Joy unbounded. It seems that the mythical, legendary, v22 firmware for the Vodafone-locked Nokia N97 has just become available. A mere eight months after SIM-free N97 classics received the update. If ever there was an example of why you should buy SIM-free smartphones where possible then this is it - network variants have to be approved by the network in question and it can take.... ages. Anyway, as shown in the screenshot below, my Vodafone-locked N97 has now been upgraded to v22, so frustrated 'classic' users everywhere can at last relax.

Just for completeness, v22 firmware for the N97 included:

• Maps 3.3 with free Navigation built-in (though v3.6 from Nokia Beta Labs is a whole lot better if you can spare 10MB of C: space)
• Nokia Messaging stub built-in - AVOID AT ALL COSTS if you value your C: space over the next few months!
• Default screen brightness raised to 75%
• Default theme now the jet black 'Nseries 2'
• RAM optimisations
• Miscellaneous bug fixes

And while I'm here, I notice that Nokia's firmware clearing houses have, generally, been publishing firmware updates busily this week. Why not kick off Device manager (*#0000#) or Sw_update or start Nokia Software Update and check your phone? You might be surprised...

Steve Litchfield