Nokia has quietly released a major firmware update for the American version of its N96 smartphone, IntoMobile reports. Normally we don't report on firmware revisions for specific handsets. But this is a big one, improving everything from overall stability and responsiveness to the camera's image quality, Bluetooth compatibility, and the handset's auto-lock feature.

In addition, the latest N96 firmware update adds compatibility with Nokia's Mail on Ovi service, which lets owners sign up for new e-mail accounts directly from their devices. The revision also addresses a long list of specific bug fixes. The new N96 firmware update is now available via the Windows-based Nokia Software Updater.