New updates are heading towards Symbian mobile phone users, in the form of fresh versions for the Nokia's Ovi Contacts and Ovi Maps 3.0 applications. Ovi Contacts, which was previously known around the world as Nokia Chat, now features support for S60 5th Edition handsets, while Ovi Maps 3.0, up until now in beta, has seen the Gold version, it seems.

Users that own a Nokia N97 or 5800 XpressMusic are now able to enjoy Ovi Contacts on their devices, Nokia Beta Labs announces. The application, as many of you might already know, comes with a proprietary instant messaging system that has been integrated with the contact list. The addition of support for S60 5th Edition phones shows that the developers are considering expanding the range of supported handsets, which can only be great for users.

Those who have already used Nokia Chat will find out that the new Ovi Contacts mobile application is a rather familiar solution. Some of the features that the software comes with include Presence (users can allow friends to know when they are available, busy or on the phone, while also being able to check on friends' availability), Enhanced presence (share or hide favorite places with friends), and Chat (including support for emotions and location sharing options). The application is available in different versions for S60 5th edition, 3rd Edition (all Feature Packs), Series 40, and Maemo.

Another update that has seen the light from Nokia Beta Labs is aimed at Ovi Maps 3.0, which has just been pulled out of beta. Some of the new features that are available with the application include traffic reports for North America, along with interface improvements and bug fixes. Those willing to upgrade to the new version will need a PC and the Nokia Maps Updater installed on it.

More details on the new version of Ovi Contacts can be found here. The fresh version of Ovi Maps 3.0 can be downloaded via the Nokia Maps Updater, available on Softpedia via this link.