The long awaited iPhone firmware version 2.2 has appeared in iTunes. You can install it now by clicking the “Check for Update” button in your iPhone Summary panel. The iPhone 2.2 update includes:

- Google Street View in Google Maps
- Public Transit and Walking directions in Google Maps
- Display the address of a place when you drop a pin
- Share your location via email
- A fix for a scheduled fetching of email bug
- Improved stability and performance of Safari
- Podcasts can be downloaded right to the iPhone over WiFi or 3G
- A decrease in call failures/dropped calls
- Improved sound quality of visual voicemail messages
- The ability to return to the main home iPhone screen with the click of the home button
- The ability to turn on and off the keyboard auto-correction feature

Also, Apple has released iTunes 8.02. The update is available in your Mac OS X software update.

iTunes 8.0.2 improves stability and performance and provides a number of important bug fixes, including:

- Addresses a quality issue creating MP3s on some computers.
- Fixes a connectivity issue with the iTunes Store when using some Internet proxies with Mac OS X.
- Improves accessibility with VoiceOver.

[Information provided via MacRumors and VentureBeat]

UPDATE: iPhone 2.2 firmware update is successful for me as of 11:03 PM PST. Pictures of the process have been posted on my Flickr account here.

written by Daniel Brusilovsky \\ tags: 2.2, Apple, Firmware, iPhone, iPhone 2.2, iPhone 3G, Update

In this episode of the Apple Universe Podcast, Michael Johnston (@michaeljohnston on Twitter), Editor in Chief of iPhoneAlley: All Things iPhone.

• QuickPwn 2.1 For Windows Released
• Trism Rakes In $250,000 In Two Months
• iCopter
• iPhone Alley Podcast

This week, Daniel reviewed the Xtand by Just Mobile. The Just Mobile Xtand holds the iPhone vertically or horizontally, and rotates 360º so that you have your choice of viewing angles. The Xtand received 4.5 out of 5 stars from Daniel.

Consumers can buy the JustMobile® Xtand™ from myGearStore and, nuCourse Distribution is the
only national distributor of the aforementioned product.

Host/Executive Producer: Daniel Brusilovsky
Associate Producer: Sean Blake

REMINDER: The 2008 PodCastAwards are up and running, so please vote for Apple Universe! Just headover to PodCastAwards.com, fill in Apple Universe Podcast and the URL (http://www.appleuniversepodcast.com) and head to the bottom of the page, and fill in your info.

Sponsors:

• Drop.io – Simple Private Sharing
• iCultur – iCultur.com is a new and exciting environment on the Internet for everyone out there who loves to “think different”
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• Skitch – The best screen capture program for the Mac!

If you would like to sponsor Apple Universe, contact the Sales team at .

Theme Music is provided by Daphna Kalfon. Apple Universe is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network and the Teen Podcasters Network.

 Apple Universe Podcast #150 - QuickPwn [18:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

written by Daniel Brusilovsky \\ tags: Apple, Apple Universe, Apple Universe Podcast, Drop.io, iCultur, iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhoneAlley, Just-Mobile, Podcast, Podcasting, Rumors, Skitch, Xtand

In this episode of the Apple Universe Podcast, Daniel talks about the latest news regarding the iPhone 3G USB Power Adapter recall, Mac OS 10.5.6, and much more!

• Apple Recalls iPhone 3G USB Power Adapter
• Over 1 Million NBC Downloads Since Return to iTunes
• Blu-ray Support in Mac OS X 10.5.6?
• Microsoft’s “I’m a PC” Ad Airs
• VMware Fusion 2.0 and Parallels 4.0 Beta

This week, Daniel reviewed the AG-225H from ZyXEL. The AG-225H received 3.5 out of 5 stars from Daniel.

REMINDER: The 2008 PodCastAwards are up and running, so please vote for Apple Universe! Just headover to PodCastAwards.com, fill in Apple Universe Podcast and the URL (http://www.appleuniversepodcast.com) and head to the bottom of the page, and fill in your info.

Sponsors:

• Drop.io – Simple Private Sharing
• iCultur – iCultur.com is a new and exciting environment on the Internet for everyone out there who loves to “think different”
• shinywhitebox – Great software for Mac. The makers of iShowU, Stomp and now Chatter!
• Skitch – The best screen capture program for the Mac!

If you would like to sponsor Apple Universe, contact the Sales team at .

Theme Music is provided by Daphna Kalfon. Apple Universe is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network and the Teen Podcasters Network.

 Apple Universe Podcast #148 - iPhone 3G USB Adapter Recall [14:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

written by Daniel Brusilovsky \\ tags: 10.5.6, Apple Universe, Apple Universe Podcast, iPhone, iPhone 3G, Mac OS X, MacRumors, Power Adapter

In this episode of the Apple Universe Podcast, Daniel talks about what got announced at the Apple Media Only “Lets Rock” event.

