Apple recently gave developers access to a beta version of the upcoming 2.2 firmware upgrade for the iPhone. Several new features have been spotted in the code, including support for emoji icons (addressing a Japanese-specific complaint about the iPhone) and the ability to interact with Google's Street Views.Google added Street Views to is Maps for Mobile software several weeks ago. One of the few platforms left out was the iPhone. It appears that the 2.2 version of the iPhone's firmware will support that feature.

I've used it on several other phone platforms, and I have to say, it really is helpful. Most recently, I used Street Views to see what the location of the HTC G1 launch looked like. Since the event venue was in an area of Manhattan with which I wasn't familiar, knowing what the building looked like ahead of time reassured me that I'd be able to find it easily. (You know, in case I missed the big "T-Mobile" sign out front.)

Another change spotted in the firmware is the ability to turn off the iPhone's auto-correction software. The software is used while typing on the iPhone's software QWERTY keyboard. As you type, the software guesses at what you're trying to say and will correct any words you may have misspelled as you go. The trouble is, it isn't always right, and can get in the way when you're trying to write in a word or acronym not in the iPhone's dictionary. Being able to turn the auto-correct feature on/off is a tiny little update in usability, but one which some users are sure to welcome.