P@sco from Jaspp.net is reporting that new Nokia N82 version 30.0.019 firmware is available on Nokia Software Updater. I haven't got a chance to check yet since I'm at work, but I hope to tonight (if my Windows partition is working).
Right now there is no official changelog, but I suspect it will be similar to the recent Nokia N95 8gb firmware update. What changes did that consist of? According to All About Symbian v.30 firmware of the N95 8gb changes include...
- Nokia Maps 2.0 now built-in
- Full N-Gage client now built-in
- Nokia Search 4.0 now with Google plug-in
- Share online 3.0
- Enablers for Comes With Music (watch this space)
- Download! application updated (v 3.1.50)
- Upgrade to Music Player, with new visualisations
- Update for Flash Lite 3 (improved viewing of sites like YouTube)
- Current consumption improvements (for e.g. WLAN scanning)
- New baseline for VoIP (with significant error corrections)
- Incoming call number is displayed in additon to name of the contact
- Realplayer supports FLV format (i.e FLV files can be played directly like MP4)
No word on the bug fixes.
Warning!!!
My pal Ricky from Symbian-Guru is trying to update his firmware and he says his phone is now bricked. He's just getting a white screen. Keep checking his site to see if he can fix the problem. He says the update is available for EURO 1 product code 0558752. Another update! Dr. Tran (Al) from The Nokia Blog has also informed me that his phone is bricked after trying to update. I would give it a week or so before trying this. Update again! Dr. Tran tried it again and now he got his phone back.
I recently posted an article for you guys if you remember asking what needs to be fixed in the new firmware. See the posts here and here.
If any of you can check it out and report back any changes that would be awesome. The main thing I'm hoping for is improved battery life. I'm really getting tired of conserving battery life at 5pm or my battery will die. I'm pretty sure this update isn't available for all product codes yet, I would give it 3-4 days before it's fully available.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
N82 Firmware v.30.0.019 Available? Reports Are Streaming In
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Next N82 Firmware Update Part 2: What Features Are We Missing That We Need?
Last week we talked about what current features can be improved upon. Now I want to talk about features that we don't have that should be added. There are always big and small things that can be added that would make the phone extremely more useful.
For instance...
1) Add possible words to the T9 predictive text. While I'm typing out a word I should see a small list of the most common words I use that makeup the letters I'm using. Halfway through the word I can select the one I want instead of having to type out the entire word. This has been implemented on the Nokia E71 and E66, there's no reason why we shouldn't have it.
2) Add new emails to standby screen. I know we probably won't get this because it's an Eseries exclusive. Nokia does this to keep the Eseries more "business" centric. I really think they need to break away from this since the majority use their email for personal use rather than business. I have a feeling it's pointless for me to even ask for this.
3) Remote Phone Lock. If your phone is lost or stolen you can send a text to it with a code and it will lock down your phone and make it unusable. Another Eseries exclusive. Come on Nokia I don't want anyone to have access to my contacts, emails, etc. either.
4) Add support for full screen wallpapers. This is a no brainer. Why don't we have this feature yet Nokia? I don't mind if my active standyby icons are blocking anything, just leave it up to me. No reason we shouldn't have this already.
If you didn't notice all three of those ideas are Eseries features. I and my girlfriend have been playing around with an E71 for a few weeks and have grown to love the small features of the Symbian OS on that phone, although I missed out on lots of good photos that the E71 just couldn't do. Ravindra from Symbian Life Blog wrote up a great article a few weeks ago about what the Nseries can learn from the Eseries. It's really worth a look.
I know there are more new features that you all would like to see added. I'm pretty sure we won't get most of them but I'm curious to see what N82 users are actually missing out on that maybe other phones have.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Next N82 Firmware Update Part 1 - What Current Features Should Be Improved Upon?
I'm feeling that it's almost time for a firmware update for the Nokia N82. Has anyone heard of a new firmware update for the N82 coming anytime soon? I personally haven't but I'm hoping the next one brings some good improvements.
I've been wanting to talk about three things that have to do with this topic:
What can be improved upon?
What can be added?
What bugs need to be fixed?
I don't want make this list as long as a bible because I want to hear what all of you want improved or fixed as well. This will be a 3 part segment, today we will be talking about what can be improved upon. In a few days I'll talk about new features that should be added.
Current Features That Need Improvement...
WLAN Connectivity - This is probably one of the biggest issues with S60 Feature Pack 1 phones such as the N95 and N82. Everytime my phone connects to the internet I would like it to first see if any WLAN access points I define are accessible in the order I choose. If there are no WLAN points ready than it can fall to my carrier's data connection. All this should be done in the background without me having to see it. The new Nokia N78 with Feature Pack 2 has something similar to this enabled and it works perfectly. There should be no reason Nokia can't add this feature.
