Nokia has updated its Maemo 5 operating system for the Nokia N900, in the form of Maemo 5 version 1.2. With a host of new features and several bugs sorted out, Maemo 5 version 1.2 will be officially released later this week, but if you want to get your hands on it in the meantime then read on to find out how...
With lots of emphasis on new operating systems such as Symbian ^3 and MeeGo, it’s easy to think that Nokia will stop supporting older operating systems. Don’t worry, however, as the company is still offering full support for its outgoing range of products, with the Nokia N900 the latest handset to release a software update.
Maemo 5 version 1.2 irons out several known bugs, and also brings some new features, such as portrait browsing, and the option not to automatically add contacts when replaying to emails. According to the Nokia Blog, Maemo 5 version 1.2 also brings an update for Ovi Maps, along with customisable menu icons.
Maemo 5 version 1.2 will be available from Nokia to download OTA (Over The Air) during the next week, but if you can’t wait you’ll be able to download and install it manually. Before you do anything, make sure you back up all of your contacts and any other files, as the update erases everything stored on your device.
The Nokia Blog has published full details on how to get Maemo 5 version 1.2 on your Nokia N900 – it involves entering text commands, so make sure you know what you're doing, check the blog for full details, and have a look below to see what you can expect:
- Download and install the latest version of Maemo Flasher
- Download the latest firmware .BIN file. It is called PR 1.2 version 10.2010.19-1.
- Download the latest Vanilla version of the eMMC content for Nokia N900. It is called eMMC content 10.2010.13-2.Place both files in the same folder as the installed Flasher app from step 1.
- Ensure the battery is at least half full. Unplug charger cable and switch off the device.
- Open the Command Prompt (Start then Run or Windows Logo key + R) and type cmd then press Enter.
- Change the directory to the Flasher’s path. You can do this with the cd command. cd .. takes you out of the current folder, while cd nameoffolder gets you inside of that folder.
- Hold the u key on the device keyboard and connect the USB cable at the same time
- Run the following command: flasher-3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.19-1.002_PR_COMBINED_002_ARM.bin -f
- Hint: pressing the tab button after the first few letters, autocompletes commands or file names.
- If done correctly, it should say flashed successfully after a few minutes.
- Without unplugging the phone, run the next command: flasher-3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.13-2.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R
- It should also say flashed successfully after a minute or two.
- That’s it! The Nokia N900 will reboot with a fresh firmware.
Have you installed Maemo 5 version 1.2 on your Nokia N900? Let us know how you've been getting on in the comments below of so.