Just hours ago, Apple released the highly-anticipated iPhone 2.2 software update, which includes Google Street View, public transit and walking directions, and more. Apple has missed out on some of the features requested by longtime iPhone users, but details the new additions on its website.

First of all, let's see what the update brings...

Enhancements to Maps include Google Street View, with a mention from Apple saying that some features, applications, and services are not available in all areas. Users are advised to check with their carriers for more details. Public transit and walking directions, display address of dropped pins, and share location via email are just more enhancements to Maps.

Call setup failures and dropped calls should decrease after installing the new software, according to Apple. Enhancements to Mail include resolved isolated issues with the scheduled fetching of email, and improved formatting of wide HTML emails.

Podcasts are now available for download in iTunes application (over Wi-Fi and cellular network). Improved stability and performance of Safari, better sound quality of Visual Voicemail messages, and preference to turn on/off auto-correction in Keyboard Settings round up the list of new additions. One last attribute is the Home Screen Shortcut.

Apple provides a rather sketchy set of details on the features, but does confirm that Street View takes users on a virtual walking tour. They are able to navigate street-level photographs of places they've located in Maps, while Public Transit and Walking Directions allows them to get walking directions, find public transit schedules, check fares, and estimate their travel time. Share Location lets users tap the Share Location button to send an email that includes a Google Maps URL.

Podcasts (a topic more widely-disclosed by Apple) can be accessed by the millions. They are free to download via the iTunes Store, via Wi-Fi or your cellular network, directly to one's iPhone or iPod touch.

While the desktop version of Safari is still giving users some serious headaches, the iPhone version of the browser now has a more search-friendly user interface, while performance and stability have been improved to “make Safari even easier to use,” according to Apple.

Lastly, the Home Screen Shortcut lets users take a shortcut from any Home screen back to their first Home screen, by pressing the Home button. What other new features have you found in the new iPhone OS?