The software contains many fixes and improvements on the earlier releases including:

• Improved call reliability
• Smooth touch screen scrolling
• Browser improvements
• Music player improvements
• Improved image and video stability

Needles to say, it is always wise to update to the latest firmware making a backup first. As for the hacker fans out there, this version is NOT hackable So have you tried to update your device yet? Have you noticed any changes? Share your thoughts with us below or over at our forums.

Also this week, Nokia N97 mini makes its big debut in stores. With its stainless steel cues, the Nokia N97 mini is designed for style-conscious people who are active with social networks. The device features a tilting 3.2″ touch display, QWERTY keyboard and fully customizable homescreen. The Nokia N97 mini features same software with the Nokia N97 and will be in stores with an estimated retail price of EUR 450 before taxes and subsidies.

“In September, 2009, we exceeded 2 million Nokia N97 devices sold, and now introduce the Nokia N97 mini, underscoring the success of the design. We have also listened to consumer feedback about the performance of the device. The Nokia N97 software update 2.0 is a way for us to optimize the device and add new features and functions,” said Jose-Luis Martinez, Vice President, Nokia Nseries. “We are also excited about the early feedback that we have received on the Nokia N97 mini, which carries a very similar feature set to the original Nokia N97 and comes in a pocket-friendly size for those out and about.”

Among the new experiences available with the free 2.0 software update are:

- ‘flip scrolling’ has been added in the entire user interface, making scrolling in all views very smooth
- shortcuts to personalized homescreen
- Ovi Maps 3.1 with 3-D maps
- Nokia e-mail (Nokia Messaging)
- Ovi Contacts
- Ovi Store.

Nokia is constantly updating and enhancing its devices with new features, functions and fixes so people can get even more out of their Nokia device even years after buying it. Nokia owners can automatically check for new software by going to Menu > Applications > SW Update and enable automatic checking, or visit http://www.nokia.com/softwareupdate to download the version that is best for them. Additionally, MyNokia members will also receive an SMS when their local version of the software becomes available. People can register to the service at www.nokia.com/mynokia.

Facebook ® for Nokia S60 Touch lets you keep up with your friends right at your fingertips. Update your status, see what your friends are up to, upload photos, check messages and lookup phone numbers when you need them anytime and anywhere. Facebook allows you to comment on your friend’s statuses, RSVP to event invites and confirm or deny friend requests. The Facebook for Nokia S60 brings Facebook directly to your phone If Facebook is not available for your device, please check Ovi Store.

Download Here

2. Qik

Qik enables you to share your moments live with your friends, family and the world—right from your mobile phone! Qik’s focus is on developing the perfect mobile video platform, providing the highest quality of live video experience across all devices and networks. We are in constant pursuit of innovation and work on the basis that the limitations of existing models are there to be surpassed.

Download Here

3. Nokia Sportstracker

Nokia Sports Tracker is a GPS-based activity tracker that runs on compatible Nokia mobile devices. Information such as speed, distance, and time are automatically stored in your training diary. On this site you can store and share your workouts and routes.

Download Here

4. Nokia Photo Browser

Nokia Photo Browser is an experimental photo browser that makes your viewing experience quick and fun:

• Pleasing visual effects
• Intuitive touch UI
• Magnifying glass
• Face browsing

Download Here

5. Reuters

The Reuters slideshow is pre-installed on all Nokia’s flagship N97 phones and was a widget highlight at Mobile World Congress 2009.

Download Here

6. AccuWeather

Accuweather is a very handy widget which provides users with weather information, this apps compatible for Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and Nokia N97, Accuweather offers current conditions and severe weather risk for the next 6 hours, rain and snow totals for the next 5 days, temperature and sky conditions for the next 15 hours; 10 days and nights of forecasts; 15 hours of hourly forecast information; a 15-day forecast, high temperature, 9 stored locations, low temperature, daytime high wind speed; and radar (U.S. locations only) or satellite map centered on your location with 5 levels of zoom

Download Here

7. Ovi Maps*

Ovi Maps is always with you on your mobile. Take free maps worldwide, explore places you need nearby, and let Maps show you the way. On foot or in the car, Maps can direct you to your destination turn-by-turn, starting from right where you are.

Download Here

8. TweetS60

Tweets60 is a free twitter client for Series 60 device

Features

• Post directly from your phone
• Faster and more efficient than the mobile site
• Smart synchronisation to keep your data usage to a minimum
• Keep up to date with automatic polling
• Manage who you’re following on the go

Download Here

9. Y-Browser

Y-Browser is a free filemanager application designed for S60 3rd edition Symbian smartphones. All testing is done with Nokia S60 devices only, but it should work as well with other manufacturers S60 smartphones.

Currently Y-Browser only supports 3rd and 5th edition S60 mobile phones. This version is touch enabled, but not yet touch optimized.

Download Here

10. Nokia Messaging

Nokia Messaging makes mobile email easy and mobilizes consumer email across a range of Nokia S60 devices. Nokia Messaging enables users to quickly set up, access, and use their email on their Nokia devices through a service that is optimized for mobile email.

Download Here

My answer to all the people so far has been Yes, it is. The device no doubt is on the higher end but then my friends it is completely worth the hard-earned money spent. I would buy the device myself without a single doubt in my mind.

I am not going to just give my view I will definitely justify my view. I believe there are 3 kind of users of Mobile Phones in this world

1. The Advanced Users

2. The Average Users

3. The Call and Listen Users

I would like to deal with the 3rd kind of Users 1st. These are the Users who buy the phone for looks and the only use they have for a phone is that they call and listen to call ( name suggests). They buy phones HIGH-END phones not because of the functionality but because of the looks and because it is the IN thing. For this category of Users N97 is excellent. It is not only stylish, the hype around the phone has made it one of the most sought after phones in the market at this moment. So their purpose is solved.

