How to Manually Update GSM Nexus S from Stock ICS 4.0.3 to ICS 4.0.4

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Google just rolled out Android 4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich, to UMTS/GSM Nexus S, Xoom Wi-Fi, and HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus devices. This update improves existing Ice Cream Sandwich experience with stability improvements, better camera performance, smoother screen rotation, improved phone number recognition and more.

As usual, this update will be available on selected devices not at the same time. If you still don’t get the update notification so far, don’t worry, you can manually update to ICS 4.0.4 by downloading the update zip file and flash it via recovery. In this short tutorial, i’ll explain how to manually update ICS 4.0.4 on GSM Nexus S from existing rooted stock ICS 4.0.3 via ClockworldMod recovery.

Here is my Nexus S specification:

• Model: GSM Nexus S i9023
• Stock ICS 4.0.3 without any mods
• Rooted
• ClockWorldMod 5.0.2.3
• Superuser 3.0.7

How to update:

• Download the 4.0.4 update zip file from Google server
• Rename the file to update.zip (optional)
• Download SuperUser zip file
• Copy the update.zip file and superuser.zip file into sdcard
• Reboot into bootloader end select Recovery
• On CWM recovery menu, choose install zip from sdcard then choose zip from sdcard
• Choose  update.zip file and Yes – Install update.zip on confirmation
• Wait until the installation process finish
• Back to recovery menu then install the superuser.zip (from install zip from sdcard menu)
• Wait until finish then reboot the phone
• After reboot system will update the phone, you will see the update process dialog
• Wait until finish, then you will be on Android 4.0.4 without losing root and installed apps (superuser works normally as before update ).

My experience so far with ICS 4.0.4

• More responsive and fast
• Smooth screen rotation

Reference: XDA Dev

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