Firmware Updated

So after waiting a few days I decided to use Nemesis Service Suite to change my product code to 0536062 EURO1 – Plum which I got from a thread at AllAboutSymbian.
After having trouble for a little while where the Nokia Updater kept disconnecting my internet connection it started to download the new firmware update, all 113MB of it!!

I’ve taken some screen shots of the process in chronological order and a screenshot of the new firmware on my phone.

After the upgrade was finished, I restored the backup from my PC. I got the contacts back no problems, but some of the software installed were missing. Y-Browser, SkyForce, Nsysinfo, Screenshot, Best Taskman, Large Time Screensaver all which had to be re-installed. I’m sure this was due to them being installed in the phone memory, but should the backup not include them?

I also noticed some new icons which appeared, although this may be down to my operator branding, as I had the T-Mobile icons before. PTT and IM icons appeared, none of which I will be using personally, but it’s nice to know I have them there.

I haven’t yet seen the effects of the new firmware. But coming the next week or so, I’ll post about my experiences with this new firmware.

Update: New N95 Firmware

Symbian-Freak has just obtained and released kindly for us the official change log for the new v11.0.026 firmware for the Nokia N95.

Here is a list of some of the welcomed improvements on my part:

• Camera improvements, stabilisation and quicker video capture
• Browser out of memory improved
• WLAN stability improved
• Multimedia menu startup time improved

To find out the full list of improvements and an actual comparison of the camera enhancements pop on over to THIS page.

Unfortunately branded handsets do not have the firmware update available, and neither do some generic handsets either. Fingers crossed they will be available soon.

New N95 Firmware Released?

Looks like Nokia is starting to roll out the new firmware for the N95. Their Phone Update page has the N95 listed now. Check the image below:

I have downloaded the Uploader programme, installed and run it, but no luck.

It seems only certain models with specific region codes can be update. In particular it seems that models with a EURO1 product code 0536062 have the update available.

Reports say that the improvements from the new v11.0.026 firmware is a faster camera response and a more stable Wi-Fi. The official change log has not yet been released. If you are dying to get your hands on the new firmware you can change your product code using NSS to the EURO1 0536062. Be warned the download file is a whopping 113MB!

I personally will wait a few days for an official update for my model. If it seems there isn’t one coming soon, I may decide on the 2nd option.

The original story can be found here by Steve Litchifeld of AAS.

Nokia Offers Free Wi-Fi via The Cloud

Nokia is offering a month’s access to The Cloud network in London for FREE, if you happen to have a Wi-Fi capable Nokia device.

If you don’t know what The Cloud is head over to their website to find out. In short it is a massive Wi-Fi network allowing high speed access to users with a Wi-Fi capable device. If you are lucky enough to work within The Cloud network you can sign up to Nokia’s offer over here.

The current Cloud network covers the area below:

For those with a N95 wishing to sign up, there is a specific site for you to register your details and obtain access.
If you leave your Wi-Fi scanner on, it will lock onto to an access point and login via your MAC address on your device.
Enjoy Wi-Fi surfing…

Impulsive Shopping

So on an impulse I went out and bought the Nokia N95, not a bad impulse buy in my opinion, I’ve done worse!

First impressions were yes this is fantastic, and 3 weeks on has my opinion changed? No. Simply put. There are a few things that could be improved but there always is, nothing is perfect. Although N95 is very close to being perfect. Not everyone will agree with me, but each to their own. Two things that do come to mind always are the RAM and Battery Life.

Battery Life:

The main point which I do agree with many users out there is the battery life. Yes Nokia should realise that with the beast the N95 is, it would be drinking the life out of the battery like an alcoholic at a bar. But even so it doesn’t do too bad. I can compare it to my LG Kg800 Chocolate, it’s got the same sort of battery life. Compare both phones features to see that the battery life isn’t so bad.

RAM:

The main thing that annoys me is the RAM. I’ve read an article by Steve Litchfield posted on AllAboutSymbian and have to say I agree with him. He has more or less hit the nail on the head. It needs more RAM and loads of it. Take this example fore instance:

I just shot a 30 second clip on my N95 at the highest setting, I click stop and try to review it and see if it is any good, and oops “not enough memory…blah blah”, it means I’ve got to close the camera down (exit), then browse to my gallery and check out the clip to see if it is any good. That is very annoying.

I hope Nokia can sort it out soon with some sort of Firmware upgrade, if not the whole hullabaloo about almost DVD quality video capture is not such a big deal.

But on a positive note, the video editing on the N95 itself is awesome, simple, extensive and great fun. Check out Steve Litchfield’s video review.

Those two are probably the only negatives I’ve found on the N95 so far, let’s hope it stays at 2 or decreases to one.