The iPhone / iPod touch 2.0.1 software update should not be mistaken for the 2.1 build issued to developers two weeks ago. 2.0.1 is, however, out in the wild and ready to hit your iPhone / iPhone 3G / iPod touch to make your device work a tad better, and faster.

Following reports saying iPhone users were experiencing camera shutter bugs, as well as some issues with the accelerometer, Apple was expected to release a minor update to fix these problems, and other minor ones on a very short notice. While no one could confirm that the two major problems are fixed after installing the update, AppleInsider has posted some user-discovered changes in iPhone/iPod 2.0.1 which include the following:

-You can now drag an app icon across multiple pages in one motion, rather than having to drag it, drop it, pick it up again and drag it over to next page, and repeat.
-Contacts are now more responsive.
-After installing 2.0.1, each successive backup is much faster.
-Apple may have changed the calibration of the iPhone's reception "bars" while connected to a 3G network to reflect a stronger signal than before.
-Keypad loads quicker.
-Screen rotation in Safari appears to be smoother.
-Some apps may ask to be updated after the firmware upgrade.

Among the other noticeable changes are faster iTunes backing up and better keyboard typing in SMS.app, according to various sources on the web. It has also been confirmed that iPhone 2.0.1 doesn't work with the Pwnage tool yet.

Weeks ago, various reports suggested that version 2.1 (beta 1, build 5F90) of the iPhone OS, as well as a new version of the SDK, had been seeded to developers. The new one (allegedly) includes updated Core Location features, hinting at turn-by-turn GPS, cut and paste support, and more. Other details regarding the first beta release of firmware 2.1 included references to a "mobile radio" function. The feature would indicate Apple's support for native Internet radio, instead of through third-party apps, according to the same reports.

To download and install iPhone / iPod touch 2.0.1, connect your device to your computer, select it in iTunes and click on the "Check for Update" button. Prior to installing the new software, iTunes will back up your data.