Nokia 6708 Firmware Update

Nokia 6708 is the only Nokia phone with Symbian UIQ platform. It has pen based touch screen with English and Chinese character recognition. Some claim this is a redesign of BENQ P31, but so far no official statement from Nokia about that claim. Since UIQ is now co-owned by SonyEricsson and Motorola, I think there will be no more UIQ phone come from Nokia in the future. Instead, Nokia likely to strengthen it's popular symbian based platform, S60 series.

Nokia 6708 come with two series firmware : APAC and PRC. APAC series firmware targeted on Asia Pasific user while PRC more focus on China (and Chinese-based country) use. The latest version of APAC firmware is 3.3.3 while PRC firmware version at 1.7.0. There's no significant different on these two firmwares as they're provide almost the same application and performances. But one important menu is not available on PRC version is fax messaging support. To check your Nokia 6708 (and most Nokia phones) firmware version, type #*0000# then OK(YES). If you found your 6708 has prior version of firmware, it's highly recommended for you to upgrade, as it will update some bug also increase your phone stability.

Upgrade Nokia 6708 is easy as you need only a common mini USB cable and a PC (and of course the Nokia 6708 itself). The hardest thing to find is the firmware file and flashing software. But with some small effort and thanks to google search, you can easily find it out with keyword "N6708_SW_PRC_ V1.7.0", "Nokia6708_ServiceTool_V1[1].8_setup.exe", "N6708 APAC V3.3.0".

Once you get these file, save on local hard drive. Install the required service tool. There's complete step by step instruction included in the service tool package. Before flashing, make sure you have backup all the data, fully charged your battery, remove the memory card from the slot. Phonebooks and SMS will be erased while some other application setting might remain. If you have any registered application installed, do forget to write down all the registration information, so you can reinstall it.

Fyi, this tools actually is not a shareware or even freeware. This application solely property of Nokia Care Center. But since it has been shared across the internet, and can be easily to use, I think it's fine if you want to try it yourself. One wise word from me, use on your own responsibility.