[vsigma]

After reading the UK campaign for equality post - I thought I'd start one for us North American folks.

As a loyal (but now beginning to waver) owner of Nokia devices since 1998.. it's always been a sad state of affairs in terms of upgrades, and getting new devices, especially compared to the rest of the world, PERIOD.

While I realize that our phones may require a slightly different chipset because of the odd ball frequencies that our areas use - there is no sane or logical reason why we get shafted on model firmware updates otherwise.  While I do not have a hardware engineering degree - I cannot see why the primary functions of firmware updates cannot be easily ported over to the NAM versons of Nokia phones.

While a lot of you out there have valid complaints (like the UK) in release time - and do eventually get them.  We in the NAM market have been consistently.. well, screwed, is the only way that I can think of it.  I have consistently made it a point to buy Unlocked and unbranded devices DIRECTLY from Nokia USA so that I can have flexibility and know that I will eventyally, hopefully,get some sort of update.

With all the new N and E series devices that I have owned - N95-3, N85-3, E75-2, E65, N79 come to mind - we have been consistently, and systematically been delayed as candidates for firmware releases.  Example: N95-3 - The was launched as a FLAGSHIP device.  All OTHER versions of the N95 got and received a v30 upgrade - the n95-3 didn't even get it as a possibility until almost 7 months later!!! E75 - a lot of you got the v200 upgrade and things work perfectly - I should know - I have a friend who has a E75-1 handset, and we compare notes and see how sad and slow my device is! We're still on v110!  N85 - the same way, MONTHS later.  It goes on and on. 

I mean, if you're NOT going to support a device - that's fine - just TELL us upfront.  Don't tease us with versions of firmware for other practically identical devices - and then have your North American support counter parts completely clueless as to any news whatsoever.  If you're not going to support the product with firmware updates - just tell me, and I'll make my decisions to purchase, or not, accordingly.At least with other mobile manufacturers - I know there is a set steady time frame of support and so on. 

What's even worse than the tease with the other versions of firmware, is the NokiaUSA site itself.  You go there, and you see that OH - hey! There's apparently a new version of firmware available for my device on the 'pretty' pages that allow you to select your device.  *BUT* whenever you type in a NAM device code on the actual check page - it's never  available at the same time as the rest of the family of devices.  Heck, we're lucky if we are only 1 revision behind for most, if not all, devices!  If you're not going to give us the updates - then make sure your localized website doesn't even mention it! This false hope is  the worst wound of all!

And yes, I do realize that Nokia does not have the market share in the NAM market as it would like - but helping us 1st adopters to have wonderful working devices is probably your best form of advertising to people who've never even seen the devices before! I don't know how many of my friends and colleagues have bought Nokia devices because they see how well they CAN work as compared to what they are used to! You want market share? well, help us, to help you!

North American users please chime in and add kudos to this if you feel the same way!

[getwisered]

I agree with you whole-heartedly.  I own an E75 and have been patiently awaiting the v200 f/w update.  By my account it's been around 1 month delay and God only knows when it will be available.  If Nokia's plan is to lose market share to other smartphone provider, they do a good job.  Especially considering the number of businesses that operate in NAM, there is really no excuse for this level of (non) support.

I can only hope someone from Nokia will read this and provide some sort of explanation and or an idea of when the update will be available.  This is my first Nokia smartphone, and will likely be my last.

[darthservo]

I also agree.  It has been quite a while since v200 firmware has been released for E75-1s, but those of us who own E75-2s in NA are left out to dry.  While I still love my device, it certainly would be nice to see *global* support of it.  I've never understood why Nokia's firmware schedules across both markets are so different.

[Lacho]

Hello, I just want to say that I support this campaign. I own a 5800 unlocked, and I wish Nokia releases the new v40 firmware for NAM version.

PLEASE NOKIA SUPPORT YOUR NAM CUSTOMERS.

Yes I wrote that in caps in purpose.

Thanks.

[jaff21]

Come on Nokia wake up! you're loosing people here. Equality!

[Shinraz]

I'm still waiting for my Nokia N97 (NAM) v2.0 to be released, been waiting for a couple of months now...ugh.....

[saudiqbal]

I agree with you, I own a Nokia 5800 Navigation Edition and there is still no update for my phone, V40 has been released everywhere except USA. Nokia is very slow in responding to suggestions. I have posted many messages on betalabs.nokia.com that the calculation engine of map software sucks and nothing happened, the beta version came out with poor route calculation, you cannot even go anywhere with that. Nokia is loosing customers everywhere.

[saudiqbal]

If the phone is locked then I can accept that the operator has to approve the update, but we all use unlocked phones then why there is months delay in providing updates, cmon Nokia wake up, Nokia is launching new phones every day, has hundreds of different variants, if you cannot keep up with all the different kinds of phones, stop launching new phones every month, just launch a new phone once a year.

[saudiqbal]

Is there any update coming soon or not?

[ahin]

NOKIA First of all thanks to have a portal like this to voice and support you guys...

...But.. look what are you doing? You are supposed to win customer hearts. Good customer service is the key in any industry. And how come one fails on this part, specially in one of the best market in the world.

 common dont delay on the v40 for NAM.

