iPhone firmware update a hit

Following a number of security flaws and numerous complaints over dropped calls, Apple has released a firmware update for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Following a number of security flaws and numerous complaints over dropped calls, Apple has released a firmware update for the iPhone and iPod Touch. (Firmware is software that is already loaded onto the hardware.)

The 2.2 version update adds several new features to the devices. Users can now view the Google Street View function on the built-in Maps application, which allows users to view street level photographs.

Podcasts can now be downloaded directly to the handset through iTunes, which previously has not been allowed even through third party applications.

New patches to fix security issues are also on offer, including fixing SMS disclosure weaknesses and flaws in the device’s security of image files and web page histories. Other enhancements include improved formatting of email messages, sound quality of voicemail and increased reception quality.

The reaction to the update has been mostly positive, with many saying the phone now operates faster and with fewer complications.

Users on overclockers.com.au, Australia’s busiest technology-related forum, are happy with the upgrade. “I just installed the new firmware and web browsing seems to be a lot faster,” user “Lombot” reports.

“This is a very good evolutionary update. Apple continues to fine-tune the iPhone’s OS, giving it much better performance especially relating to how apps perform and load,” a posting on computerworld.com says.

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