iPod Touch OS 2.0 - What You Get for the $10

On its iPod + iTunes page, Apple outlines the benefits of updating your iPod touch software to version 2.0. This time around, with all the iPhone 3G frenzy, iPod touch users have kind of been left out in the cold (in the news). So, we thought we'd post some of the highlights for the iPod touch 2.0 update.

The first thing Apple mentions, when it comes to the 2.0 update, is the App Store. As most of you probably already know, the iTunes App Store is the most lovable place from where you can get third party apps and games for your iTouch, many of which are free to download, install and enjoy using. Here's Apple's description of this exciting new service for iPod touch users:

Shop for applications on the App Store, download them directly to your iPod touch, and install them right away. Or shop the App Store on your computer for applications you can sync to your iPod touch. With so many different applications to choose from, the App Store lets you customize iPod touch any way you want.

The rest of the features Apple discloses as included in the 2.0 update for iPod touch are dubbed "other," proving Apple doesn't reckon touch users are jumping up and down about Push Email with Microsoft ActiveSync, Keyboard Language and Keyboard Support, Contacts Search, the Scientific Calculator, the new Mail Attachment Viewing and Management Features, and more. Nevertheless, as an iPod touch owner, you get to use these features to the same extent as iPhone and iPhone 3G owners do (seemingly, you're not expected to). Google Maps, Mail, Weather, Web Clips, a customizable Home screen and more features added in the January '08 update are also included in the $9.95 iPod touch 2.0 update.

But why does Apple charge for the 2.0 update for iPod touch? Well, according to Steve Jobs, speaking at Apple's March 6 event in Cupertino this year, the company believes folks are mostly out for the iPhone. Apple isn't wrong, having sold 1 million 3G handsets in under three days since launch. iPod touch users are also important to the company, but since Apple hasn't released a new-gen touch, folks are sticking with their old devices, not bringing Apple too many profits on the iPod touch front - not that it wouldn't have been nice to have the update for free.

So, anyway, that's iPod touch OS 2.0 for you. What do you think?