The New York Times has released its very own application, offering "a new way to take your news with you on the iPhone and iPod touch." The NYTimes iPhone application allows you to enjoy the high-quality journalism of The New York Times on your iPhone, anywhere.

The application is "specifically designed to utilize the features and navigation of the iPhone," such as its ability to use Google Maps and the touchscreen. The application syncs and downloads the latest news directly to your handset. You don't necessarily have to own the new 3G model - the New York Times claims its app works just as well on the original iPhone model, as well as the iPod touch.

However, users need to upgrade to iPhone OS 2.0 in order to access the App Store and download the NYTimes iPhone / iPod touch application.

Note: iPod touch users are required to pay a $9.99 upgrade fee for software 2.0.

Some of the benefits of using the free app include:

- Offline reading - access The Times' sections and articles to read on and offline;
- Simple navigation - view pictures and articles quickly;
- Photo view - browse the news in pictures and link to the related articles;
- Customization options - select four favorite sections of The Times for one-touch access.

The NYTimes iPhone application can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and installed on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Using it at any time and any place is also free. It syncs via Wi-Fi or cellular network, and downloads the latest news directly to your device. The NYTimes iPhone application also has offline reading capabilities, as well as photo display, landscape view, and personalization options.

But even though the NYTimes iPhone app is free, interested parties should note that, in the absence of a Wi-Fi connection, the app will automatically switch to your iPhone's cellular network connection to access and download content. You will have to check with your carrier to see whether you will be charged for usage. Pay extra attention to these aspects when traveling, the New York Times advises.