PR1.1 has been released early this week, but for Singapore variant phones, to date there is still no OTA available for users to upgrade.
So for someone who likes to have the latest version on his gadget whenever possible (yours truly), through the net, I have downloaded the flasher and Navifirm applications and download the firmware directly from the Nokia's server. After which I will flash the firmware manually into the phone.
What has been changed in PR1.1, based on the news I have gathered here are the info captured:
New Features
1. Music controls on lock screen (as well as the ability to see the signal bar/battery strength etc)
2. Photo and video shooting with color filters: black & white, sepia, vivid, negative, solarise.
3. Swype (not to be confused for Swipe).
4. Close apps easily by swiping down turned on by default.
5. Faster MfE synch, synchronizing only active folders
6. Noise cancellation reduces background noise so that your friends hear you better.
7. New indicators for standby screen like charging and calendar etc.
8. You can now upload pictures to Twitter directly through the 'sharing' function.
9. Switching between VKB has changed. Previously you could swipe from the middle to change but now its from the side.
10. Better/smoother scrolling. E.g. In the contacts list.
11. Better multi-tasking. Native apps especially open much faster. App Store loads and operates much more smoothly.
12. New way to set default avatars (Settings->Applications->Contacts)
13. Gallery - New presentation of how pictures are displayed. You can now scroll using date ranges.
14. Bluetooth now has a on/off button on the pull down bar by default. Previously you had to enable this view in settings.
Fixed Bugs
1. It is easier to bring up the VKB when typing a SMS. Previously you would have to hit the typing area multiple times.
One of the more welcoming features is the inclusion of Chinese test input, and also the famed Swype keyboard. As compared to the Nokia's keyboard, Swype's layout looks much more familar to those who are used to smartphone keyboards from other platforms.
Over the last 2 days I have noticed a improvements in the smoothness of the UI, seems snappier. Updated native Facebook and Twitter clients is now draws feeds faster instead of waiting forever.
However, still disappointed that folder organisation for app menu is still not included in this build but I hope PR1.2 will include it.
One thing to note that while I'm not sure about OTA updates, flashing the firmware the way I do (without clearing data partition) will remove all your installed apps and everything will revert to default settings. No big deal if you have done backup earlier on.
