Nokia N900 firmware 42.11 available now via NSU
In all of my previous posts on the N900 (found in my Definitive Nokia N900 Guide) I was using a pre-production N900 running firmware 1.2009.41.10. I understand that the firmware shipping with the N900 devices is later than this one I have. Nokia stated that these pre-production devices would eventually get a firmware update so I connected via Nokia PC Suite this morning and ran the Nokia Software Updater to discover an update was indeed available. I just downloaded the 161.4 MB file and updated the Nokia N900 to firmware 1.2009.42.11.
I thought it would have been like some of the more recent Nokia updates where all your apps and settings remain in place, but it appears everything was wiped out. I wanted to start over anyways so didn’t mind having to reinstall apps. All of my photos were still on the 32GB drive so that is good. I plan to test this out extensively this weekend to check on any battery life improvements and try to find anything else out that might have been updated. I cannot find a changelog for this firmware update anywhere and if you happen to find it, please do share it with me.
I will update this post as I setup the N900 again and discover changes. So far, it really does appear to be snappier, but that could be a matter of having a fresh device again. I also plan to avoid enabling the Maemo testing repository since some of those apps are in alpha and could be messing up the battery performance. I want to give you a new user perspective so will stick with Maemo Extras instead.
Clarification: I just wanted readers to know that these N900 units sent out early were a bit special and needed to use NSU to update while future/shipping versions of the N900 should have the same OTA support you expect in new Nokia devices.
21 Comments to Nokia N900 firmware 42.11 available now via NSU
Apparently, the version in “About Product” will change (flashed into CAL); however the upgrade itself won’t apply:
alexNovember 15, 2009
There was a rumor that nokia will remove Skype from pre-installed apps list. Could you please comment on this?
If I understand your post correctly, you upgraded the firmwire on your Nokia n900 by first downloading it to your PC. Alternatively, couldn’t you have downloaded it over the air directly to your handset? If you could have, why didn’t you? And if an OTA firmware update isn’t possible, I’m confused because I thought it was. In fact, for a Mac user, like me, it could be a deal breaker because Nokia suite isn’t Mac compatible!
Matt LenskiNovember 15, 2009
New firmware has indeed improved battery life….
GadgetyNovember 15, 2009
- I thought the N900 could do incremental updates. Why would it wipe everything clean?
- To me, the killer app on the N900 is the ability to use the web cam for chatting also with those who are on PCs etc, rather than fellow Nxxx units. Is this still possible after the firmware update.
andreNovember 16, 2009
@alex: The Skype application NEVER was pre-installed in Maemo5. The Skype service was and is.
mickNovember 16, 2009
@Gadgety: Maybe it’s because this is the first actual release (the previous ones were more or less beta) firmware. I assume every update after this will work the same as before, OTA, keeping your settings and apps.
November 18, 2009
[...] of you have not yet got the new handset, the new update is a massive 165MB and the guys over at NokiaExperts have said that future updates should feature the option of Over The Air (OTA) [...]
November 18, 2009
[...] of you procure not yet got the new handset, the new update is a big 165MB and the guys chiefly at NokiaExperts get said that future updates should main attraction the way out of Essentially The Air (OTA) [...]
alexNovember 18, 2009
@andre – thank you!
N900 NewUserJanuary 13, 2010
can any one tell me about last issue that we can not use service command like *#06# or commands begins with * via dial pad , is this issue resolved in new firmware.
please try and let me know , how update the firmware. thanks
I tried and it still doesn’t seem to support these dialing commands. The firmware just appeared on my device as an update and worked flawlessly while keeping all of my settings and applications.
please can i knw the software i can use to check my balance and top up my credit voucher, am fatima in nigeria. am using mtn services. and my phone is nokia n900 cannot do all this services.
edcarskyFebruary 23, 2010
I have prob downloading the new firmware in my device via OTA, it says that NOT ENOUGH MEMORY IN TARGET LOCATION, i got rid of it and now have new error says OPERATION FAILED, now i cannot install and even uninstall program due to this message. i tried to use via NSU (but it sucks!) it says that connect your USB via PC SUITE MODE in which i did, since N900 is unique USB Auto Charging style, NSU wont allow it to success, i also tried flasher-3.5 and i cannot make it though.
is there anyone can help me to resolve my issue on update my firmware (latest version RX-512009SE3.2010.02-8.003PRCOMBINED003ARM.bin) i hope someone can help me on this, thanks.
please email me at edcarsky@yahoo.com, i would gladly appreciate your contributions. thank you.
byambaa_mglMarch 9, 2010
Dear Edcarsky, flashing is the best way in my opinion. My experienced problem while updating firmware. When phone was rebooting some problem occured and froze. When I restarted it didn’t start NOKIA word appeared and turned off again. Then I was like in shock. Then I followed instructions in the following link. It really worked. Hope it helps you too mate: http://wiki.maemo.org/Updatingthetablet_firmware
husseinMay 2, 2010
@ fatima.i hv da same phone n im livin in nigeria.txt me on 07067776855 ill show wat to download
jetMay 7, 2010
hi..can anyone tell me where to download n900 application n game….thanks…
HolaJune 22, 2010
Iphone is still the best
When i dial a service comnand [like *number#] it says incorect number…Plz tell me or mail me how to solve it…
Sahil KhiwaniJuly 17, 2010
Hey guys i just have purchased n900 two weeks ago.. the experience is good.. i want to update the software whr as the version is…. 10.2010.19-1.004
can any send the new update’s link from whr i can download and the steps to install this update
thanks in advance guys
regards
sahil
@sahil….Ur firmware here,. http://files.allnokia.ru/fw2/n900/Nokia%20N900%20RX-51%20Gr.RUSsw-10.2010.19.1v4.0.exe
November 13, 2009