Google has started rolling out the Android Gingerbread 2.3.4 update over the air to Google Nexus S smartphones, delivering a number of bug and security fixes.

However, the surprise feature of the 28MB update is that it allows Nexus S owners to carry out video calling over 3G and Wi-Fi using Google Talk.

Video calling can be carried out between a Nexus S and any device with a front-facing camera and the Google Talk app. This makes it compatible with almost all laptops and Honeycomb tablets.

The feature is accessed simply by pressing the video camera button next to the name of a contact. It is also possible to type text during a call to share links, for example.

We tested call quality between the Nexus S and an Asus Eee Pad Transformer, and can confirm that it was better than using FaceTime on the iPad 2. The feature was also impressive when tested with a Motorola Xoom.

It took about five minutes to install the latest version and for the phone to boot up. The update is also expected to hit Nexus One devices to fix bugs, but the handset does not have a front-facing camera and video calling will not be possible.

05 May 2011