Review: Apple iPod Touch January Software Upgrade
Here at Wiser-Rocker, we are lovers of music, as I am sure you are. That being said, it only seems appropriate that we review something that improves our musical enjoyment dramatically.
If you own an iPod Touch, be advised that Apple has just released an update that adds five additional programs to the iPod Touch home screen. Included is a dedicated email application, weather app, notepad, Stocks, and Google Maps. Oh, one minor thing- these updates are NOT FREE! ($20, actually).
Overall, I find that these updates are pretty impressive and useful. First, the mail widget downloads your mail perfectly and allows you to edit, read, and compose new emails even when you are offline. It even displays graphical html inline.
Secondly, the weather application is a fun widget but honestly does not have much depth to it. I would only wish that the widget allowed for more detail. The least useful application seems the notepad. While it does allow you to write random notes and even email them instantly to yourself or others, I think for the vast majority of people, just write yourself an email.
The stock application is very impressive, allowing for graphical displays, current ticker values, that will certainly appeal to the business traveler (assuming he has a WiFi connection). Finally, the most useful application has to be the Google Maps. I was extremely impressed with the level of detail in the maps.
You will be happy to note that the iPod Touch is fast at rendering these maps and the software allows for a 'GPS' like triangulation which finds your current location using IP addresses.
All in all, for $20 dollars the features are well worth the money. What you also get with your purchase is the ability to reorganize the Touch's homescreen as well as display graphical thumbnails of any website you want.
[sniplet ipod]
