Nokia Releases Firmware Update for Nokia 5800 Xpress Music

The new Firmware brings speed improvements, new features and bug fixes

The Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia has just released a firmware update for one of the most popular handsets on the market right now, the Nokia 5800 Xpress Music. According to the news on the Web, the phone's software has been brought to version 20.0.0.12, and it is available through the Nokia Software Updater.

For the time being, there is no official word on what the firmware update consists of, yet some changes that it might include should be a smoother general operation coupled with faster screen rotations, while the playback of videos goes much better than before, especially when it comes to YouTube content, making the 5800 almost as good as a dedicated client for YouTube. Other improvements brought by the firmware version 20.0.0.12 include new search capabilities, meaning that the 'Search' on the standby screen does not perform the operation on the phone's content only, but goes on the Internet as well. The new software update is also reported to come with the usual series of bug fixes. Users who would like to update their devices to the latest firmware version can do so either via a PC Suite or through an over-the-air (OTA) update. A 3G or a WiFi data connection would provide better speed, more stability and reliability.

Since the Nokia 5800 features data preservation capabilities, users should be able to find all their personal info in its place after the process in completed, yet making a data backup before proceeding with the update won't hurt anyone. Those who would like to perform the update over-the-air should access the dialer on their homescreen and then enter *#0000#. The device update screen will show after this, offering information on the currently running version of the firmware. The update can then be performed via the 'Check for updates' option in the menu. Those willing to make the update through the Nokia Software Updater should go to the company's site.

Official iSync Plugin For Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Available

Despite not having an official Mac-friendly PC Suite, Nokia does a decent job of supporting its Mac users with iSync plugins, so they can easily synchronize their S60-powered smartphones with their Mac computer. Unfortunately, each device needs its own iSync plugin, so sometimes those of us who get our hands on devices rather quickly are left in the cold. Great news, though, for 5800 XpressMusic owners - Nokia’s released an offiical iSync plugin for the finger-friendly smartphone. Most of you are probably already using the iSync plugin that Tnkgrl createdfor her 5800 XpressMusic, but this new one is officially available from Nokia.

You can download the 5800 XpressMusic iSync plugin directly from Nokia, and while you’re there, we recommend that you check out the Nokia Multimedia Transfer application, as well. Nokia has also put together a friendly walk-through to help you use iSync.

Nokia PC Suite 7.1 released with built-in Communication Center

Version 7.1 still can’t match Ovi Suite in terms of multimedia handling, but in the most important part, phone management arena, it excels.


Aside from being more stable than previous releases, Nokia PC Suite now features the Communication Center built-in. In addition, there’s a new calendar view as well more tight integration with the phone, allowing users to manage calls and messages from the comfort of their computer.

All being said, we still want pieces of the Ovi Suite integrated in the “vanilla edition” of the Nokia PC Suite. Why on Earth it needs to be so confusing. A single PC Suite to “rule them all” is all we need. And I think that’s exactly what’s going to happen at some point in the future. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, if you want to download Nokia PC Suite 7.1,

Download: Nokia PC Suite 7.1

Overview

With Nokia Communication Center 2.0, you can access all your messages and contacts - and now also calendar - effortlessly in one location from your PC.

This is the new version of Communication Center that was piloted in Beta Labs and integrated as part of standard Nokia PC Suite earlier this year. Many of the improvements you suggested during this earlier trial have now been implemented:

Calendar editor
Contact group support
Contact thumbnail view
Performance improvements
Lots of bug fixes