iPhone 2.0 Software Upgrade Now Officially Available... Sort Of

On the same day Apple launched the second generation iPhone it has also released a system software upgrade that will bring many of the features of the new model to the previous version of this smartphone.

In addition to an upgrade for the original iPhone, Apple has also released one for the iPod touch.

Apple iPod touch (view large image)

The most significant feature in these is the ability to run native third-party applications, but they also have a number of other enhancements:

• Support for Exchange ActiveSync, Microsoft's enterprise email system
• Support for MobileMe, Apple's service that's similar to Exchange but targeting consumers
• Ability to view iWork and Microsoft PowerPoint files that come in as attachments
• and more

iPhone users can download this upgrade through iTunes, while a link to purchase the iPod touch version for $10 can be found on Apple's website.

Installation and Activation Problems

The iPhone is currently a victim of its success. All across the world, people are buying and activating their new iPhone 3Gs, while at the same time so many users of the earlier iPhone and iPod touch are trying to download the upgrade, that Apple servers are unable to keep up with demand.

Related Articles:

• iPhone 3G: Launch Day
• Apple's iPhone App Store Launching Sooner than Expected
• User Review of iPhone/iPod touch Applications