The latest version of firmware for the Apple iPhone became available overnight. The 246 megabyte download brings with it a host of new features for the iPhone, many of them for Google Maps. Still no MMS and still no cut-and-paste, however.Reports had pointed to a November 21 release of firmware 2.2, and it turns out they were accurate. Many of the new features have already been leaked by developers over the course of the last few months.

The official list of new features found in the iPhone include enhancements to Google Map. Maps now has Street views; public transit and walking directions; display address of dropped pins; and share location via email.

Speaking of email, Apple has addressed some issues there, as well. Firmware 2.2 resolves isolated issues with scheduled fetching of email and improved formatting of wide HTML email.

There are a number of other fixes. Podcasts are now available for download in iTunes application (over Wi-Fi and cellular network). Apple improved the stability of Safari and users should see a decrease in call set-up failures and drops. The update also improves the sound quality of visual voicemail messages, allows users to turn the keyboard's auto-correction feature on or off, and lastly, pressing the Home button from any Home screen takes you to the first Home screen. That's a nice feature that hadn't been revealed before.

Remember that the iPhone Dev Team has cautioned jailbreakers to hold off on updating. Everyone else, feel free to have at it.

Oh, and Apple, when (for the love of all that's holy!) are you going to add cut-and-paste?!?