Nokia has started rolling out a new firmware update for its budget-oriented business class handset the Nokia E5. The firmware update carries the version number 71.03.

The new firmware update brings a number of changes to the E5, including an updated web-browser and Nokia (Formerly OVI) Maps. The new browser is the same (v7.3) as the one found in Symbian Anna based handsets. The new version of Nokia Maps brings indoor positioning via Wi-Fi, and travel and recommendation services like Lonely Planet.

Other core apps like Nokia Email, and QuickOffice have also been updated. The usual performance and stability improvements, along with some bug-fixes are also present.

Nokia E5 owners can download, and install the update via OTA or   by using Nokia Software Updater (NSU). Even though the E5 features UDP (User Data Preservation), users are recommended to make a backup of their data before proceeding with the firmware update.

The update is being rolled out in stages, so be patient if it does not show up on your E5 yet!

Nokia phones were not popular among the modding community until a few months ago. However, from the last few months Nokia modding has reached an all new high with Custom ROMs being released for various devices and the C6 firmware being ported to 5800. Now, the folks who have created the popular HX Custom ROMs for the Samsung Omnia i8910 have managed to overclock the Nokia 5230 to 800MHz. That’s nearly a 100% overclock!

Here is a video of the device in action with its processor running at 800MHz-:

All the Nokia Symbian 60v5 phones are powered by an out dated ARM11 434MHz processor. A nearly 100% overclock, if stable, will surely give a HUGE performance boost to all the slow touch based phones from Nokia.

As of now, this mod is still in testing phase but hopefully it will be released for public use soon.

(Source)

Sony Ericsson has just rolled out a new firmware update for their Symbian running multimedia oriented handset the Vivaz. The Sony Ericsson Vivaz runs on the old and out-dated Symbian S60v5 OS and features a 3.2-inch resistive screen. The main selling point of the phone is the 8MP camera at its back and its 720p HD video recording with continuous auto-focus. The firmware update is numbered R2EA023.

Here is the change-log according to DailyMobile-:

*Start up is faster.

*Google maps updated now has search by voice feature.

*Facebook and Roadsync Panels which can now be added to your standby screen.

*Enhanced performance and functionality for YouTube, Facebook, RoadSync and Barcode Reader.

*Stability improvement in the areas of W-LAN, MMS and Internet.

*Video quality improvement for playing MPEG4 format.

*Performance improvement when multitasking.

From the above change-log it is clearly visible that this firmware update is aimed at improving the performance and stability of the device. Vivaz owners can update the firmware of their handset by using the Sony Ericsson Update Service software. However, users are recommended to make a backup of their data before proceeding with the firmware update as a firmware update will wipe the phone clean of all data.

Nokia has just rolled out a new firmware update for their business oriented powerhouse – the Nokia E72. The new firmware version is v51.018. This new firmware update updates a number of system applications like the web browser, QuickOffice, OVI Music etcetera. The firmware update also aims at improving the performance and stability of the device. The layout of the main menu of the device has also been changed with this firmware update.

Here is the full change log -:

*Browser upgrade into 7.2.6
*Freestyle Baseline 3.0 (latest version) update
*Quick Office upgrade into 6.2.439
*New languages introduced, Office 2007 compatibility
*OVI Music client Inc9Br5 update
*Music 3.0: full album purchase, PIN less activation
*Lotus Notes Traveller 8.5.1 update
*Smart Connect 1.3.55 update
*OVI Store 1.6 update
*OVI Files widget 1.2.3.0 update

Removals

*Windows Live removal

Improvements

*New chat functionalities for the users
*Microsoft Office Communicator added to vanilla SW UDA content
*Nokia Messaging for Instant Messaging / Nokia Chat 2.0 added to vanilla SW UDA content
*Improved Email, Calendar and Contacts experience
*Performance improvements
*Stability and usability improvements
*Menu layout changes, among other things:
*Maps moved to Main menu from Applications GPS folder
*Help moved from Main menu to Applications folder
*Main menu re-ordered
*SW update moved from Phone folder to main level of Control panel folder.
*Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Bloomberg moved from Internet folder to Applications folder
*No changes to vanilla memory cards
*Altogether 450+ errors are fixed.

The Nokia E72 features UDP (User Data Preservation) so users don’t need to make a backup of their data before proceeding with the firmware update.

(Source)

At the beginning of this month Sony Ericsson announced that the Xperia X10 will be available on AT&T from August 15. Today, AT&T has announced in a press release that they will also be selling the Sony Ericsson Vivaz beginning from September 5. The Sony Ericsson Vivaz runs on the old and out-dated Symbian S60v5 OS. The phone has a 3.2-inch resistive touch screen with nHD (360×640) resolution. The handset also has an 8.1MP camera at its back, along with the capability to record 720p HD videos with autofocus.

Working with Sony Ericsson to deliver a best-in-class video and camera phone on the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network gives our customers even more opportunities to express themselves through their favorite social networks,said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. With Vivaz capturing photos and video in stunning HD and sharing it on YouTubeâ„¢ or Picasaâ„¢ Web Albums is quick and easy.

The phone will be available in either Galaxy Blue or in Venus Ruby color. The latter is a limited edition color and can be ordered online only from the official AT&T website.   The Vivaz will be available for $80, after a $50 mail-in rebate on a 2 year contract.

Here is the link to the full press release.