Nokia N8 Delight v6.4 custom firmware (CFW) released

Published by Steve Litchfield at 9:20 UTC, January 17th 2014

We're now firmly into 2014, Nokia is never going to issue another firmware for devices like the classic N8 - and probably never even another SW_update patch. So there's nothing to lose and everything to gain by experimenting with custom firmware. This is the first time my much beloved N8 has veered off the 'stock Nokia' trail, but it's already enjoying the extra space and extra speed of a great CFW.

As usual with custom firmwares, there are a few caveats that we have to get through:

if it all goes pearshaped (unlikely, but....) then don't blame us
if this is your first time flashing custom firmware and you don't really know what you're doing then allow an hour or two to take it slow and learn as you go
if this is your device's first brush with Delight CFW then you'll have to 'refurbish' its firmware (rather than 'update'), meaning that the device will be wiped - a perfect time to test your backup regime and to make sure you have all your passwords, themes and installers to hand?
if, after reading the first three caveats, you're having doubts then maybe custom firmware isn't for you!

The benefits of Delight custom firmware are obvious though - more system disk space (a lot more), more free RAM, less bloat generally, all patches and updates already in place, the ability to install even 'unsigned' applications (especially important now that the main Nokia Store is frozen), plus more customisable UI components than you could ever imagine. All laid out and ready to roll with one update, one download.

Now, a chatty tutorial on flashing your first custom firmware is still on my to-do list, but in the meantime, Eric's official tutorial is still the best place to start.

Delight CFW 6.4's changelog (over v6.3, reported here as part of a sweep of Delight updates - see the story for the full list of benefits of this firmware series) is quoted as:

Space: 158mb free on C:

Ram: 130mb

Mods:
- increased maximum MMS size
- profile symbols

- EvenFaster patch for ROMPatcher
- X-Plore more rights mod
- new Applauncher widget mif
- new operator widget mif

Added:
- SMS Themer app (Delight exclusive)
- added Transbelle Lighthouse Theme (z:/)
- added Unit converter app from s60v5
- added GPS Info app from s60v5

Fixes:
- updated menumatrix to show Unit converter in Organiser / GPS Info in Navigation
- Updated to latest MiniCMD version
- removed some double files, entries and unneeded folders
- moved a lot of folders and files to rofs1
- fixed SMS bug of Delight App skin location changer
- fixed semi-transparent favourite contacts widget
- deleted Weather widget and all resources
- Email widget Delight style font white
- Note widget Delight style font white

Once you've read through the tutorial and have the right version of Phoenix installed, you'll want to grab the firmware and any other needed language resource files here.

One big tip: as with any Windows-based system, every time you plug in a device like a smartphone (especially in a new 'mode' or into a new USB port) there are a bevy of 'Installing drivers...' prompts from the OS. Just be patient and let them install - even if it takes 10 minutes or more. And, if Phoenix gets fed up and seems to have timed out or got confused, just close it all down and start/plug in again - this time most of the Windows drivers will be in place and so things will go more smoothly.

After flashing is complete, ignore any scary errors from Phoenix (these don't always appear, but....) and just unplug your N8 and wait. There are some post-install configurations that the Delight CFW system needs to put in place, you'll see half a dozen 'phases' pop up on screen, taking about two minutes in all.

Post-flashing phases

Once these 'phases' are done, a final reboot and then you're in business, up and running with Delight. Time to start adding in accounts, applications and passwords, and so on. Have fun!

Delight fully in place!