Apple released the long-awaited 2.2 update to its iPhone software Friday, with Google getting a front row seat.
The downloadable update includes a variety of new features, including the ability to download podcasts using the cellular network, information about public transportation, walking directions, improvements to Safari and a feature that displays addresses.
Google was a big beneficiary with an improvement to Google Maps. Apple’s 3G phone can now display street views. “I’ve found it handy for getting an idea of what to look for when going somewhere new,” said Joe Hughes, a Google mobile maps software engineer, on a company blog. “It’s also a great way to get your bearings when you pop out of the subway station.”
Google Maps takes street view to the iPhone
He said Google Maps has schedules of transportation systems in more than 100 cities worldwide, including New York, Tokyo and Perth. It also provides walking directions.
A final feature of Google Maps for iPhone lets someone e-mail their address to friends – an easy way to coordinate meeting up.
