v20.115 brings:

Camera improvements:

* Improved still image quality
* Improved video quality
* Face detection added
* Red-eye removal added (Nokia note: “this is image processing which removes the red-eye. You need to be in red-eye reduction flash mode for it to be operational. Other flash modes it is disabled as there is a small shot to shot impact due to the extra image processing.”)
* New focus point indication – this shows where in the scene the camera is focussing
* Improved Close-up focus. (Nokia note: “As a result you will find in most situations you can focus much closer than before. The new focus point indication will also help in confirming which part of your subject is used for critical focus checking”)

Significant bug fixes to:

* Web
* Music store client
* RealPlayer
* Ovi Maps
* Here and Now
* N-Gage client
* Nokia Messaging

There’s also now automatic VoIP re-registration. Although there’s no Ovi Store client built-in (this is coming), the right client will get auto-installed over the air when you first visit the Ovi Store mobile web site.

According to the release

This software release comes with improvements in USB charging and new features that help you stay in touch with your friends. Contacts include Ovi features that allow you to locate your friends and receive updates on what they are doing. You can also chat with your friends and share your favorite places with them.

So basically what is supposed to be added is :-

* Improvements in USB charging

* Ovi Contacts

But what is perplexing is that Ovi Contacts is nowhere to be found in this update. And if you try to download the application manually from the Ovi Contacts website, You are greeted with the following message :

How come such a major goof up has taken place, We can only speculate. Till then, lets just hope that a v31 is released with Ovi Contacts or it is made available via the App. Update application.

Another change I noticed was that the update included the setup of an old version of Nokia Messaging on the ROM. It gets installed if you choose Nokia Email Service in the Email Setup Wizard, but as it the older version, it does not support Hotmail or HTML view. I was prompted to update to the latest version on the first start itself. Another major goof up!

The release also goes on to say how you can update your device to the latest version.

To get this software through your device, type in *#0000# on the home screen or go to Device Manager. Select Options > Check for updates and follow the on screen prompts. Additionally this software release is available through the Nokia Software Updater at www.nokia.com/softwareupdates.

Although when I checked with the Indian product code on the Can I Update website, it still listed v11 as the latest available update!

New applications added
> Ovi store client now embedded in the core system image

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

Widgets
> 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
> 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 AccuWeather 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 )

You can get the new firmware as a FOTA update or you can rely on the good old Nokia Software updater and download and apply it through USB connection

Another Update will come in the End of August to Fix All the N97 issues. And That we All hope to.

Update Your N97 HERE

Download th Nokia Software Updater HERE

About the Update:

The Software version 1.1 will focus on user experience and include an update for Ovi Store so that it comes pre-loaded on the device instead of just the launcher. To get new software from July 1st on your device select the Nokia Software Update button found in the Application folder and set the program to regularly check for new upgrades and features. Users can choose how to download the updates, via HSDPA or WLAN so brand new upgrades and functions are a mere click away.