Nokia N97 firmware update 1.1 is live
By Sean Cooper 
posted Jul 1st 2009 2:47PM
posted Jul 1st 2009 2:47PM
Well, today is July 1st -- and Canada day, we'll have you know -- and true to our mention and Nokia's word, the N97's update of glory to version 1.1 (11.x.021) has indeed landed. So, what treats lie in store for you lucky Nokia N97 users? According to the changelog posted by Serie-N.it, we can expect a USB detection fix, widget fixes, some MfE (Mail for Exchange) tweaks, UI transition improvements, photo thumbnail performance improvements, and the backlight issue that made out very own Chris Z. howl with rage is apparently patched, too. Yeah, that's all we're seeing, though, perhaps more will come to light once we've seen it updated and hear people telling their tales. Let us know how you get on, won't you?
[Thanks, serie-N.it for the changelog]
[Thanks, serie-N.it for the changelog]
Yeah, but Nokia's stupid update service isn't working now.... Says try again later..
Hello, I am still considering an N97 and am wondering how the update service works. Does it download and install automatically or do you have to tell the phone to go get it and install it? Sorry if this seems like a simple question... My goal is to understand how such updates work work provided that I purchased an unlocked NAM version of this phone and used it on my AT&T plan with the $15/mo data plan.
You download the firmware update to your pc, connect with usb, then run the nokia software updated program. And that's basically it. You can probably do it without a SIM inserted, honestly.
Nokia Software Updater requires a SIM to be in the phone and for the phone to be in Online mode. Why, I couldn't tell you.
Steve, you can use a Windows-client + phone hooked to computer with USB. Faster + no data charges.
Mike,
You have to go get the update yourself, the phone does not automatically update itself. You can either do an update using Nokia PC Suite/Software Updater via PC, or you can do it over the air with the Nokia software updater in the phone. It is much faster to do it using PC Suite.
I just did my update on my NAM N97 (us version) and it works great! Much props and thumbs up for Nokia putting out a firmware update on the N97 within 3 weeks of launch. Also this firmware update launched at the same time globally....usually the US has to wait an extra month after euro/asia updates. Great Job Nokia!!! :D
Cool, thanks for the response. Notice any improvements in the browser?
I meant Mike. Sorry, too many web pages open and names get mixed up :-}
Does the over-the-air updater work on the NAM model? I keep getting "no updates available".
yes, FOTA. I did it with my unit just fine.
"...and the backlight issue that made out very own Chris Z. howl with rage is apparently patched, too. "
How long did the kiss last for?
Those of us having HSPA data crash issues had them fixed by this. Makes things a lot better!
Can someone tell me exactly how to update my N 97. im in the UK and i downloaded the nokia update and it said it was already installed but it clearly isn't. How do i do it properly. thanks
i am typing this from my n97... :) I think after this new firmware my phone is by far much more responsive from when i got the phone about a month ago! And i am talking about everything like the browser, music player, browsing photos and videos... I sure hope nokia would free more ram in the next firmware update... Also I hope someone will come up with a hack for this phone... I need to install a couple stuff...
Wow, it's now the 6th and there's still no update available for most of europe (Mine's a UK handset). Well done, Nokia.. This is by far the worst first release phone I've ever used.. Out of the Nokia 7110 (first WAP), 7650 (first Symbian/S60), 7710 (first touch screen) and E90 (first dual screen S60 iirc) all of which I owned within a week of the handset going on sale publically. This phone sucks the balls.. It's a good job Nokia doesn't have any smart phone competition (apple, palm, htc, samsung, the list goes on for miles) because I'm sure customers won't mind paying huge wads of cash to beta test these things wasting valuable waranty time whilst they sort their lives out. Seriously, does anyone who saw the N97 demo early this year think Nokia did ANY more development/testing on the phone since then?
If you only release an update for Asia/NAM that makes it a REGIONAL release, you idiots... Maaan, I'm angry at this company.. I almost want S60 to die and fail just to teach them a lesson (and I've been a Symbian follower since Psion) I seriously miss my 7710.
Guys, I have checked today, update is not available in Australia as well.
It's now the 10th July and still no sign of an update for the UK! Does anyone have any idea when it's going to be released? I love the phone if only I could get a few of these annoying little glitches sorted out I would be a happy man.
I find it strange that ALL of the forums and websites states that there is/was a problem with the N97 and that a friemway has been released but according to Nokia US there NEVER was, there currently is NO ISSUES with the N97 - as relayed to me by Jessica, E-mail Specialist, Nokia Inc. I quote,
"There are no known issues with the Nokia N97 (US) at this time. I regret that Nokia USA is not able to assist you with the issues you are experiencing with your phone. You would need to contact Nokia UK for the availability of warranty or repair services for your phone."
I got the same response from Mike L., E-mail Specialist, Nokia Inc.
"Rudy, I regret to hear of the problems you are experiencing with your Nokia N97 and I understand your concern. However, there are no known issues with the Nokia N97 NAM device. The Nokia N97 UK variant would have to be addressed by the Nokia UK customer support and if they are saying there are no known issues then it may be possible that there is a software conflict or hardware issue happening within your device. Therefore, I recommend sending it to the Nokia UK repair facility to be evaluated by a service technician."
I put forward that which everyone, and their dog, seems to know EXCEPT nokia, and I asked them the following;
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your reply but I am now confused.
Have Nokia released a firmware update for the N97 or not. I have visited numerous websites and forums and even NokConv on Twitter which speaks, quite openly and in details, of problems with the N97and that you have released a 'much awaited' fix.
I have a 3 page list of countries where firmware 11.0.21 has been released which proports to fix a page long list of issues including, but not limited to;
[1] A Lock/Unlock Backlight bug which was casued the handset not recognising the autolock correctly,
[2] Subtle changes in how the interface responds and how the phonebook now has kinetoc scrolling
[3] Nokia Maps have been give a new look
[4] How the 3G connectivity would get stuck in a loop receiving - and holding - a null from aprevious connection
[5] When playing large video files quickly the screen would go black and the sound and video wold fail to sync,
[6] Video and pictures taken/made with the phone would not update in the phones library...
.............etc...!!!! and the list goes on..., are you suggesting that these are ficticious aspects of non-existent failings with the product in question.
Can you please clarify if what I have stated above is at all possible and if not how is it that Nokia can allow such unfounded accustations be made about there product without public address.
I am still waiting to receive ANY response from Nokia [ either US or UK ], ssoo..., either you guys and the greater community are misrepresenting the truth or Nokia haven't a clue with regards to their own products.
Hi Bryan..., don't hold ya breath waiting for Nokia UK hahahahaaa........., they have no knowledge of any issue and apparently no knowledge of Nokia US issueing ANY firmware updates - so it will not be on thier servers.
well peoples the update 11.x.021 has arrived in the uk ive just downloaded through pc suite the size is 143 mb, the touchscreen is smoother and and the only other problem i had was the browser sticking touch wood thats sorted to, they is also some othere good news ive just updated my nokia maps to ovi 3 its much quicker smoother and has a very good 3d screen
I am located in spain and i also cannot get this update when i run the software update tool, this sucks big time, is there anywhere i can download the firmware from and install it myself ??