Messaging - For many this list could be really long. First off I'd like to have the option to make the Conversation application I talked about last week the default messaging application. When I get a new text it should take me to the Conversation I might already be having with the person so I can see what was last said. Another user pointed out to me message details. We should at least be able to see the time a message was sent without having to dig around for it in the options. It should show right under the name of the person that wrote the message or below the actual message. I could go on and on about how bad the email system needs to be fixed but I'm saving that for another day.
Phonebook - I've been playing with the Nokia E71 for a few weeks courtesy of WOM World and I've fallen in love with many internal features that are different than Nseries devices. One is the phonebook. Say I open the phonebook and find the contact I'm looking for. I decide inside of hitting the green button and calling that person I want to just text him/her. Right now I'd have to push options then scroll down five clicks to "create message". What a hassle for such a simple task. On the E71 I can simply highlight the contact and push d-pad right. I then get a few options to call, text, email, or PTT. Simple and fast. No fumbling through the options menu. Keep in mind that the Nokia E71 also sports Feature Pack 1, but Nokia likes to change small features on Eseries and Nseries devices. They never give us the complete package. This small feature would be a great addition to the N82.
Audio Quality During Video Recording - I'm not sure that this is something that can be fixed with a firmware update, but I sure hope that Nokia is trying. The audio quality during normal video recording is not so bad, but when things get loud the audio just sounds terrible.
Smaller Top Headers In Basic Functions For More Real Estate - I'm talking about the top of the screen mainly in the Contacts and Messaging. There's no need for the huge picture of a phonebook and the large "Contacts" font. I already know I'm in contacts. I'd rather have it more subtle and small so I can see more people in the list without having to scroll. For instance, go to your Contacts and turn the phone landscape. You'll notice there is now no phonebook icon and the Contacts label is much smaller. This is exactly how I would like to see it in portrait mode. Like I said, this also goes for the messaging application when viewing lists of texts and emails.
Faster Gallery Load Time - Right now I only have about 100 photos on my memory card and only about 600mb worth of media. When I go to my Gallery on first startup it currently takes about 10 seconds to load. Can't we speed things up a little Nokia?
Camera Settings - Allow us to make our own Scene Modes and save them. Also an option to always use a default Mode we choose so we don't have to constantly change it to the one we're using that day. This would be great.
Bigger Caller ID Picture - Yeah I know I can use an application like FS Caller to do this but I think it should be built in. What's with the tiny thumbnail Nokia? If I'm not wearing my glasses you think I'll be able to read who's calling, let alone see the picture of them? Once again this is implemented in Feature Pack 2 phones like the N78 and upcoming N96, there's no reason Nokia shouldn't add this to the N82. It's a NO BRAINER.
I can go on and on but I'm going to leave some discussion up to you guys and gals.
I really want to know your thoughts and ideas and hopefully Nokia will pick up on some of our requests. I'm not saying all of these should be complete changes, but rather options. I'm sure many of you wouldn't welcome some of my proposals and like things just the way they are.
Stay tuned for the next part of this segment which we'll talk about completely new features that we should have but don't. This one should be interesting. Oh and thanks for hanging in there with the lack of articles during my vacation this past week. I had a great time and i was much needed time off for me and my girlfriend.
Friday, July 4, 2008
N82 FP2 Menu Transistions Coming? Video - The N81 Just Got The Update
Gosh dang Mr-X from FinestFones.com has really been on top of things lately. He found a video showing the Nokia N81 with menu transitions just like the Nokia N78 and upcoming Feature Pack 2 phones. There are so many questions to be asked here...
First off will the Nokia N82 receive a similar update to allow for FP2 transitions?
Does this mean that the N81 has Feature Pack 2, or is it still Feature Pack 1 but just with new transitions?
Can it be turned off the slick transitions if we get sick of them?
I'm sure many of you will have more questions. Check out the video of the N81 and transitions...
This is really interesting news and will be huge if the Nokia N82 gets this update. I don't see why it wouldn't since the N81 did. This is a much needed update since many complaints around the mobile industry about Nseries phones is the lack of glitz and glamor in the in the Symbian S60 UI. I'll keep posting updates as they come.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Have You Upgraded Your N82 Firmware Yet To v20.0.062? Tips For Upgrading...
Well its finally here. The new Nokia N82 firmware. I've been seeing reports all over the internet of people starting up their PC Suite and Nokia Software Updater and downloading the newest firmware, version 20.0.062.
