Apple has released version 2.1 of its iPhone software, promising a wealth of bug fixes for a pioneering device that suffered a number of problems. Chief Executive Steve Jobs had promised the iPhone update in a speech Tuesday during a launch event for next-generation iPod music players, saying, "This is a big update, and it fixes lots of bugs."

The company's software update page shows just how big:

Decrease in call setup failures and dropped calls

Significantly better battery life for most users

Dramatically reduced time to back up to iTunes

Improved e-mail reliability, notably fetching e-mail from POP and Exchange accounts

Faster installation of third-party applications

Fixed bugs causing hangs and crashes for users with lots of third-party applications

Improved performance in text messaging

Faster loading and searching of contacts

Improved accuracy of the 3G signal strength display

Repeat alert up to two additional times for incoming text messages

Option to wipe data after 10 failed passcode attempts

Genius playlist creation

The page also instructs iPhone users to use the latest version of iTunes to perform the update. So beware, Windows Vista users.

The iPhone 3G has generally won acclaim for its design and the range of third-party applications that now can run on the device, though some miss features such as copy-and-paste and voice-command dialing. However, network connectivity troubles and other issues have tarnished the iPhone 3G's debut.