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.

Nokia have announced that their proprietary navigation and mapping product, Ovi Maps, will be made available free for the N97 mini. This includes voice navigation for both driving and walking.

Before this announcement, certain handsets were pre loaded with Ovi Maps, and came with a limited trial for the turn by turn voice navigation services.

Additional handsets that are now able to download Ovi Maps free are:

• Nokia X6
• E72
• E55
• E52
• Nokia 6730 classic
• Nokia 6710 Navigator
• Nokia 5800 Xpressmusic
• Nokia 5800 Navigation Edition
• Nokia 5230

Ovi Maps includes a selection of both male and female voices to choose from, available in a number of different languages which can be downloaded as required. Maps are available to download for free for over 70 countries.

Data download charges will apply for some of these download options.

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.

Just in time for the launch of the N97-Mini (anounced today by the Nokia Flagship store as the 23 October, only to be later retracted), the price for the N97 has fallen.

An unlocked sim free N97 can now be yours for £449, only £20 more thant the expected price of the mini.

Which would you get?

This is worth showing as it has a good look at the N97 mini and the version 2 of the operating software that is still to hit the N97.

See the new kinettic scrolling and a comparison with the N97, and although there is a look at the X6 as well

Download M4V Video | Subscribe to Podcast | Embed video

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.

Nokia have released more info on the N97 Mini, including a teaser video. Enjoy

And this is the full Nokia Press Release…

Following in the footsteps of its bigger, older brother, the Nokia N97 mini was unveiled this morning at Nokia World 09. Sporting new homescreen widgets and a host of usability improvements, the N97 mini still packs 8GB of storage, a 3.2-inch touchscreen and full QWERTY keyboard into its 14.2mm thin frame. It’s also the first Nokia device to sport Lifecasting with Ovi – a new partnership with the world’s largest social network, Facebook. The N97 mini is based on the same tilt display design of its N97 big brother, built into a smaller body complete with new design touches.

Lifecasting enables users to update their Facebook status directly from the device’s homescreen. It doesn’t stop there though as location details can also be updated, enabling a whole new level of social sharing and communication. With the ability to completely customise the homescreen, users will be able to make their N97 mini truly unique.

The 3.2-inch touchscreen opens up a new world of software improvements including flick scrolling and a range of new experiences including new homescreen widgets. What’s more, the software update will also be available next month for existing N97 devices.

The Nokia N97 mini works seamlessly with Ovi Store where users can add new applications, widgets, ringtones and other content to their device. It also sports Ovi Maps and comes with integrated A-GPS and compass along with with voice navigation for driving or walking. Over 155,000 points of interest are also available through Lonely Planet guides and restaurants through Michelin Guides.

Up to 12 days standby time are on offer and up to 28 hours music playback (in offline mode). The 5-megapixel camera comes with dual LED flash and video light, along with a Carl Zeiss Tessar lens. The 8GB of on board memory can be expanded to 24GB with the addition of a 16GB microSD card.

The Nokia N97 mini will be available next month for an estimated retail price of EUR450 before taxes and subsidies

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.