Filed under: Software Update, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
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.
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.Gallery: Maps.app in iPhone 2.2
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!
Gallery: Safari.app in iPhone 2.2
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! Gallery: iTunes.app in iPhone 2.2
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!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
Damien K. said 4:35PM on 11-21-2008
I have found one extremely annoying change to the 2.2 upgrade. Previously, on 2.1, if I had told the iPhone that when the screen is locked not to display the SMS Preview, all it would say was New Text Message. Now, however, they've changed it. It shows the person's name, and then underneath it "New Text Message". This is an awful change. The whole point was so that in the case that my phone is hanging around or someone is holding it, they won't know who the text is from or what it says. This totally defeats the purpose because I don't want people reading the text OR knowing who it's from at all...
Reply
Lazerous said 4:41PM on 11-21-2008
You shady motherf**ker!
brandon said 5:00PM on 11-21-2008
maybe im missing something but where is this option?
Damien K. said 5:12PM on 11-21-2008
In settings > general > passcode lock > show sms preview
Squid7085 said 5:16PM on 11-21-2008
"Hey, wasn't she your ex? Why are you texting your ex while on a date with me?" Yes I can see how that is a problem.
Hawkman said 6:04PM on 11-21-2008
Actually, that behaviour only came in with 2.1, or just possibly 2.0. Prior to this, it always displayed the name, and just not the content. I welcome this return to the original behaviour, if true. Only the content is private to me.
Jash Sayani said 10:45AM on 11-22-2008
@ Squid7085
Exactly... You see how Apple screws the whole setup.....
No Privacy...
sepirioth said 2:13PM on 11-22-2008
Imagenary gf #1 has already found out about imagenary gf #4!!! Apple screwed me!
Justin C said 6:06PM on 11-22-2008
Did anyone notice the ability to "update all" apps in the app store, or has that always been the case, and I've just been oblivious this whole time? Lol
Damien K. said 6:20PM on 11-22-2008
That feature was available in 2.0, then removed in 2.1 and now back! But hey, very nice to see it back. it was the stupidest thing to remove.
eric said 4:38PM on 11-21-2008
You guys missed one nice addition. If you are parked on any of the home pages and you single click the home page it shuffles to the first page. I think that's a new one.
My personal request for the next version is a way to disable the display orientation when you turn your iphone onits side. It would make it easier to use when lying on a sofa or a bed.
best,
eric
Reply
Damien K. said 5:18PM on 11-21-2008
Yes! That would be the perfect feature! any time
I'm lying in bed or on the sofa I think to myself why don't the add that!
jeffehobbs said 5:28PM on 11-21-2008
I got around this by turning my couch on its end.
who? said 6:09PM on 11-21-2008
Also, the 2nd generation iPod Touch supports wireless remotes through Nike+ (AKA without a dongle).
adam said 9:14PM on 11-21-2008
easy way to use iPhone while lying on your side in bed is to make sure the bottom of the phone is up. The phone only orientsthe screen 3 ways
whoelse said 1:39PM on 11-22-2008
Hey man I'm with you on that one! It can get very annoying when it does that when you dont want it to.
Matt said 4:41PM on 11-21-2008
One thing to note. It's not a sample that is played when you select the podcast in iTunes. It plays the ENTIRE podcast. There's actually no need to download it if you don't want to!
Reply
wplate said 4:42PM on 11-21-2008
Can I download directly to my phone new episodes of podcasts I'm already subscribed to?
Reply
Beanie said 4:50PM on 11-21-2008
Yes, actually. After you do the update.. whenever you go to a particular podcast, there is a "Get More Episodes.." button underneath all the current episodes you already have. Pretty sweet :)
wplate said 5:14PM on 11-21-2008
But not automatically? In my mind the point of the podcasts in iTunes is that they automatically download. I want the same thing on my phone. Does it work that way?