Tips before you upgrade:
- Even with the User Data Preservation feature of the N82 that keeps all your applications, settings, calendar entries, email accounts, etc. - Still backup your phone before updating. Use the backup tool in pc suite and backup all your important stuff. You never know when something can go wrong.
- Make sure you have a secure and fast internet connection. Make sure your connections are plugged in good.
- Set your phone on a flat surface like a desk or table. Don't put the data cable where a dog or person will hit the cable and disturb the update process. You can brick your phone like this then your in a mess of trouble.
- When your update says that its finished the phone might look off like its dead. Leave it alone for 5-15 minutes sometimes it takes awhile to boot up. Eventually it should boot up on its own after the update.
- Make sure your battery is fully charged before the update.
- I personally try not have anything running in the background on the computer and disable the screensaver just to ensure nothing goes wrong.
If anyone else has any tips please share in the comments below. Let us know if you've successfully upgraded to the newest N82 firmware.
Also check out this article by Steve Litchfield from All About Symbian. He has a few screenshots of the new firmware, showcasing the new features including geotagging and flash 3 support.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Firmware Update For The N82 - Version 20.0.062 - Lots Of Big AND Small lmprovements
I just read some great news for Nokia N82 owners. The N82 is due for an upgrade and we've known for awhile now that it was coming. I've posted here at the blog about the Flash enabled Web Browser and built-in geotagging being added. This is indeed coming true! We also complained about the problems with the phone freezing when plugging in the headphones. Looks like this is going to be fixed as well.
Nokia N82 fans can now watch Flash lite content such as Youtube, Google Video, Break.com (one of my favorites), flash videos on sports sites such as ESPN.com and Yahoo! This is simply awesome.
Teo from Symbian-Freak has got wind of of the full changelog and it looks we're gonna see many improvements to the phone. The new version is 20.0.062 and should be available on your Nokia Software Updater by the end of the week, but keep in mind sometimes it takes slightly longer for certain regions. You can also go to a Nokia Care Center and see if they'll update the firmware for you.
Here is the changelog that Symbian-Freak is claiming...
New features/functionalities:
- Location tagging functionality added
- Widgets enabled
- Flash Lite 3.0 support
- BT AVRCP protocol support
Stability:
- When plugin/plug out USB or TV out cable phone crashes
- Phone freezes during music play
- Phone resets when pressing end key during alert
Messaging:
- Cannot receive SMS for some operator who support 'Replace type' of message
Camera:
- Camera overexposure improved
- Automatic screen rotation angle improvement
Browser:
- Stability improvements
- Memory leak during phone call and browsing corrected
Memory:
- Memory leak corrected in browser
- Memory leak corrected in CPSSignal
Gallery:
- Crash while file name included %marks is highlighted
- DRM video thumbnail corrupted
- Gallery crashes when video call is make from contacts
Click here to head over to the original Symbian-Freak article to see the full changelog and have your say in their discussion.
I haven't seen anything as far as an update goes on my NSU. Let us know if you get yours updated and tell us about the new features.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
New N82 Firmware Update Coming Soon, Bringing Built In Geotagging Of Photos
Great news for all N82 owners. There is a firmware update coming soon, and it should be a good one. There's not much info right now about the update, other than the fact that we will be getting Photo Geotagging built into the N82. Thats right. When you take a picture, the location will be embedded into the file of the photo using GPS. This is useful for social photo sites such as Flickr, Ovi, and Picasa that allow you to add your photos to a map. Great for showing of vacation photos or hiking trips. Not to worry though, this feature can also be turned off if you have no use for geotagging. If you really want this feature now and your an advanced user, Nokia has made the Location Tagger application available at Nokia Beta Labs. Keep in mind it might be buggy. Click here to check it out with instructions and downloads. I personally haven't tried it out.
No word on when the next N82 firmware update will be available, Nokia says Quarter 1, which ends in March. Hopefully they will add the Web Browser flash support which we've recently seen enabled in the Nokia N95 8gb. As soon as the firmware becomes available I'll be sure to everyone updated.
Do you think you'd find Photo Geotagging handy?
Source: Official S60 Blog
Thursday, February 7, 2008
New Nokia N82 Firmware Update, User Data Preservation Now Works
I posted a few weeks ago about the news of "User Data Preservation" which means when you update your Nokia firmware, you won't lose your settings, applications, contacts and calendar entries. Pretty much nothing should be lost.
Well today the Nokia N82 recieved a small firmware update. The new firmware version is 11.0.117. User data preservation reportedly works well. This is huge news for Nokia enthusiasts and just goes to show that Nokia is listening to their customers.
An official changelog has not been released, but I'm reading that it's mostly crucial bug fixes. This update is currently available for European product codes.
Source: All About Symbian
