Phoneomenon.com

The N97 has its first update!  Although nothing earth shattering has been updated or added, there are quite a few bugs that have been fixed.  While this isn’t a major firmware update its good to see that Nokia is working on getting the little things worked out on the device.  For the update hit connect the device via PC Sutie and download.  Enjoy!

Full Change Log courtesy of N97Fanatics.com

N97 Firmware CHANGELOG

USB detection error fix
-PC does not detect N97 or USB charging connection not detected.

Widget
-Home screen online/offline widget crash fix
-Fix for “Alphabetical and Number input are mixed in facebook until end key is pressed.
-Widget UI improvement – New facebook widget fixes a problem of Home Screen background visible on soft-key area.
-Browser fixes to improve widgets stability.

MfE related fixes
-Partial fix for Messaging/calendar entry lost.
-Mail for exchange calendar entry synchronization error fix.

UI transition error fixes

-(Portrait <-> landscape transition, there is a home screen corruption.)
-UI transition (Slowness and bad effects)
-Slow Touch UI response
-Picture of the device lock appears half of the screen when transitioning the UI sometimes
-Landscape: in some cases the soft buttons on touch (right hand) show the Home Screen in background (install maps.google.com)

Photos thumbnail performance and stability improvements

-Device performance deteriorates when lots of content in the device - especially photos
-Partial fix no display backlight illumination when unlocking lock-key – CAP Genius reported already
-New version of Accueweather to improve the “Connection error” situation
-Device reset when browsing with high speed packet access (for Malaysia)
-“Browser soft key UI doesn’t work after putting Chinese character with qwerty keyboard”
-Java fixes (TCK, Pre-install app disappearing, *#7370#*)
-Operator fixes (CMCC, Hutchson and Telefonica, Vodafone)
-Ovi store client now embedded in the core image

For those debating at which color to purchase I put together a quick photo gallery of both.  Enjoy!

Those looking to protect their wonderful screen on their N97’s I highly recommend Clarivue.  I recently ordered and installed the protector on my unit and it is flawless.  I was surprised how much easier it was to install this protector from others i have used (Martin Fields, Invis. Shield).  The screen protector is protected on both side with a thin layer of plastic.  There are also two tabs located on the protector  one is for installation and mounting, while the other one removes the protective cover once it has been installed.  Although the unit isn’t perfect in terms of creating a perfect fit over the entire front it does a good job in aligning with the screen.  The protectors are currently available via Clarivues site @ 10.99 for two.  Below is a sample photo of the protector on the N97.

http://www.clarivue.com/detailx.asp?key=Screen_Protector_Phone_Nokia_N97

Nokia has created a unique sign up for those wanting information and exculsive freebies from Nokia.  The N97 Members Club is primarily a news system for those that have preordered the N97 (preorder or purchase is not necessary).  Members are generally hit with news and emails about the device.  I have recieved some emails regarding the N97 I hope that I will start receiving some freebies soon!

Sign Up Link

Steve Litchfield and the AllAboutSYmbian crew are one of the lucky few to be in possession of the highly anticipated Nokia N97.  While the article is only a first impression S. Litchfield dives into the most important aspects of the phone.  He discusses built quality (focusing on the keyboard and hinge), screen quality (compares it to the XM5800), and lightly dabbles in the multimedia portions (camera and software).  While this is not meant to be a full review it seems as though he is pleased with what Nokia has released.  He does seem to dislike how the camera is not set to focus on subjects but has an infinite plane to work with.  Also sound seemed a bit weak, but more details about the camera will arrive when a complete review is done later.  For a good read head over to AAS.com.

Read Link

Straight from the horses mouth Nokia confirms that the N97 will be shipping in June.  While this is exciting news it still doesn’t state what day the units will officially be available.  While there isn’t any concrete source Amazon had a June 25th date listed, so its safe to assume that the street date for the unit will be around that time.  Those that haven’t ordered yet can do so at NokiaUsa.com or Amazon.com.  While Nokia offers a free BT headset the unit the price is a little steeper at 699.99 + shipping, Amazon is offering the handset for 603.99 + free ship.  The count down begins !

NokiaUSA White and Black

Amazon White N97

Amazon Black N97

http://www.nokia.com/A4136001?newsid=1319081

Attention all S60 owners! The Ovi Store is now open!  A night or two ago after reading the initial announcement about the Ovi Store I started to browse through my E71 downloads section and low and behold the Ovi Store was tucked away on the bottom of the list!   I proceeded to download the application.  I’m definitely excited to be able to use this application fearing that I might not be able to access it until the release of the N97.  But luckily users with compatible handsets will get first shot at Nokia’s new application store.  Enough of my giddiness, lets get to what the Ovi Store offers, how well it works, and what items are available on initial launch!

(continue reading…)

As of today the much anticipated Ovi Store from Nokia is available on mobile phones across the globe.  Although the N97 will be the first phone to have this application installed natively, many Nokia owners can simply head to the Ovi Store webite and set up their account for their current mobile.   Once setup is complete the user will be able to download and access the many application available.  While the Ovi Store is far from the claimed 20,000 items at launch and the speed of the site is rather slow, it could mean that this is a soft launch.  Regardless, I encourage you to head to the store via your mobile or PC and have a look. Enjoy!

store.ovi.com

Update:  For those looking on details to have their content published through the Ovi Store can head to http://publish.ovi.com/

Today I received confirmation from a few friends that their credit cards have been charged from the NokiaUSA website. For those eager to get their hands on this unit ASAP could mean good news.  Usually the card isnt charged unless they are shipping the product.  Obviously we wont really know until the units have landed in some lucky owners laps.  But there could also be other possibilities.   Such as Nokia might just be shipping the bluetooth earpiece out for now with the phone to follow up sometime in June/July.  Until its confirmed we will all just have to wait patiently and see.  If anyone receives there unit feel free to chime and email some pictures!

As most of you might have heard, S60.com a beloved community which has offered a wealth of information has recently announced that they will be closing down.  In a closing announcement it was assured that there will still be other channels available to discuss S60 and other related items.  I noticed that one of the links was to the Nokia Pilots program, which was established quite a while back.  S60.com had an amazing community that had a wealth of knowledge that will not be easily replaceable.  But upon seeing the Nokia Pilots as a listing for an alternative source angered me!  Mainly because I have been signed up for months to the site and have not seen it evolve at all.  Maybe I wasn’t one of the lucky person to be selected for trialing BUT i would at least appreciate the site being updated with news, posts, etc.  Something that would let me know that the site is functioning and that there are people contributing to the site.  Has anyone received any responses or been contacted via the Pilots program, answer in the comments section Id be very interested in knowing what majority of people  have been able to participate.