IPod Touch Draws the Short Straw

As you're likely aware, Apple on Thursday night released version 2.2 software updates for the iPhone and iPod touch. Those updates bring several improvements to both devices, with one notable exception--iPod touch users miss out on all the improvements made to the Maps application.

iPhone 2.2 brings Google Street View, public transit maps, walking directions, the display of addresses on dropped pins, and the ability to e-mail locations to others, all within Maps. Pull up Maps on a newly updated iPod touch, and all you'll find is a Maps application identical to the one in the iPod touch 2.1 software.

In the past, Apple has said that accounting conventions require the company to charge for full-featured updates (ones that include substantially new features or additional applications). But the Maps update seems relatively minor, and Apple has offered neither a paid update to bring the new Maps functionality to the iPod touch, nor an explanation why the touch has been left out in the cold.