Apple has released an update for the iPhone on Thursday night and the 2.2 software update is available through iTunes, being packed with lots of goodies. The 2.1 software update was released in September. Some of the highlights of the update focus on GPS and Google Maps, which now includes Google Street View, allowing a user to see a 360-degree view of locations taken with cameras mounted on Google’s cars. In addition, information on public transportation stops is included in Google Maps. Other improvements include a bug fix for scheduled e-mail fetching, improved stability and performance for the Safari Web browser, improved phone quality to reduce dropped calls and improved sound quality in visual voice mail messages. Furthermore, the iPhone can download podcasts over the air using a Wi-Fi or 3G network. iPhone users can also turn off the auto-correction on the virtual keyboard, which stops the phone from trying to guess what you’re trying to type.

On the other hand, iPhone users will have to wait for another update in order to be able to cut and paste, to send an MMS or to use their GPS turn-by-turn directions. However, the enhancements are more than useful and the downs are things that will probably be resolved soon enough. In order to update your iPhone or iPod touch to version 2.2, make sure you are using iTunes 8 and then connect your device to your computer. When iTunes opens, select your iPhone or iPod under Devices, in the Source List on the left and click “Check for update” in the Summary panel. Afterwards, click Download and Install and do not disconnect your device during the process.