Surprisingly, Apple did not only have a new version of iTunes on offer last night, but a new version of the iPhone OS as well. The much-anticipated 2.2 firmware is now available through iTunes, for both iPhone and iPod touch users worldwide.

First off, iPhone and iPod touch users should note that iTunes 8 is required to perform the update. iPod touch owners running a firmware version lower than 2.0 will need to pay a small fee for the update. All this being said, iPhone OS 2.2 brings the following:

Enhancements to Maps

- Google Street View (not available with iPod touch, according to one report);

- public transit and walking diretions;

- display address of dropped pins;

- share location via email.

Enhancements to Mail

- resolved isolated issues with scheduled fetching of email;

- improved formatting of wide HTML email.

Apple has also improved stability and performance of Safari with the latest iPhone OS release, while podcasts are now available for download in iTunes application (over Wi-Fi and cellular).

Decrease in call set-up failures and call drops, improved sound quality of visual voicemail messages, and preferences to turn on/off auto-correction in Keyboard settings have also been included in the new firmware version. Lastly, Apple has added a new feature that enables users to press the Home button from any Home screen, and go to the first Home screen.

According to a report over at MacRumors, the update pretty much delivers all of the rumored OS 2.2 features, while new findings include: App Store links in Mobile Safari correctly link directly to the App Store; Street view does not appear to be in the iPod Touch; Netshare still works, according to one user.

To install the new version of the software, connect your iPhone to your computer that has iTunes 8 installed on it (iTunes 8 can be acquired here). When iTunes opens, select your iPhone under Devices in the Source List on the left. In the iPhone Summary pane, click Check for Update. Click Download and Install. Do not disconnect your iPhone until the update has finished.