Nokia N97 Mini Goes On Sale; N97 OS 2.0 Released
It's all go in Nokia N97 land this week, with the double news that not only have the Finnish company released the much-anticipated 2.0 firmware update for the original N97, but that the Nokia N97 mini would be arriving on shelves. The N97 mini – officially announced at Nokia World back in September – has a smaller chassis than the N97, but uses the same touchscreen-friendly S60 5th Edition OS.
Among the changes for the N97 with firmware 2.0 are "flip scrolling", similar to the kinetic scroll on the iPhone, the latest Ovi Maps 3.1 with 3D mapping, Nokia Messaging and Ovi Contacts. There's also the newest version of the Ovi Store, Nokia's download center, together with further personalization of the homescreen. The new firmware can be downloaded via a PC and updated with the Nokia Software Update tool, or directly OTA from the N97 itself.
As for the N97 mini, that has a 3.2-inch resistive touchscreen, full QWERTY keyboard, 3G and WiFi, and will be priced at around €450 ($666). Anybody tempted?
Nokia N97 mini hands-on:
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Press Release:
Nokia N97 gets even better with a new software update
October 28, 2009Nokia N97 mini now available in stores
Espoo, Finland. – Nokia has released a new Nokia N97 software update 2.0 that adds new user experience elements and functionalities to the device. The standard version of the Nokia N97 software update 2.0 is available immediately through the PC on the Nokia Software Update website (http://www.nokia.com/softwareupdate), and will be followed by a wide range of country and operator versions over the coming weeks as well as possibility to do the update over-the-air.
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.
About Nokia
Nokia is a pioneer in mobile telecommunications and the world's leading maker of mobile devices. Today, we are connecting people in new and different ways – fusing advanced mobile technology with personalized services to enable people to stay close to what matters to them. We also provide comprehensive digital map information through NAVTEQ; and equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.