Apple has released a new software update for the iPhone 3G that includes Google Maps upgrades and the ability to directly load podcasts to the device.

The company's second software release for the popular iPhone 3G will allow you to go on a virtual walking tour with Google Street View, find public transit schedules and check fares, access podcasts on the iTunes Store via Wi-Fi or your cell network or take advantage of a new user interface in Safari.

Google Street View takes you on a virtual walking tour: Navigate street-level photographs of places you've located in Maps.

The software also allows you to get walking directions, find public transit schedules, check fares or estimate your travel time.

The Share Location button allows you to send an mail that includes a Google Maps URL.

The update also resolves issues with scheduled fetching of email, improves the formatting of wide HTML email and gives you access to free podcasts on the iTunes Store via Wi-Fi or your cellular network.

A new search-friendly user interface, better performance, and more stability have also been made to Safari browser.

The ability to turn keyboard auto-correction on and off has been added, as well as the security option to wipe all data from the device after ten failed passcode attempts.

For more information visit http://www.apple.com/iphone/softwareupd ate/?sr=hotnews.