By AppleInsider Staff

Published: 08:00 AM EST

Apple early Friday morning released iPhone 2.2 Software Update, which delivers a number of improvements and adds Google Street View, public transit and walking directions, and more. A similar update is available for iPod touch users without the new Maps enhancements.

New Features

The update includes all of the features that were outlined in recent weeks, including Emoji icons for Japanese users. Apple has published a page on its website dedicated to the release, and specifically highlights the following enhancements:

• Enhancements to Maps


• Google Street View: Street View takes you on a virtual walking tour: Navigate street-level photographs of places you've located in Maps.


• Public transit and walking directions: Get walking directions, find public transit schedules, check fares, and estimate your travel time.
  


• Display address of dropped pins


• Share location via email: Tap the Share Location button to send an email that includes a Google Maps URL.


• Decrease in call setup failures and dropped calls


• Enhancements to Mail


• Resolved isolated issues with scheduled fetching of email


• Improved formatting of wide HTML email


• Podcasts are now available for download in iTunes application (over Wi-Fi and cellular network): Get access to millions of free podcasts on the iTunes Store via Wi-Fi or your cellular network.


• Improved stability and performance of Safari: A new search-friendly user interface, better performance, and more stability make Safari even easier to use.


• Improved sound quality of Visual Voicemail messages


• Home screen shortcut: pressing Home button from any Home screen displays the first Home screen.


• Preference to turn on/off auto-correction in Keyboard Settings

iPod touch Software v2.2

Apple has also released a similar update for iPod touch users, however the accounting principles adopted by the company require that it charge for 'new feature' additions to the digital media player. As such, the iPod touch version of the software does not include the Google Maps enhancements and there's no word on when or how Apple plans to ultimately deliver those features.



Upgrading

To update your iPhone or iPod touch to version 2.2, make sure you are using iTunes 8 and then connect your iPhone or iPod to your computer. When iTunes opens, select your iPhone or iPod under Devices in the Source List on the left.



In the Summary pane, click "Check for Update." Click Download and Install. Do not disconnect your device until the update has finished.