Nokia N96 firmware updated to v20.050
Nokia has recently made available a major firmware update for the Nokia N96. The new firmware, version 20.050, improves email support (including an email shortcut on the homescreen), adds personalisation settings for Audio Themes, slide handling and slide show wallpaper. There also improvements to WiFi support, camera image quality, Flash Lite video support and more. The firmware can be updated over the air or via Nokia Software Updater. Read on for more details and screenshots.
The biggest 'new' feature in the update is the improved email set up and handling.
The updated firmware includes Nokia's new Email wizard, which aims to make it easier to set up email on the phone. Unfortunately, some of the simplicity is lost by asking users to choose between 'E-mail' and 'Nokia email' without adequately explaining the difference. Mail for Exchange is found under 'E-mail', along with standard email (both of these set up an inbox in the built-in Messaging application).
'Nokia email' installs version 1.0 of the Nokia Messaging client application and service (note: this is not the latest version). This provides a superior email experience, but may be charged for at a later date (although it's unlikely to apply in this instance).
For both types of email you get an optional email notification entry in the homescreen.
Other updates include support for Audio themes (sounds triggered by certain events) and extra slide handling settings (call answering and key lock settings).
The App. update application is now available. This allows in-built applications to be upgraded independently of firmware updates. In the case above, we can see that there's an update available for Mail for Exchange.
There are also a large number of small updates. Notable among these include a bug fix for certificates (needed for Mobile TV and N-Gage game purchases), energy optimisations, improved camera performance (including still image quality improvements and noise reduction in video), an updated version of the Music player, better support for Flash Lite video (e.g. YouTube), and a number of application updates.
The full firmware change log has been posted here (via SymbianWorld.org).
Installing new firmware OTA (over the air)
To update your firmware over the air, a 3G or a WiFi connection is recommended.
Type *#0000# on the home screen to access the Device manager software. Then choose 'Check for updates' from the Options menu. The phone will then check, against the Nokia server, for new firmware. If it is available it will offer you the option to download it.
Once the firmware has been downloaded, you will be prompted to install it. The phone will switch off and the install process will begin. During the install process, a status bar will be shown (this will be reloaded several times). The entire process usually takes around 5 minutes.
The phone will automatically restart. You can check that the update was sucessful by returning to the Device manager application and noting the software version.
Although the N96 has UDP (user data preservation), it is still a good idea to back up your device before updating to the new firmware using either OTA or via Nokia Software Updater.
Rafe Blandford, AAS
Published by Rafe Blandford at 17:59 UTC, May 6th
Categories: Software, Hardware, Links of Interest
Platforms: S60 3rd Edition
News Discussion
If the n96 was like this 9 moths ago on release ihave the feeling its reputation would not have been half as damaged
In addition to what others have already said, partiuularly the improved responsiveness of the interface which I have experienced too, a few more observations from me:
- The old version of Nokia E-Mail that comes with the new firmware is dog slow, I definitely recommend updating to the latest version from Beta Labs.
- There is a new theme called "N96_special_edition" which is quite good, but there are better 3rd party themes available. It has a new blue/yellow background pattern and some new folder icons but that's about it, I think.
- Nokia Search is so much faster than before. It could still be faster, but it's gone from "make a cup of tea whilst loading" to being quite acceptable.
- My N96 now makes a "swoosh" noise when I slide it. Not sure whether I like it, but it can be turned off.
Steve.
Mine itīs also an EURO1 device, and I made the upgrade by FOTA without any problem.
Any help would be great.
Thanks
Any advice anyone - please!
John
I get the NOKIA logo, then, 10-15 seconds, it restarts again.. and again.. and again.. (about 100 times so far)
dunno what to do!
one problem I have noticed, "Record Location" not working. I have turned it on and the display shows as it's on but after the picture taken it doesn't show the gps data on the image. no gps data recorded to the picture exif
Anyone else having this issue?
SW Version Date: 26-11-08
Custom Version: 12.043.238.4
Custom version date: 10-12-08
Language set: 008
Model: Nokia N96
Type: RM-247
Latest update: Not updated
I have tried to get the new firmware via PC Suite SW updater + FOTA but it reports no updates are available
Any ideas?
Thank you.
Anyone know when vodafone/Nokia will release an update for the branded version of the N96?
Bluetooth streaming is really bugging me, I'm praying for a fix...
only bought n96 a month ago that was unlocked from 3 uk.Was buggy and froze alot with older update but latest one is a huge improvement.Am very happy so far and the ota application for updates is excellent.Thanks nokia and thanks all about symbian for great forum and advice.
It should be available already. However, it always depends on your Product Code
i already setup my email and got into setting and set it to show my default email,but nothing.
by the way i can now see only two lines in my agenda on the stand by screen any one have this problem.
moran
Someone answer the questions please :)
* Share Online hasn't been updated to v4 in N96?
* Nokia Messaging was present in the FW itself or is installed automatically when you choose to set up a Nokia Messaging email account? On the N85, if you select Nokia Email Service in the Email setup wizard, it says the installer package not found. Had to install and set up manually.
* The font size on the active standby looks pretty small. It doesn't even look bold. Is it different from N85/79?
* There is no Internet Telephone active standby plugin like in N85/79? Though all the plugin does is bring up a list consisting of just Gizmo, from where you can install gizmo.
* Search has a new OVI style icon in the N96?
* Download! also has this weird new icon in the N96?
* Video Centre'e icon hasn't been changed in the 96 like in 85/79?
* That is the icon for Maps 3. Was it included in the firmware or is it the beta from betalabs installed by you guys manually.
Can somebody put up screenshots for the new theme?
one problem I have noticed, "Record Location" not working. I have turned it on and the display shows as it's on but after the picture taken it doesn't show the gps data on the image. no gps data recorded to the picture exif
Anyone else having this issue?[/quote]
It wasn't the FW update, I have two sims t-mobile & 3, when the sims are swapped the server addresses change from supl.nokia.com to something on three network.
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