N97 PR2 Software Finally Available!

Nokia has just released the PR2 software (Firmware v20.x.x) for their N97 device!

Nokia says:

"Nokia N97 software version 20.0.019/20.1.021/20.2.019 released
This software release improves touch screen usability, allowing you to scroll smoothly through content by flicking the screen. Ovi Maps 3.1 brings 3-D maps, more accurate positioning, and improved search. Nokia e-mail (Nokia Messaging), Ovi Contacts, Ovi Store, and VoIP support have been added. This release also includes improvements in memory and battery performance, and in image and video stability. To get this software through your device, select Applications > SW Updates and choose the software you want to update. Alternatively, this software release is available through the Nokia Software Updater."

To get your regular Symbian software fixes, surf over to:
http://europe.nokia.com/get-support-and-software/download-software/device-software-update/news

UI mods for S60 5th Edition - add UI eye candy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyZ07faL8A8

Check out how to enable cool "swipe" and "zoom" transitions on S60 5th Edition devices such as the Nokia N97, 5800 XpressMusic, 5530 XpressMusic smartphones.

However, you will need to be able to self-sign Symbian apps and to do so you will need:

1. to apply for your own developer certificate

See this guide: http://thesymbianblog.com/2009/07/04/how-to-quickly-get-a-certificate-to-sign-unsigned-s60-apps/

2. to get the programme to sign files directly on your phone

See this guide: http://thesymbianblog.com/2009/07/04/how-to-sign-unsigned-files-on-a-s60-3rd5th-edition-device-itself/

After successfully hacking your device, grab all the UI eye candy you can here:

http://www.dreamstrikes.com/themes-series-60-5th-edition-mobiles/36100-theme-fx-n97-mixed-grill-5800fx-updated.html

Encoding your video for S60 5th Edition

The S60 5th Edition devices have great 16:9 nHD screens with an ultra-sharp 640x360 resolution. Here's a great guide to get your videos encoded and optimized for viewing on this display! Now you can watch your high-def movies in full 16:9 glory without compromizing quality on your mobile!

http://www.nokiaphoneblog.com/?p=2254

N97 Software Updated & Supercharged!

If you were one of the early adopters of the N97, you probably got the first release of the N97 software that was IMHO missing a lot of parts to it. Nokia has since been busy getting all their services up to speed and now it's time to update your N97 to supercharge it!

1. Update your firmware to v11.0.021

Check your software version by punching in *#0000#. If it says v10.x.x, you need to update your firmware!

To do this, launch Nokia PC Suite and hit the "Update Phone Software" icon, connect your N97 via USB cable and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Get Nokia Messaging v10 & C: Memory Fix

The original N97 software did not ship with Nokia Messaging so it's time to update your email service by downloading Nokia Messaging v10. The N97 also frequently suffers from out-of-memory issues and this can be resolved with the C: Memory Fix update.

To do this, on your N97, go to "Apps" > "SW update" > then download Nokia Messaging v10 and all other optional updates for your phone.

3. Have some fun with n-gage!

The N97 missed out n-gage and the build for the N97 is finally out!

Click on this link to grab n-gage for the N97:
http://www.n-gage.com/ngi/ngage/web/sg/en/get_ngage/devicespecificdload/n97.html

4. Add IM and Presence to your Contacts with Ovi Contacts

Imagine using IM right from your contacts application! Well wait no longer by downloading Ovi Contacts. It's in Beta but works great on the N97!

Download it here:
http://betalabs.nokia.com/betas/view/contacts-ovi

5. Speed up Java applications

Some Java applications run very sloooooowly and jerkily on the N97 and it's time for an update of the Java run-time.

Download it here:
http://betalabs.nokia.com/apps/nokia-java-runtime-20-for-s60

6. Find your way with Ovi Maps 3

Nokia Maps 2 was so-so and it needed a serious refresh. Time to download Ovi Maps 3 to your phone and make the service actually useful. Much richer and slicker interface, new features like City Explorer, one-day Drive or Walk licenses and Traffic Information.

Get it here:
http://europe.nokia.com/explore-services/maps/download-maps

PHEW! That was certainly a major update! And I'm looking forward to many more devices built on this fantastic new S60 5th Edition platform.

New E72 and 5530 XpressMusic announced at Nokia Connection

Nokia announced 2 new S60 devices at the Nokia Connection show in Singapore yesterday. The 5530 XpressMusic follows in the success of the 5800 XpressMusic and will sport the same touch-enabled S60 5th Edition OS.

The new E72 takes the already hugely successful E71 and makes it even better with a new rubberized carbon body, a 5MP camera, updated S60 3.2 OS and instant messaging from Nokia right out of the box. Oh and the headphone jack is now 3.5mm (1/8") as opposed to the silly 2.5mm that E71 users had to live with.


Both phones are expected to start shipping in Q3/09.

Updated Ovi Maps 3 Beta Released

All GPS-enabled S60 phones ship with Nokia Maps 2 today but Nokia is busy readying the new version of Maps, now renamed as Ovi Maps 3.0.

The latest Beta for S60 3rd Edition and 5th Edition devices (i.e. N97 and 5800 XpressMusic) was released today and you can get the latest software here to update your phone!

http://betalabs.nokia.com/betas/view/nokia-maps-30-with-ovi-maps

According to the Beta Labs website, this update includes the following improvements:

• Enhanced car navigation, Drive, through lane assistance, speed limit warners, improved sign post design and new ‘Route overview’ mode during navigation,
• Enhanced pedestrian navigation, Walk, through shortcuts (virtual connections) in urban areas, straight line guidance for off-road terrain and beeps and vibrations before next turn,
• Significantly improved map data quality and content,
• 3D landmarks for over 200 cities – can be displayed in 3D and 2D map modes,
• New Terrain map mode,
• Hi-res aerial images for Satellite and Hybrid map modes,
• Nokia Maps Updater for PC, to update your Maps application and existing map data,
• Synchronisation of Favourites and Collections with Ovi Maps^Beta for web and vice versa (use in online mode, enable Internet connection).

Remember it's still in Beta so try at your own risk! I'm gonna update mine right now!

Also don't forget to try out Ovi Maps on the Web. It's a great alternative experience to the rather dull Google Maps stalwart!

Touch applications for Malaysia

Living in Malaysia and got yourself a brand new 5800 XpressMusic or N97? Now it's time to fill it up with local applications specially designed for your phone:

- The Star Reader - Get the latest news from the largest English daily in Malaysia
http://store.ovi.com/content/6A173A7C16A4220CE040050A85320A88

- Groovy KL - A city guide of Kuala Lumpur for folks who don't have the time to flip through thick travel guides
http://store.ovi.com/content/6A173A7C1D0A220CE040050A85320A88

- Sin Chew News - Want the latest news in Chinese? This app is the mobile version of the popular Sin Chew Daily Newspaper
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ymqgwrm5d2g

If you find more interesting apps, do drop me a comment so I can keep this post updated!