iPhone 2.1 update is finally available for download. It's a hefty 238 MB file that requires the iTunes 8 update to be installed first. The 2.1 update promises several key bug fixes and improvements including a decrease in dropped calls, improved battery life, reduced time backing up to iTunes, improvements fetching emails from POP and EXCHANGE accounts, improved text messaging, hangs and crashes with 3rd party apps, improved 3G signal strength display and genius playlist creation.
After downloading iTunes 8 and the new 2.1 software, I had trouble performing the update. After my iPhone was backed up in another lengthy session I hit the update button in my iPhone's summary page. I received an error message; "The iPhone software update server could not be connected". Rather than wasting time in frustration, I restarted my iMac. After restarting, iTunes 8 synced with my iPhone indicating that 2.1 update was ready to be installed. The update installed without a hitch. Try restarting your PC if you run into snags.
After the update was complete, I did notice that my bars were at full in my home location which prior were barely registering. Backing up my iPhone post 2.1 did function much quicker. Contacts seemed to have more zip in loading as did other apps. In order to use the "Genius" playlist function on your iPhone you'll need to activate Genius in iTunes 8 first, then sync your iPhone and you're ready to create Genius playlists on the fly. Resyncing iPhone after updating is the key. You'll see the Genius tag and icon in Playlists when you launch iPod.
Apple has posted a detailed "software update" page for 2.1 that is very helpful especially if you're new to the iPhone update process or a total Apple newbie. Not there's anything wrong with that. Comment and let us know how your update goes.
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