Apple Launches IPhone 2.0.2 Update

Apple released iPhone version 2.0.2 update via iTunes Monday evening. The 242MB update contains various bug fixes, according to Apple’s installation note. The update supercedes all previous versions of iPhone software.

There’s no word yet if the update contains any additional features. In addition, Apple also unveiled the iPod touch 2.0.1, most likely containing similar bug fixes. As with all previous versions of the iPhone and iPod touch operating systems, the update is available through iTunes.

Early this morning, Apple released iTunes version 7.7 for both Mac and Windows. The software itself—as a media-playing jukebox—didn’t really get many new changes, mostly because the purpose of the update is to offer support for MobileMe (the reincarnation of .Mac), the iPhone/iPod touch App Store, and iPhone 2.0 firmware.

If you’re an iPhone user or plan to become one soon, this update to iTunes will ensure that you’re able to get all the software you need and perform all the tasks necessary in order to be up-to-date.As part of the iTunes 7.7 update, Apple is giving out a free application (iTunes link) for iPhone and iPod touch users that let you control your iTunes library directly from your device, anywhere in your home.

As for MobileMe, the old ‘n busted .Mac went dark in the wee hours of the morning in order for the changeover to take place, exactly as anticipated. There is now a new software update for MobileMe users that will add OS integration into a number of MobileMe services, including an updated preference pane for sync preferences and iDisk access.

A standalone installer doesn’t appear to be available as of yet for new users, but when it is, it will be available for both Mac and Windows. Along with the software update for existing users comes a minor update for the Apple TV as well, which gives the device MobileMe support and allows for you to use your remote iPhone app to control what’s on the screen.

Apple plans to release the final iPhone 2.0 software, including the iPhone SDK and new enterprise features, as a free software update for all iPhone customers by the end of June. Third party applications created for the iPhone will also run on the iPod touch, and iPod touch users will be required to purchase a software update to run these applications.

Corporate users aren?t the only one who can benefit from instantaneous syncing of contacts, calendars, and mail. The iPhone 2.0 update also brings support for Apple?s new MobileMe suite of Internet services, which also officially launches today, replacing the existing .Mac service. Using MobileMe, iPhone and iPod touch users can sync data on their handheld devices with that on their Mac or PC, without having to connect the devices to their computer.

Perhaps its biggest new feature, iPhone 2.0 also adds support for third-party applications created with the iPhone Software Development kit first announced last March. Applications are available through the new App Store, which is accessible both through the iTunes Store on desktop computers and through a new application on the iPhone?s Home screen. Users can browse the store and purchase applications on handheld devices and have them automatically installed, or buy programs on the desktop and have them synced to the device via iTunes.

One more thing: if you’re in IT and your company actually supports iPhones, Apple released a configuration utility version 1.0 for both Mac and Windows this morning as well. According to Apple, the utility will allow you to create, sign, and distribute configuration profiles for your enterprise iPhones, which will contain stuff like VPN information, WiFi settings, APN settings, Exchange info, and security certificates.

This, of course, will be of much more use once the new iPhones and iPhone 2.0 firmware are globally distributed to the masses, but it’s always good to be prepared.

In order to distribute these new third-party applications, Apple created the iTunes App Store. Unfortunately, this will be the only way that customers will be able to get new iPhone applications.

While many had seen this past week’s event as an “iPhone SDK” event, in reality, Apple described the massive changes it is supplying in the iPhone 2.0 software update. And the first of these changes regards enterprise support. Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, presented this portion of the discussion.

The affable Schiller explained that Apple has gotten a lot of requests from businesses interested in the iPhone. Unfortunately, to date, the iPhone has been woefully inadequate for this purpose. Ultimately, the success of the iPhone hinges on business support: You can only go so far in this market selling only to individuals.

If you prefer, you can turn off all push features for both synchronized information and third-party applications in the Fetch New Data section of the iPhone?s Settings; you can also specify how frequently the iPhone retrieves data for services that don?t support push. The less often you fetch data, the better your phone?s battery life, since the network isn?t as active. You can also specify individual retrieval settings for different accounts.

ExpoTV went to the 5th Avenue Apple Store in Manhattan on July 11 - to talk to people waiting to buy the brand new iPhone 3G. Watch this video to hear iPhone enthusiasts talk about the features they’re most excited to see!

Not one solitary person managed to buy a phone the entire time. An Apple store rep eventually came out with a glum look on her face and said that they “are having technical difficulties”.

This is the brand new firmware released by apple today. Check out the video for more details. This firmware was released during the Steve Jobs keynote at MacWorld ‘08.

Using that location information, the iPhone’s Maps application has added an entirely new feature: tracking. When you press the locate button, Maps will continue to track your location until you press the button again. That means that, as you move, the map will update periodically with your new position. This feature works best with the iPhone 3G’s GPS capabilities, which provide virtually real-time location info. But you can also use it with Wi-Fi or cell tower location?the results will just be less precise and update less frequently.