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iPhone/iPod touch update 2.2 Walkthrough

As you've probably heard by now, Apple released the much awaited 2.2 firmware update for both the iPhone and iPod touch. This new firmware brings several impressive new features.

Downloading and Installing the new Firmware
First, you'll need to get the new version of iTunes that was released last night. Next, launch iTunes, and connect your iPhone or iPod touch. Click on your device and select the "Summary" tab and then click "Update." The update will then take a few minutes to download and install.

Maps
If you've ever used the maps application before, then you know how useful it can be. Apple has added cool new features with this update, including Google's Street View service. Street View provides a full 360º view of some streets in the US (this isn't available for every street). To try it out, enter an address in the search field. When it's found, click the head icon in the bubble that appears above the pinpoint. The Maps application has a very cool transition from the 2D map to street view.



In addition to Street View, Maps also includes public transit and walking directions. When you drop a pin to remember a location, Maps can tell you which address it is near. When you drop new pins, you will also have the option to add the address as a contact (a very nice touch, literally). When you view details for a location, or pin, you can now share this location via email. When you click "Share Location," a new email will be generated with a maps.google.com link.


Read on to learn about Safari, iTunes Store, and additional notes.



Safari
Mobile Safari's UI has received a complete overhaul. When you first launch it, you'll notice the newly designed address/Google bar at the top. The bar is much smaller and gives you extra room to view web pages. The refresh/stop loading button has been moved inside the address bar, which is a nice touch.



Some smaller changes I have noticed is that Safari no longer includes the "http://" when you type in an address and hit "Go." Also, the "Go" button is unavailable when the address bar is empty. In the last update, Apple added the ability to click a YouTube video in Safari and launch the YouTube.app; however, with this update the videos simply load in a full screen window instead of launching another app. YouTube videos are treated just as .mov and .mp3 file are.

Podcast Support in iTunes Store
Since the iPhone's introduction, people have wanted to be able to download music and podcasts. Apple granted their first wish a while back, and now they've done the same with podcasts. When you launch iTunes on the iPhone, you will see a new tab at the bottom called "Podcasts." By clicking this tab, you will enter the same Podcast section that iTunes on your computer offers -- that's right, even down to the video podcasts!



Navigation is just like the regular music store: select a podcast, listen to a sample by clicking the title, and download it by clicking "free." Downloads are processed in the "Downloads" tab of iTunes. Once you download a podcast, it can be found in the iPod application under "Podcasts."

Additional Notes
Please note that some of the features, like Google Street View, don't work on the iPod touch. If you notice anything that we missed, be sure to tell us in the comments!


Many thanks to everyone who has been tipping us throughout the day!


As you've probably heard by now, Apple released the much awaited 2.2 firmware update for both the iPhone and iPod touch. This new firmware...
 

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Lynn

I have a touch iPod that needs the new upgrade in software to the 2.2 vesion. I plug it in, itunes is open, the window opens that says an upgrade is available, I click on download and it takes anywhere from 15 - 56 hours to complete. IT NEVER downloads. When I get back to the computer there is always an error message 9006, unexpected error happened. I have tried several times to upgrade. Is there a disc or some way to get the download in 2 parts? I also wrote apple 4 times and haven't heard how I can get the upgrade! I can't use some of the applications, such as Stanza, until I upgrade. Can anyone help or have an idea. IF it is because I have dial up still, then more people have been complaining about the download. Why should I pay for broadband when I am perfectly happy with what I have? I just can't get this download!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Help.

February 06 2009 at 1:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Burgundy

I think that a nice feature for a future update would be the ability to queue up songs, either to a new playlist, or just a temporary arrangement. For example, if you held down a song's name, it would turn green and a small number would appear, displaying what number in your temporary playlist it would be.

I dunno, I've just found myself waiting for a song to end so I can play another, and I think it would be convenient to just set it up as you go.

December 04 2008 at 4:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rigved

iphone gps seems to be good

similar -

The Top Important iPhone Applications at -

http://www.techreviews4u.com/?p=509

November 27 2008 at 5:21 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Scott

Hey,

I updated my ipod touch to 2.2 the other day. Very pleased with the podcast download feature. My only question is this: My favorite podcast is one that is paid by subscribing on another website. It is distributed through itunes, but I have to enter an ID and password. I can't find it throught the itunes function on the ipod touch. Am I missing something? I only see the free ones.

November 26 2008 at 9:17 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Moody

I have a factory unlocked iPhone Austria, upgraded to 2.1 a while back no problems. Just upgraded to 2.2 and I get "No Service" message at the top left where the provider should be. The network is good as I have another phone on same network. What can I do?

Help me, Please.

November 26 2008 at 5:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jashe1

An "update all" button was added to the updates page of the app store. This was there in 2.0 but was taken away in 2.1 because it didn't work well. Now it works fine. Also, when you update apps, the update begins in the same position as the old version. Doesn't do that silly double-instance thing anymore. Also, performing other tasks while updating apps seems to work much better.

November 25 2008 at 5:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ertjies

There is a new iPod Controls option under the Home Button Settings screen. When activated and Passcode Lock is enabled, you can control your iPod app by double clicking the home button without unlocking your iPhone. Cool if you want people to change songs but not access anything else on your iPhone.

November 24 2008 at 8:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to ertjies's comment
jashe1

I don't know about the iPhone, but that functionality has always been present in the iPod Touch.

November 25 2008 at 5:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tobi

is it just me, or has the phone become really slow with 2.2

takes forever to open the sms screen

doesn't display the WiFi for very long (does it lose the WiFi ?)

one of the apps no longer runs

November 24 2008 at 1:09 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nick

Okay so i FINALLY after 2 hours updated my ipod to 2.2 and theres some things you forgot about. Now the problem with wpa and wpa2 not connecting to the internet is finally resolved!!! When you go into the app store on your ipod and select a category you can also change between top paid, top free, and release date. And next to each category there is a picture along with it, Plus the internet is alot faster. These are some of the smaller updates that i noticed and you forgot or just didn't choose to put in.

November 24 2008 at 1:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Scott

The one feature that I can't believe the iPhone can't do is simple SMS forwarding. If I recieve a text message, I can't forward it on. Every crappy Nokia I have had has that basic SMS function.

November 24 2008 at 12:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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