Nokia have released Ovi Maps with voice navigation for a bunch of Nokia phones, but not the N96

It may be that they will include the N96 at a later date, but even if they don’t, it is likely to shake up the other Sat Nav software providers, like Tom Tom and Garmin who now have to compete with a free product. OK, so Google maps has been available for free for a while, but did not include the turn by turn navigation.

Will this mean less choice for Nokia users, or do you see this as an incentive to buy certain models? Here is a link to the full list of Nokia phones that can download free ovi maps.

I found this little video showing the N96 hooked upto a wireless Bluetooth keyboard, which may be of interest to those who find the keypad a little small and do lots of text entry.

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Open for 2 years now the highly successful free file share site, Mosh, from Nokia, is reported to be coming to the end of its time.

For all of those partial to a free app or two, now is the time to head over to mosh.nokia.com and grab those apps before it is too late. Although there is no official date to close the site, it could be to tie in with the launch of OVI, in May.

At planet N96 we admit to being N96 focused, so offer no apologies that we have not picked up on the fact that the Nokia 5800 has been less than impressive, at least in the NAM market, where from this report, it seems the touchscreen 5800 has been taken off the shelves in America.

This may be some comfort to N96 owners, who have been through the anguish of waiting for Nokia to get the firmwear on their phones to a reasonable level, but does ask the question why Nokia can not devote sufficient testing to a device before it is released to the public.

Planet N96 suggested some time ago that the N96 would be perfect for the Nokia ‘Comes With Music’ service, and now it looks like the service may be offered with the handset.

Good news, as it would mean unlimited music downloads to help fill up the 16MB of memory on the N96. (more…)

There was some concern when it was first announced that the N96 would not have the SIP client that allowed VoIP direct from the handset.

Nokia said this would not matter because there were other third party applications available that would handle this, and so there are. (more…)

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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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.

Nokia are launching a video download service, specifically aimed at the N96, called Capsule N96, that will allow the download of ‘mobisodes’ (mini entertainment episodes for your mobile) of exclusive entertainment content.

These free, 96 second programmes, will cover topics such as motoring, fashion, comdey, gadgets and culture. (more…)