• iPhone 2.1 Firmware Now Available
• iPhone 2.1 Jailbroken
• PwnageTool and QuickPwn for 2.1 iPhone’s released
• iPhone app sales growing at twice the rate of iTunes music
• iTunes 8 causes Windows Vista BSOD
• Analyst trims Apple estimates, says Air seeing decreased demand
• 2nd Generation iPod Touch Does Work With Microphone
• iTunes 8: HD TV Shows, Grid View, Genius Playlists, NBC
• iPhone Dev Team Portal

This week, Daniel reviewed Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac. Parallels received 4 out of 5 starts on the Apple Universe Podcast!

Sponsors:

• shinywhitebox – Great software for Mac. The makers of iShowU, Stomp and now Chatter!
• Skitch – The best screen capture program for the Mac!

If you would like to sponsor Apple Universe, contact the Sales team at .

Theme Music is provided by Daphna Kalfon. Apple Universe is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network and the Teen Podcasters Network.

 Apple Universe Episode #146 - iPhone Software Update [20:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

written by Daniel Brusilovsky \\ tags: Apple, Apple Inc, Apple Universe, Apple Universe Podcast, iPhone, iPod, iPod Nano, iPod Touch, iTunes, Keynote, Mac, Macintosh, Rumors, Steve Jobs

Topics for Apple Universe #124:

• Apple to Provide Refunds for Notebook Power Adapters?
• Apple Developing Wiimote-Like Controller?
• Latest iPhone 2.0 Firmware Has 3G On/Off Option
• Online Apple Store is Out of iPhones
• T-Mobile Confirms 3G iPhone in Austria?
• Zune breaks 2 million sold, stealing market from Creative not Apple

Review: SnowFlake by Blue Microphone

Sponsors:

• GoToMeeting – web conferencing solution that will revolutionize how you communicate with your business associates, family and friends.
• shinywhitebox – Great software for Mac. The makers of iShowU, Stomp and now Chatter!
• Skitch – The best screen capture program for the Mac!
• Spacevidcast – The video cast that lets you know the latest in space and science news!

If you would like to sponsor Apple Universe, contact the Sales team at .

Theme Music is provided by Daphna Kalfon. Apple Universe is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network and the Teen Podcasters Network.

 Apple Universe Episode #124 - Out of iPhones?: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

written by Daniel Brusilovsky \\ tags: Apple Universe, Apple Universe Podcast, AT&T, Daniel Brusilovsky, iPhone, Mac, Macintosh, Podcasting, T-Moblie

Apple Universe brings in Michael Johnston (@michaeljohnston on Twitter), founder and editor-in-chief for iPhone Alley (@iphonealley), to discuss Macworld 2008 Media advantages and experiences, and his popular web site, iPhone Alley.

Sponsors:

• GoToMeeting – web conferencing solution that will revolutionize how you communicate with your business associates, family and friends.
• shinywhitebox – Great software for Mac. The makers of iShowU, Stomp and now Chatter!
• Skitch – The best screen capture program for the Mac!
• Spacevidcast – The video cast that lets you know the latest in space and science news!

If you would like to sponsor Apple Universe, contact the Sales team at .

Theme Music is provided by Daphna Kalfon. Apple Universe is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network and the Teen Podcasters Network.

 Apple Universe Episode #120 - iPhone Alley: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

written by Daniel Brusilovsky \\ tags: Apple Universe, iPhone, iPhone Alley, Podcast, Podcasting

Topics for Apple Universe episode #117:

• AT&T Begins Boosting 3G Networks
• Rumor: Unlocked 3G iPhone In Italy by Summer?
• More GPS Hints Found In SDK
• Apple Files For Universal IM Client Patent
• Apple offers developers weekend 10.5.3 seed
• Apple Releases Safari 3.1.1, Addresses PWN2OWN Vulnerability
• PayPal denies plan to block Safari

Additional Segment:

• Review: MXL 990 Microphone

Sponsors:

If you would like to sponsor Apple Universe, contact the Sales team at .
Theme Music is provided by Daphna Kalfon. Apple Universe is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network and the Teen Podcasters Network.