Moving on to the average user. This category of Users buy High-End phones not only because of the good looks and the oomph factor but also because they use some functions like Messaging, Camera, Music Player, some might even use the FM transmitter. These kind of users are aware of the broad features the phone has to offer and hence they buy it. So N97 is a complete hit for these kind of users as well keeping in mind that the N97 comes with a whooping 32 gb memory storage will never be a problem for all the music listeners and the photography enthusiasts can be happy with the 5mp Carl Zeiss lens the phone offers

Now moving on to the most important category of users the ADVANCED USERS. The prime reason of their buying the phone is its functionality and the multitude of features which the phone has to offer. This category of users just cant ignore the N97. It is the perfect phone for them. Not only does it add a style quotient but it also caters to their needs. Email, Widgets, Quick Office, Adobe, multitude of various 3rd party applications now available for the S60 v5 all add something to the device which other phones at the moment don’t have or are lacking.

So my submission to all my readers and all the people who pose the Question that is N97 worthy of the price my answer is a straight forward YES. This phone has bridged the gap between the E-series and the N-series. It has brought together all the categories of users together and most important of all it has been able to satisfy me

I have also put up a post to know what feature is attracting the users to N97 so guys head there and cast your vote.

Disclaimer: No Cctegory Of User Is Superior To The Other They Exist Together. No Offense Is Intended To Any Kind Of User.

So guys head down to the Poll and cast the Vote. Lets see what attracts a buyer to the N97.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
]]> http://s60blog.com/2009/07/n97-the-best-feature/feed/ 12 http://s60blog.com/2009/07/top-nokia-n97-themes-package-download/ http://s60blog.com/2009/07/top-nokia-n97-themes-package-download/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:44:51 +0000 Joseph.w.s http://s60blog.com/?p=3749 Some of the best themes online that you can have for your Nokia N97 are compiled in a package below for you to download and enjoy . The themes also work for Nokia 5800 Xpress Music. A further collection can be found in our Forums Themes section. If you are not registered, you can do so to gain extra privileges and get direct links to some cool downloads for your Nokia device. Register Here, its free and takes less than a minute

Download Themes Package>>

Mirror Link 1

Mirror Link 2

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.

At Columbus Circle

On top of Empire State Building

Inside a Metro to Uptown

A Rickshaw

The Built:

When I first felt the device in my hand, it felt super nice. The device gives you a very solid feel. If one is not aware that the n97 packs a slide-out QWERTY you cant tell, it is that solid and well built. The metal strip that runs all around the device adds to the quality and gives the device a very sophisticated and classy look. I still haven’t been able to get my hands on the white n97 but I am sure the white would go down in front of the black (and i thought I loved white phones). The one annoying thing is the back cover. It is plastic, i don’t mind the plastic but what I mind is when you open the cover it is scary. You actually have to force it open and same is with closing it. Nokia has again done well by giving a cover for the camera it not only protects the lens but also adds to the aesthetics of the device.

Coming to the slide-out QWERTY keypad i am super impressed. It is perfect Nokia has given a few lessons to all the manufacturers of slide phones. It is that good no creaks, no noise and it is amazingly smooth. I am totally in love with it.

The Touch experience:

The touch experience is amazing. I know all of u must be wondering that its the same as the 5800 but I personally feel Nokia has worked on the touch and has improved on it. I am personally a big fan of the hepatic feedback and love the fact that it has been improved a little from the 5800. All is not good but, the hepatic feedback sometimes refuses to function and you find yourself missing the vibration ( can be device centric so do not panic ). I hope Nokia fixes this problem with the firmware upgrade.

The Keypad:

I have already told you guys about my love for the sliding QWERTY keypad but I am not impressed by its functionality. The keys are nice and big and you get used to them in a few hours (constant usage i mean can be more for the average or below average user). But and i must say there are two big BUTS one is the placement of the Enter and the Backspace, I still haven’t got used to the placement. The second is the numerical keys, Why has not Nokia provided for long press of the keys two provide for the numerical keys. It can become cumbersome and actually quite irritating when you have to press the function key every time you need to use a number key. I am hoping the 2nd issue will be solved with a firmware upgrade. I am aware the 1st problem cant be removed but I had to put forward my grievance.

The Music:

I am not mighty impressed with the quality of music that the N97 has to offer. It is similar to the quality of the music provided by the 5800. I know some people feel that the quality of the music provided my the 5800 is quite impressive, but not me when you are spending Rs 30,000 on the device you better be provided with top of the line. I hope Nokia is listening. With regard to the earphones I am happy with the quality of the headphones (could have been better). Owing to the fact that the N-series is primarily a entertainment device, Nokia should have done much better.

The Camera:

The Camera is the standard Carl Zeiss Lens 5 MP which is nice and I am happy with it but why Nokia hasn’t given along with it Xenon flash is beyond my understanding. The N82 showed to us the Xenon flash improves the quality of the picture taken and I wish Nokia had given that aswell.

I know I am a demanding user but I believe that when you are required to shell out astronomical sums for a mobile phone you should be given nothing but the best.

I am done with the 1st of the many posts you will see me writing about the N97. My next post will cover the WIDGETS in specific and other aspects of the device which make it a WINNER.

Please leave in your comments if you want anything specifically covered.

Ciao

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XndW7YlvYjU&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Want to Try It ?…you can Download it HERE.