Well it's been a bit of a roller coaster today with Nokia's big announcement, but the end result is that the N97 will receive an OVI Maps update with FREE, yes FREE Premium Services on 28th January 2010. This is a week after the rest of the Nokia S60v5 range of devices, but they a having to iron out some minor issues with the N97 version prior to it's release.

Through the morning there were a few contradictory messages as to if the N97 would get the FREE Services and the final statement was yes.

What does this mean, I here you ask. Well let me explain.

You will now, not only get the Map data for free, but you will also get free use of the Voice Navigation and City Guides. I'm not clear on if the Speed Limit, Safety Camera and Traffic data will also be free or not, but we'll find out next week. The new version also incorporates OVI Life Casting in the form of "Share Location" which enables users to share their location on Facebook with one click from Ovi Maps, posting where they are and what's on their mind. This decision from Nokia makes Nokia devices stand out above others with there fully integrated and FREE Sat Nav without the need to download Map data Over-The-Air. You can find out more at OVI Maps Features.

Big thumbs up for Nokia on this one.

Comments (12)

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Soeren Sprogoe said:

	Great news! Great news! Question is, if they will continue to service & upgrade it regularly now that it is free. Oh, and bummer that I just payed for a years subscription 3 months ago...
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January 21, 2010 | url
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destrkta said:

	... Got to say though That I've had no issues installing or running ovi maps 3.03 thats listed on nokias site. I downloaded the PC installer, and it installed just fine.
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January 21, 2010
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Martyn Brett said:

	Responses @Soern Sprone: You need to contact Nokia Care and they may be able to agree to transfer the licences to another Nokia phone without the free Navigation or something. @destrkta: The version you have installed may not be providing the free Navigation though as I assume this is what we are waiting for on the N97 til next week. I believe. I will try and verify and get back.
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January 22, 2010
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destrkta said:

	... I can confirm that navigation works for free, i've not paid for it and today drove about 40km's using it. So yeah it works
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January 24, 2010
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UserN97 said:

	Lifetime license? Does someone know if this is a lifetime license? Is this also a lifetime license for the spoken navigation? Thanks in advance
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January 24, 2010
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mbrett said:

	Lifetime Licence Yes. The licence is for the maps as it always has been , but also for the Voice Navigation, Speed Limit and Safety Camera Warners and I believe Traffic Info. All for Free.
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January 25, 2010
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eddy said:

	how to upgrade How to get these maps? Download version for 5800 xpressmusic?
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January 28, 2010
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mbrett said:

	For Non-branded N97s all you need to do is . . . Make sure you have a version 20.x firmware on your phone and then open either your current version of Maps or Software Updater on your phone and you should be presented with the update option. Update and change map data if required and your all done. . . Simples
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January 29, 2010
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roc71 said:

	........... Well ive got an N97 and have latest firware but cannot see how to upgrade to free navigation yet. Tried running software update on phone also tried within maps. Nokia website still does not have free navigation for N97 download............... Is this available for N97 yet and if so where and how do I get it?! thanks
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January 29, 2010
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eddy said:

	update firmware? I've got firmware V12.0.024 (Dutch) When I see Check for updates, it won't find anything... How can I upgrade to v20?
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January 29, 2010
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prince said:

	nokia n97 you say the navi is free maps and voice.. is that for all country's or just some?
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February 05, 2010 | url
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mbrett said:

@nokia n97 Free Nav is available for all as long as. The only true limitation of OVI Maps v3.03 with Free Nav is the phone model. It has not be released for all phone models. It has been released for the N97, but only via Software Update. You can get around this a if your handset does not show this update, but your need to be on v20 FW at least. Go to http://maps.nokia.com and select the N97 mini version and download the sisx file to your computer and then copy it to yout phone. Now select the sisx file on your phone and install it. You will now have the full power of OVI Maps 3.03 with free Navigation on your phone. YOU DO NEED TO ENSURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST 20MB FREE ON YOU C: DRIVE BEFORE YOU TRY TO INSTALL. I would advise you free up C: drive space such that you have c. 30-35MB free space prior to install to ensure you have reasonable amount of free space post install. I like to maintain >20MB free space at all times. You can now install Nokia Maps Loader on your PC and install the Maps and Voice files you require. Job Done.

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February 05, 2010
Votes: +5

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