iPhone 2.1 software opens the door for proper satnav

We all know the iPhone 3G has built-in GPS, but in its present state it can’t deliver a satnav experience on a par with the TomToms and Garmins of this world. Why not? Well, apparently it can’t recognise its cardinal direction - something that’ll be fixed in an upcoming firmware update.

According to AppleInsider software developers have already got their hands on a beta version of the 2.1 iPhone firmware, and among its features is the ability to work out which direction it’s pointing in as well as its speed - which means full-fat satnav on Apple’s baby will soon be a possibility.

Apparently 2.1 will also apparently implement background push notification, meaning iPhone users won’t have to have an email or other web-accessing app running to receive updates.

There’s no word on when the new firmware will arrive, but rest assured we’ll give you the full lowdown on the release date and any other new features as soon as we know about them.

iPhone (via AppleInsider)

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