Missing from the list of phones that the new free Ovi Maps software will work on was the N97, although the N97 mini was compatible from day one.

The reason is aparently due to the need to have at least 20 MB of free memory available for the install. To rectify this, expect firmware update v21 next week, that will either include Ovi Maps, or the ability to install it thereafter.

If you can’t wait, then if you have 20MB free on c:, the N97 mini version has been reported to work fine on the N97.

The next N97 firmware has been released by Nokia, taking the version to Firmware 2.0.

• Improvments include:
• improved scrolling
• updated Ovi Maps 3.1
• Nokia email
• Ovi Contacts and Ovi Store
• VOIP support
• improved overall memory
• better battery performance
• Improved image and video stability

The update is available from the Nokia website (certain countries only at the moment) and will be rolled out to the OTA platform.

For those with a branded version of the firmware you will need to wait for your carrier to release an updated version.

If you are having difficulty signing applications on your N97 because you need a certificate and key, then head over to http://www.s60certkey.com/.

They are offering a free service and unlike others you may find on the internet, this one is in English.

At the time of writing, there is a bit of a backlog because of the popularity of the service, but be patient and they are working through this.

If you like what they do, you can donate a little as a thank you on their site.

These are the best protectors for your phone and come in a screen only version and a full body version. Thye are not the cheapest but most people we speak with reccomend these to protect their phones. If you have tried them, what do you think? (and if you haven’t why not try one!)

The manufacturers are based int he US, but ship around the world. Click on the image above for more information.

So Nokia have finally formally released details of the N97 Mini and it is mini in many aspects. Lets have alook at some of the differences:

• The N97 Mini is smaller, at 113 x 52.5 x 14.2 mm, compared with the N97 at 117.2 x 55.3 x 15.9 mm
• The N97 mini is about 12 g lighter, at 138 g
• It has less storage – only 8GB compared to the 32GB on the N97.
• Because the body is smaller, so is the screen – 3.2” compared with 3.5”

• Also more mini is the keyboard, which loses the D Pad.
• And the price – well that is expected to be less as well, but only about 14% less at £429 compared to £499 for the top range model.

It may be that Nokia will let retailers discount the N97 mini more heavily than the N97, retaining the latter’s flagship status, or it could just be that Nokia see a market for a slightly cheaper multimedia mobile.

Maybe you feel a but vulnerable with your expnseive N97 in your pocket.

Fear not, the (not so) handy Nokia Cityman is just the answer. Pop you shiny new N97 into the case and hey presto, your phone it transformed into a 1980 style, giant mobile.

View a video below.

On some scores, the N97 is streets ahead of the iPhone: screen resolution is better, the 5 megapixel camera superior and the video much better . It has an FM radio, FM transmission and more memory for the money. It has a big selection of music and, now, its own Ovi store for apps (games and services) which works fine, except the cupboard is embarrassingly bare.

You can read the full article here

The changes can be summarised as follows:

-USB detection error fixed resolves the PC not detecting the N97 or detecting the USB charger

-Widget fixes:
-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 (Portrait <-> landscape transition, there is a home screen corruption.)

-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 Accueweather 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)
-Ovi store client now embedded in the core image

Thanks to serie-n.it for the bug change list

Expected release date is Wednesday 1 July and Planet N97 will bring you the list of changes as soon as they are announced.

Great!

See the Planet N97 forum on how to design your own widget, and let us know if you can find a more useful use than ours!

If Nokia like your widget, you may also win one of 10 N97’s.