This isn’t the first time the N97 mini has been treated to the limited edition way of life, though. In fact, if we were going off limited edition versions, the N97 mini would be a pretty big hit. Of course, it still has that whole “N97″ moniker, which we’re sure is bringing some people down all over the world. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a better phone than its big brother, but still, sometimes those shadows extend pretty far.

Unfortunately, from what we can tell, there’s not much changed on this version of the mini. Yes, there is a laser-etched symbol on the back of the phone, and it does have a great gun metal finish to it, but we’re thinking that’s not enough. After all, the RAOUL version was pretty intense. There’s a few goodies in the box, though. Like some Team Oakley stuff. Other than that, not much. But, if you’re a fan of Oakley (or Nokia), and want a phone that stands out above the rest, then this is a great way to make that happen. Start scouring those online auction sites, ladies and gentlemen, these are bound to go quick.

[via WRG]

The concept for Space Impact: Meteor Shield is a simple arcade affair – you’re planet Earth’s last hope, and are tasked with taking the controls of a gun turret to protect the world from incoming showers of meteors and alien hordes. Holding the device upright, with the screen parallel to the ground, you control the turret by rotating the phone on its vertical axis, as if you were sat in the hot seat spinning on the spot – never before has the digital compass sensor been used in a game, so it’s great to see it find an effective and suitable home here. As you spin around you get bombarded by incoming attackers that you’re able to fend off by tapping the touchscreen to shoot.

[via Nokia / zomgitscj]

The new Nokia N97 software update 2.0 is available immediately through the PC on the Nokia Software Update website (http://www.nokia.com/softwareupdate), and will be followed by a wide range of country and operator versions over the coming weeks as well as possibility to do the update over-the-air.

“In September, 2009, we exceeded 2 million Nokia N97 devices sold, and now introduce the Nokia N97 mini, underscoring the success of the design. We have also listened to consumer feedback about the performance of the device. The Nokia N97 software update 2.0 is a way for us to optimize the device and add new features and functions,” said Jose-Luis Martinez, Vice President, Nokia Nseries. “We are also excited about the early feedback that we have received on the Nokia N97 mini, which carries a very similar feature set to the original Nokia N97 and comes in a pocket-friendly size for those out and about.”

Among the new experiences available with the free 2.0 software update are:

• ‘flip scrolling’ has been added in the entire user interface, making scrolling in all views very smooth
• shortcuts to personalized homescreen
• Ovi Maps 3.1 with 3-D maps
• Nokia e-mail (Nokia Messaging)
• Ovi Contacts
• Ovi Store

Check out the N97 mini hands on video below:

[via slashgear]

The lifecasting with Ovi is in partnership with Facebook, allows you to publish your location and status updates directly to your account from the home screen of a mobile device. The Nokia N97 mini is expected to begin shipping in October 2009 for an estimated retail price of EUR 450 before taxes and subsidies.

Nokia N97 Mini specification

• WCDMA 900/1900/2100 (HSDPA), EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• User Interface: S60 5th Edition
• Dimensions: 113 x 52.5 x 14.2 mm
• Weight: 138 g
• Display: 3.2 inch TFT with up to 16 million colors, nHD 16:9 widescreen (640×360 pixels)
• 8GB internal memory
• microSD card slot
• 5 megapixel camera, Carl Zeiss Optics, dual LED flash
• Bluetooth, WiFi
• GPS
• TV-Out
• 3.5 mm headphone jack

[via slashgear]

mobile-review has also got the chance to review the Nokia N97 Mini prototype, stating a price difference of 100 euro compare to Nokia N97. Check out the review via the link for more live photos.

How are they different? Imagine someone armed himself with a hacksaw chopped around a centimeter off the original N97 – exactly the area occupied by the navigation key. The shortened lip gave this modification it’s current codename – “mini”. Same N97 on all fronts, but a bit smaller than the original. I’m curious what name they’ll use for the Nokia 5800i (with it being identical to the good old 5800, yet without WiFi connectivity); I suppose it’d make a lot of sense to call it “mini” as well, rather than waste a new index on a variation of the 5800.