Models pose with Galaxy Nexus smartphones in Hong Kong
Ice Cream Sandwich Update: How to Install Android 4.0.4 on Nexus S 4G. REUTERS

The owners of the GSM Nexus S received the Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich update a couple of days ago, unlike users of the Sprint version of the phone who had to wait a while for their share of the ICS scoop. But now, their wait is apparently over as a latest report has posted what it claims is the official over-the-air 4.0.4 ROM for the WiMAX-enabled Nexus S.

With rumored dates for the Nexus S 4G Android 4.0 update on the horizon, the official stock image files have finally surfaced. Thanks to a source, we have leaked the files with exclusive access, a BriefMobile report said.

Our leak contains the whole shabang: an updated signed_radio.img, boot.img, bootloader.img, recovery.img, system.img, and userdata.img.

According to the report, this is the full official IMM76D ICS ROM coming to the Nexus S 4G OTA very soon.

Together with the latest version of Android, the update also has a new baseband that early adopters say has significantly improved WiMAX reception, The Verge reported.

BriefMobile report has also provided the installation instructions with a warning that reads:

This will wipe your data entirely. BriefMobile is not liable for your actions. This has been fully tested and is working 100%.

Here are the steps to follow to get Android 4.0.4 installed on the Nexus S 4G.

  • Download and unzip IMM76Drelease-keys.zip: Mirror 1 | Mirror 2 | Mirror 3
  • Install the NS4G drivers
  • Download and unzip Odin v1.85
  • Open Odin3_v1.85.exe
  • Power off the Nexus S 4G
  • Put the Nexus S 4G into Download Mode by holding both Volume Up+Down then simply press the Power Button
  • Connect the Nexus S 4G to your computer. Ensure Odin recognizes it. You should see 0:[COM#] fill in the first box.
  • Click BOOTLOADER and select SPH-D720_IMM76D_KE1_BOOTLOAD_signed.tar
  • Click PDA and select SPH-D720_IMM76D_PDA_signed.tar
  • Click PHONE and select SPH-D720_IMM76D_LC1_Modem_signed.tar
  • Click Start
  • After it is finished, the NS4G will reboot and it will run Android 4.0.4 IMM76D.

[Source: BriefMobile, XDA-Developers]

Other than the Nexus One, which won't be receiving the ICS update, the Nexus S 4G is Google's only Nexus device without Ice Cream Sandwich.

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