Nokia N900 Firmware Update PR1.1 Sent to Select Few – Still No Portrait Browser

December 25th, 2009 • Mark Guim • Filed Under •

We’re not sure when the next Nokia N900 firmware update will come out, but a few selected contributors received emails to join the testing. According to the Maemo community mailing list, Nokia is calling the maintenance update Fremantle PR1.1. While testers didn’t sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), they are encouraged not to share details about the unreleased firmware to the public.

Nokia N900

The selected testers were given the firmware update for the sole purpose of bug reporting. If you didn’t know, you can also file bug reports about your Nokia N900 at bugs.maemo.org. I’m not testing PR1.1, but I’ve filed a few bug reports to make sure Nokia knows about the problems I’ve encountered. I’m also glad that one of the major bugs I noticed on the Nokia N900 will be fixed on a future firmware update.

According to a source testing PR1.1, the Nokia N900 feels snappier. However, some may be disappointed that web browsing in portrait view was not available on the update. That’s not really a major problem for me since I prefer to browse the web with landscape view. Let us know if this is something you really want on the Nokia N900.

No information about release date was available. “It will go out when it’s ready,” says Quim Gil from Maemo Devices.

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  • The most disappointing for me - they doesnt include USSD fix in that firmware. :(
  • Mathias
    Truf, to make them work now try this workaround:
    http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p=454839&pos...

    Seems the firmware itself will be fixed with the PR1.2 update:
    https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=5380
    https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=5357
  • I remember reading in MANY places that a firmware update was promised to hit the streets (so not just go to a select few with a NDA attached) before Xmas. I guess they meant Xmas 2010... :-/
  • Speak of the Devil... There appears to be an update available for my phone! :-)
    I have 1.2009.42-11 and now I get offered 1.2009.44-1 :-)
  • Trizt
    I need the update since 31/12, as bug 5315 is preventing me from using my phone/subscription. There should be a more frequent update for people, so those who needs a specific update can get access to it as soon as it's fixed, but no you have to live with bugs for ever.
  • sam
    MMS
  • J MAn
    PLEASE BRING MMS!!
  • Mathias
    You might call me Stockholm hostage - rightfully, but why would you waste money on MMS if you get E-Mail, Flickr, Pixelpipe and Facebook upload for free?
  • arempee
    i want this on the new UPDATE: MMS, YAHOO IM, better FACEBOOK app, GOOGLE VOICE...
  • Bigboss
    Hell yeah it would be nice to see a Portrait view!!! The hardware is cabable and it can compete with it competitors! I would also like to see a easy file attachment option or component like the 2.0 frimware version of the N97. You know..., transfer pic's, video etc,etc. Also holding a button down to gain access to shift keys or alternative keys like the 2.0 frimware of the N97 would be nice as well!
  • chrisphillers
    Portrait mode is very important indeed for the browser, as is portait for sms. Using the internet on the move isnt very practical in landscape..
  • hrobin
    Please let Quim Gil know that one of the most important tool on this phone is to be able to use "bluetooth pairing". There are some states that requires the use of handsfree/bluetooth headset while driving. This phone will not recognize any bluetooth pairing. I would like to see Maemo team fix this as a priority.
  • thedoctor
    works great with my bluetooth motorola headset.
  • hrobin
    which motorola headset do you have?
  • Keke
    Works well with Audi A6 as well
  • Mathias
    Strange. Works smoothly with my 07er Mondeo.
    Please file a bug at bugs.maemo.org if you have problems.
  • For me I hope that the update resolves the *ridiculous* issue of not being able to set up and sync MfE with an Exchange 2003 server...what a silly oversight by Nokia!
  • jacktanner
    Exchange 2003 is supposed to be fixed in PR 1.1. See https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=5597 (h.t. Andre Klapper)
  • Ah, i see the resolution status is fixed, fantastic news! Unfortunately the lack of 2003 MfE support at launch prompted me to source a 2007 account (www.simplyms.com) for my email, but this is great news for those who can't/won't change email provider :)
  • Mathias
    Not an oversight. Simply lack of time: Exchange support was added to the agenda quite late. The developers of Exchange support were aware of missing 2003 support, but had __really good reasons__ to skip that feature for the moment.
  • Hmm, do I dare to ask why Exchange support wasn't on the agenda from the beginning? Perhaps Nokia thought that all the Linux geeks who buy this phone don't use Exchange? ;-)
  • Mathias
    For quite a time there was the mantra "The N900 is NOT a business phone": Traditionally N-Series targets so called "technology leaders" whereas E-Series is for business users.

    Well, but seems Nokia failed in making the N900 entirely useless for business users. :-D
  • Mathias
    Evert: So it seems that another teams also ignore this artificial separation between product lines... ;-)
  • Hmm, Exchange worked just fine on my previous phone, a Nokia N95 8GB 8-)
  • Ouch, it still hurts though having 'compromised' by using IMAP (buggy with the N900 for my account) and PC Suite for contacts/calendar (which appears to be 1-way). With PR1.1 being mostly bug fixes, do you think MfE will be fixed in this release or left until PR1.2+?
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