 Apple Universe Episode #117 - 3G, here we come!: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

written by Daniel Brusilovsky \\ tags: Apple Universe, iPhone, iPhone Alley, MXL 990, Podcast, Podcasting, Review

Topics for Apple Universe episode #116:

• Apple Notebooks to See Major Design Changes
• Apple Hardens QuickTime Security
• Apple Ships Final Cut Server
• Apple Seeds New iPhone OS 2.0 Beta (5A240d), SDK Update (Beta 3)
• 3G iPhone Pricing to Remain at $399, $499? Launch At WWDC?
• Pro Applications Update 2008-01
• Apple Seeds Mac OS X 10.5.3 (9d19) to Developers
• Apple hires HP’s top corporate attorney
• MacBook Air Bluetooth firmware update released

Sponsors:

• GoToMeeting – www.gotomeeting.com/techpodcasts – web conferencing solution that will revolutionize how you communicate with your business associates, family and friends.
• shinywhitebox – Great software for Mac. The makers of iShowU, Stomp and now Chatter!
• Skitch – The best screen capture program for the Mac!
• Spacevidcast – The video cast that lets you know the latest in space and science news!

If you would like to sponsor Apple Universe, contact the Sales team at .

Theme Music is provided by Daphna Kalfon. Apple Universe is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network and the Teen Podcasters Network.

 Apple Universe Episode #116 - Apple Notebooks to See Major Design Changes: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

written by Daniel Brusilovsky \\ tags: Apple, Apple Universe, iPhone, MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Podcast, Security

Apple Universe #114 Topics:

Apple announced the immediate availability of the Aperture 2.1. Apple is working with a number of 3rd party developers to bring their plug ins to Aperture. This list of 3rd party plug-ins include: Nik Software’s Viveza plug-in, PictureCode’s Noise Ninja plug-in, Digital Film Tools’ Power Stroke plug-in, The Tiffen Company’s Dfx plug-in, dvGarage’s dpMatte plug-in and HDRtoner plug-in, and Image Trends’ plug-ins: Fisheye-Hemi, ShineOff, and PearlyWhites.

Apple quietly issued a new update to the Apple TV tonight. Apple issued the first Mac OS X 10.5.3 seed (9d10) to developers yesterday. Fixes range from Dashboard, Parental Controls, iCal Synchronization, memory leaks and stability issues. All in all, 75 distinct bug fixes are listed in the accompanying seed notes.

Not content with its Inkwell technology, Apple has started a search for a handwriting recognition engineer to improve Mac OS X and, potentially, the iPhone. Also, the company has issued separate updates for AirPort Extreme on Tiger systems as well as newer Mac Pro workstations. According to the old Safari on Windows license agreement is illegal. Apple has changed the typo. iPhone Alley reports that an analyst with Bank of America predicts that the 3G iPhone will begin shipping this June.

Apple on Thursday released a new version of its iPhone software developers kit (SDK) that allows third parties to develop applications for the iPhone and iPod touch digital media player. Two reports claim to know when the iPhone will be available in Mexico and the Netherlands. An inside job at an Apple store briefly stole 332 iPhones, and a MacBook Air was first to fall in a major hacking contest. iPhone Alley reports iPhone 2.0 To Include Wireless .Mac Syncing?

What is the secret of Twitter? Robert Scoble answers. For the 58 Twitter apps, check over here.

Follow me on Twitter!

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• shinywhitebox – Great software for Mac. The makers of iShowU, Stomp and now Chatter!

If you would like to sponsor Apple Universe, contact the Sales team at .

Theme Music is provided by Daphna Kalfon. Apple Universe is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network and the Teen Podcasters Network.

 Apple Universe Episode #114 - 58 Twitter Apps [28:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

written by Daniel Brusilovsky \\ tags: Apple, Apple Universe, AppleInsider, GoToMeeting, iPhone, iPhone Alley, MacRumors, Rumors, ShinyWhiteBox

Apple Universe #113 Topics:

New HTML and CSS Features in Safari 3.1. Other features include native get ElementsByClassName and client-side database storage. With the release of Safari 3.1, Apple has started pushing Safari to Windows iTunes users. I know we have Apple Universe listeners who use Windows, so this is great new for you!

MacScoop predicts Penryn Mac mini updates in the coming weeks. Apple is also expected to refresh their iMac line with the latest Intel processors. Adobe made comments on Tuesday saying that they will be delivering a Flash client for the iPhone.

Sponsors:

• GoToMeeting – www.gotomeeting.com/techpodcasts – web conferencing solution that will revolutionize how you communicate with your business associates, family and friends.

• shinywhitebox – Great software for Mac. The makers of iShowU, Stomp and now Chatter! Check them out today!

If you would like to sponsor Apple Universe, contact the Sales team at .

Theme Music is provided by Daphna Kalfon. Apple Universe is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network and the Teen Podcasters Network.

 Apple Universe Episode #113 - Safari via Windows!: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

written by Daniel Brusilovsky \\ tags: Adobe, Apple, Apple Logo, Apple Universe, Daniel Brusilovsky, iPhone, Mac Mini, Steve Jobs