As our forum user biggzy let on the other day Nokia are rumoured to be soon to release a new version of the N96 firmware - and as DailyMobile.se report, a copy of v12.035 can be downloaded

http://rapidshare.com/files/160982536/Nokia_firmware_RM-247_EMEA_12.035_v04.00EFAJQROM.exe

BUT, as this is not a supported or authorised copy, the recomendation has to be to wait until Nokia release it via NSU.

But for the brave, or foolhardy, you have the link!

The Nokia flagship stores in New York and Chicago have started selling the N96, for a heavy price tag of $842.

Whilst an expensive phone, the exchange rate against the UK and European prices does not translate too badly.

Other retailers also seem to be stocking the N96, with discounts already available on the sim free device.

For those of you have just got your N96, the thought of sending it off on it’s holidays may seem a little strange.

Not however to Charlie over at Nokia Conversations who has packed up his N96 in a little case and is sending it around the world, to stay with a number of people who use it for a while, tell the world what they are doing with it, and then pass it onto someone else to do the same thing.

Not a bad idea really, lucky little N96.

Following the N96 launch hiatus, thinks have gone a little quite on the N96 news front, but there are still bits and pieces floating around.

We posted a while ago about the draft N96 Instruction manual, but for those who want to check out the final version either before getting a N96, or because you have lost the guide that came with you N96 down the back of the sofa, it can be accessed here, from nokia.

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Devinder Kishore, Director of Marketing for Nokia India is quoted as saying over the weekend that

[Nokia] will have lot of touchscreen phones coming up, including an Nseries device very soon.

Whilst he could not be drawn on a release date, 2009 is the expected time frame, plenty  of time for the N96 to get a good following!

It does beg the question though, if you have touch screen, do you automatically loose the sliding buttons, and if you do, does that lead to loss of functionality. On top of that, there are many who do not like the touch screen effect, even with Apples sleek adverts for the iPhone, with certain Samsung phones reportedly performing particularly badly.

Nokia have released a general update for its Mail For Exchange software, that includes the N96 mobile. (more…)

If you can’t get enough of Second Life(R), this 3G streaming service from Vollee is now compatible with the N96 and will allow you to continue your virtual life whilst away from your pc.

The service adapts the Second Life output to a size suitable for the mobile screen, before streaming it to your N96.

Whilst this means you can check in at any time, beware of the data costs, with 5 minutes use taking about 3MB, or make sure you are connected by WiFi.

Planet N96 has had a hands on look at the N96, and boy did we like what we saw. Although many may be crying out to compare the N96 with its predecessor, the N95, the new phone looks and feels so much more.

The smooth, rounded corners give the N96 a sleek elegance, and the dual slider ends feel reassuringly solid and well built. Indeed the N96 looses none of its elegance with the ends extended; they just fit well within the device. Although not the lightest of phones at 125g, this makes the N96 feel comfortably solid and robust.

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Don’t just take it from us; after all at PlanetN96 we are looking for good things to say about the N96, because, if the truth be told, we want this to be a great mobile.

LordPercy, the noteable and ecentric techy bloggers, have had their grubby mits on a N96, and given it an outing and report…. (more…)

Today will see Nokia unveiling the N96 to the UK at it’s two flagship stores, in London Heathrow Airport (after security so you need to be travelling somewhere!) and on Regent Street, London.

If you can’t get there, then it is available from their online store, or Nationwide from 1 October.

There is also a chance to win a N96, if you fill in the entry form you can get here, but you still need to visit a store to hand the entry form in.