[monk77]

This is disappointing.  I purchased an unlocked N97 Mini directly from Nokia USA.  I chose this phone because it was unlocked and I thought Nokia supported their phones with regular updates.  What better way to purchase a phone than direct from the manufacturer, right?  This is my first experience with a Nokia smart phone and probably the last.  Now that the US marketplace has begun to embrace unlocked and non-subsidized hardware (Google Nexus One) Nokia will lose what I see as their greatest advantage in the States.  I have received much better support with subsidized devices on my carrier.

[saudiqbal]

Nokia is good no doubt but their support in USA sucks, there is no comparison between Iphone and Nokia but Nokia needs to pay more attention to US customers or they should close their company here.

[Tech_Guru_NAM]

Nokia Senior Managers,

I want to help you.  So do all the other customers on this site.  The 5800 is the best phone on the market, but it needs the updated firmware (v.4) in NAM as soon as poosible.

Other suggestions (places you are doing well and need help).

Doing well - maps (on-device with GPS is much much better solution than wireless network based only - MARKET this fact, where is the advertising??) and push e-mail.  You should make the push e-mail free for life on your smartphones, like you did with maps (then market along with free mapping).  This would eliminate Android and Blackberry given the technology and price point.

Need more work - ease of set-up, user interface, music, and apps.  All of these need to be improved to take on Apple.  It took two full days to set up my phone (before installing music).  That is way too long.  Everything is convoluted, like it was developed on Mars.  This could be one CD that comes with the phone and make everthing easy, or just pre-loaded so you can turn-on and go.  The touch screen user interface is ok, but could be much better (more homescreen choices, etc.)  Regarding music, don't try to sell, just make a simple pass-through that works well, leave selling (or sharing) music to others.  (maybe buy MediaMonkey and incorporate to have a good universal music management program)  Regarding apps, this is moving in the right direction, but you need to do more.  More apps, make them free, and partner like crazy with media companies, U.S. universities (who are developing for all other smartphones except Nokia through Blackboard, etc.), and any other company/organization that has a cool app.  This is the sizzle, which in the U.S. sells more than the steak.

Good luck and let us know if we can be of assistance.

Loyal Nokia 5800 User

[jada0007]

I support this campaign, my E71-2 NAM is at the moment out for repair. (2-Years extended guaranty from Newegg). The 400.xxx Firmware shot my devise down. They have taken the Firmware "off line" from the Nokia Servers. Back to the 200.xxx Firmware.

To avoid future Update problems, I got me a unbranded Nokia E72-1 (Euro). It support in the US the 1900 3G from AT&T, that's enough for me. Works perfect in my Aria. I had the hope that Nokia will release a quad band 3G devise, and still hope that this will be happened with the new Symbian 4 Devises later in this year. 

[apollokid]

N97 mini. How long do I have to wait for  v11 to show up? I'm still within my 30 days return policy so I may return this one if no update is pushed for NAM.

 I really don't understand why there is a delay in the first place. Could someone please explain the logic to me? Shouldn’t QA test updates for every region before enabling the distribution? It’s like distributing candy in a box with no key.  And please don't give me that bandwidth **bleep**. You're Nokia - the most technologically superior handset company in the world (right?) Shouldn’t a company of your stature have a way to push out updates for handsets around the world in say…..a week?

Hundreds of R&D personnel there but can’t figure out how to properly distribute software updates…strange.

[pinyata]

I know there are delays, but for the love of god tell us why we are being delayed. v40 is now out for NAM phones, except for those of us that have the Nav Editions.

So let me get this straight, phones that use the EXACT same software, why are we being held back? Did you forget about us? Seriously, atleast one of you guys can get the balls to step up and explain your reasoning.

I've been a Nokia user since I got my first 3300. Now, this is pathetic.

[rasmus]

I have a N97 NAM - got the v21 the day it came out.  So i dunno what the issue is - and I have the product code that shipped with the device.

If you want firmware when it comes out - Google for it, can't post anything here as it will violate the boards TOC.

With that said - v21 was a sick joke, so you are not missing out on anything.

[rasmus]

And what is up with the "your loyal Nokia customer" **bleep**?

You pay money for stuff, either you get the product and service you paid for or you don't.  Nokia seems to have made so much money that they are big and slow and rolling in their bed of money.

I've owned tons of Nokia's, i bought my N97 cause I liked my n95 and previous Nokia phone before that.  

- When I read the Specs and the marketing material for the N97 i was impressed.
- Bought the N97 the day it came out $800
- Realized the moment I turned it on it was a **bleep** - figured they would promptly update it.
- 3 firmware releases and 8 months later - the phone is still a **bleep**, and I don't think they will fix it, I don't think they CAN fix it.

So loyalty? Well I've given Nokia tons of business in the past - the whole family owns Nokia's - but if they think this what I get for $800 then you can forget the whole loyal customer BS - I am no idiot.

Money talks.

[ku5165]

even my 5800 is missing the v40 release, nokia needs to release it asap if they want to keep loyal cuztomers!

[veasnalong]

I called customer care  regarding NAM version he said he has no idia when it will be ready. Just keep on waiting that all we can do ver. 40.xx.xxx been released for othe contry (region) one month  already,,,,, may get it with in Two months who konws.