One of the first stops I made after launching Google Maps with iPhone 2.2 was a street view visit to Apple headquarters at One Infinite Loop. The app was very fluid, making it easy to get around the street, the addition of the address on the dropped pin was a much needed improvement. Simple location sharing is now activated via email though the compass feature I saw when using T-Mobile's G1 seemed to be absent on the iPhone version of Street View. The compass allows the view to change as you move your smartphone left and right.
I downloaded three Podcasts from the iTunes Wi-Fi Store with ease, one audio podcast and two video podcasts. Both downloaded extremely fast. I can see that the Wi-Fi podcast downloads will open up a wealth of new content choices now that they're able to roll direct to iPhone. (more screenshots after the jump)
I was finally able to turn off the auto-correction in Settings/General/Keyborads which was a welcome relief. The home button snapping back to the first home screen from any open app was also a brilliant addition to this update as well. Try it, you'll love it. What about the emoji-cons? I was unable to locate how to access the rumored Emoji-cons. I'm still digging around but they do not seem to be accessible nor are they mentioned in Apple's improvements list.
Also as rumored, the addition of travel times, walking directions and transit guides are all included in Google maps. Drop a pin at the location on the map where you're heading to and Google maps will reveal the directions, drive times, walking directions, distance and transit schedules. It's actually pretty slick for city travel.
Apple has now made it possible to quickly rate an app before it's deleted in this iPhone 2.2 update. I thought the extra step was tedious but I'm sure developers will appreciate getting the info. Expect more to follow as I tool around this new update.
I am glad that apple is continuing to update the firmware, but can they get some priorities straight? Like better integration with exchange calendar invites and some copy paste. I would love to replace my blackberry with an IPhone at work, but these basics need to be provided. Sure Street view is nice, but all its going to do is help me find the soup line if I lose my job because I missed a calendar invite.
Posted by: TechyNews | November 21, 2008 at 12:38 PM