.4.
The procedure is simpler than most other Android smartphones as the Nexus S does not feature an SD card, so you won't need to rename the file and load it on the memory card.
Nexus S is perfectly capable to flash any .zip file, so you only need to download the Android 2.3.4 update file and copy it on the root of the phone's internal storage.
As soon as you transfer the update file onto your phone, shut it down and reboot into the bootloader by holding the Volume up key while powering it up.
A quicklist will be displayed on the screen, so use the volume buttons to choose the 'Recovery' option from menu. To select the option click once on the power button.
When a small triangle appears, make sure you hold the power button and then press volume up, so you can access a new list of options.
Following the same procedure described above, choose the file that you just copied onto the root of the phone to update to Android 2.3.4 and select it.
Once the update is completed, you will be able to enjoy video and voice chat with your friends, family and colleagues right from your Android phone.