In a pretty underwhelming response to the BB Storm, Apple has released the 2.2 software update for the iPhone.  The following is included:

• Google Street View
• Public transit and walking directions
• Display address of dropped pins in Maps
• Share location via email
• Improved formatting of wide HTML email
• Improved stability and performance of Safari
• Podcasts are now available for download in iTunes application (over Wi-Fi and cellular network)
• Decrease in call set-up failures and call drops
• Improved sound quality of visual voicemail messages
• Pressing the Home button from any Home screen takes you to the first Home screen
• Preference to turn on/off auto-correction in Keyboard Settings

So nothing earth-shattering, but honestly, it’s nice to see a device actually get some good software improvements as opposed to the dreaded “it’ll be fixed in the next version of the product” response companies are usually good at.  I know this is definitely something the Storm-watchers will want to see RIM do w/ it’s new flagship device.

Anyway, I haven’t gotten the update yet, but am looking forward to it.  The email fetch and wide HTML issues were annoying and will definitely be nice to see disappear.  The new Google Maps functionality will be cool, but nothing I’ll be ultra anxious to use.  Probably the biggest feature I like in this release is the over the air podcast downloads.  Very nice feature.

Overall, a lot of this probably should have been there from the beginning and I imagine the Storm’s release lit a little fire.  Hopefully this new rivalry will lead to two great phones and two satisfied user bases.  You know, after all the verbal jabs….