14 DAY TRIAL // Developers enlisted with Apple's iPhone Developer Program are reporting that a second build of the iPhone OS 2.1 is on the loose. Seeded just a week after the first reported firmware 2.1 beta release, the new version includes bug fixes, a previously-existing reference to a new iPod touch model, but no turn-by-turn GPS and Copy/Paste.
Last week, various news sources were reporting 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 version (allegedly) included new Core Location features, suggesting turn-by-turn GPS as a possibility in the near future, cut and paste support, and more. Other details regarding the first beta release of firmware 2.1 included references to a "mobile radio" function. According to the reports, the feature would indicate Apple's support for native Internet radio, instead of through third-party apps.
Sadly, MacRumors is now reporting that iPhone firmware 2.1 only contains bug fixes and an implementation of the Apple Push Notification Service API. Describing the new beta release, Apple stated as follows: "This is the second beta of the iPhone SDK targeting iPhone OS 2.1, including bug fixes to iPhone OS as well as an early implementation of the Apple Push Notification Service API. This API is not yet integrated with a live push server." References to a new iPod touch also suggest that an upgraded model is due out in the coming months, according to the same source.
The iPhone maker was expected to issue a minor (2.0.1) update for iPhone / iPod touch users, fixing some camera shutter bugs, as well as some issues with the accelerometer. Seemingly, Apple has chosen to include the bug fixes in the second 2.1 firmware beta. Since the bug fixes must reach device users ASAP, it is safe to assume that iPhone / iPod touch firmware 2.1 is close to an official release.