I've had a few days to get familiar with the new Nokia Maps 2.0 beta, and I must say I'm impressed with the sheer amount of features and options presented over the previous version. For starters, Nokia Maps 2.0 beta is a free download available from the Nokia Beta Labs. Nokia Maps should be compatible with all S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack phones, "including N81, N81 8GB, N82, N95, N95 8GB, E90. If you are using N95, please make sure you have the latest firmware (20.0.015 or newer). You can update the firmware with Nokia Software Updater. Navigation features require either built-in GPS or external Bluetooth GPS receiver such as Nokia Bluetooth GPS Module LD-4W."

Nokia has finally put out a mapping solution that can compete with that of TomTom and other well known mapping/navigation software. I do find it a bit frustrating that you need to pay for so many services to get the full functionality out of the software, however the application itself is very impressive. 

Update: Nokia Maps 2.0 is now available to all users! You can get your free download at the Nokia Beta Labs!

Let me start off by saying Nokia Maps has just came a long way with version 2.0. The beta, which has been released to a few lucky individuals, offers significant enhancements over previous versions -including satellite and hybrid maps, improved driving interface, and improved search functions. AllAboutSymbian and SymbianGuru have already taken it for a test run, and initial feedback looks to be quite positive. Here is a quick rundown of what to expect when things go live: 

• 3 Year licenses are no longer an option -who uses anything for 3 years anyway?
• The Walk and Drive are now split up; the Drive license does however include the Walk License
• Driving interface overhaul -Transparent titles, satellite mapping, and better turn indicators
• Walk mode offers 'breadcrumbs' to help you find your way
• Traffic guides for 18 European cities, more are expected down the road
• City Guides now includes downloadable pictures and videos

Be sure to check out SymbianGuru and AllAboutSymbian for some excellent screenshots and feedback on the beta.

It's been quite a while since this was first mentioned and pretty much got overlooked with FlipSilent being released. But as promised, Samir has released the first beta of ShutUp (Even if it is a little fashionably late). Donators have exclusive access to this application currently whilst it is on Samir's forum. If you have not donated already, let me give you a few reasons why you should.

FlipSilent was released a good few weeks ago now and generally took our minds from ShutUp, thinking that Samir had lost his chance in getting this application out to us. But living up to the standards and expectations he has personally produced, he has addressed us with this; my first nominee application of the year! ShutUp has a few more minor features than FlipSilent currently has, including a sensitivity setting, though it lacks the support for alarms. But there's one thing that's caught me totally by suprise! Get this.. ShutUp also includes the fully featured support of call answering and ending with opening and closing of the slider!! (Respectively)

This is one feature I have been waiting 6 months for, since the day my N95 arrived on my doorstep. I cannot express enough how wonderful it is to have this feature back again. It's so simple yet Nokia (For one reason or another) decided to leave it out of the N95, leaving many users a bit lost. A small feature, definitely; but one that I now cherish very much. Thankyou Samir!

I very much recommend going and grabbing yourself a copy of this by donating to Samir now and gaining access to his forums. I can guarantee this is one application you will love! I have more details and pictures after the jump..

NiiMe is a brand new application, and infact the newest on the scene to take advantage of our accelerometers. Asier Arranz (A.k.a. A2J), the developer, has just released the second installment (v0.02) with some bug fixes, all for our geeky thrills. The simple mouse controlling application runs in Python via the phone and the PC to record and transfer data of movement on a 2 axis basis, which in turn gives you a 'Wii like' experience when using your computer. As you can guess, it's not amazingly accurate and would require alot of practice before it could be considered a practical form of input. A novelty? Maybe so, but we love it! :D

Downloads, instructions and a video demo all after the jump..

Just a quick update on the FlipSilent situation here. The new website is up and running, with exclusing access to the discussion boards for all donators (You will have received more info on this via Email). And more importantly, version 1.03 is availible for public download! There is now an uploaded video tutorial aswell for those who were having trouble in configuring the application. All in all, FlipSilent is becoming more popular by the day, and we're just left waiting on a release for v1.04. Donators, keep your eyes open and check your inboxes regularly ;)

Download FlipSilent v1.03 (Needs signing)