Today Apple released their 1.1.3 firmware for the iPhone and iPod Touch. After seeing some videos of the leaked software, I was definitely interested in upgrading. A couple of UI enhancements like the jiggling movable icons just seemed kinda neat.

First let me say, I HAD a jailbroken 1.1.1 iPod Touch, and had a few applications on it. My favorite being a NES Emulator (with Zelda and Punch Out). I was never able to get the hacked version of Mail to work.

So I upgraded to 1.1.3, as expected, all of my 3rd party apps were gone. I was hoping for some new functionality though. At least some jiggly icons? Nope. Not even that.

If you're an iPod touch owner, you have to pay $20 for the new "real" upgrade. (Mail, Google Maps, Notes, Stocks, Web Clips, and cute movable jiggly icons).

I'm perfectly happy to buy software. But these are already available in the iPhone firmware. But it's purposely taken "broken" on the iPod Touch. Also, if you purchase a new iPod Touch, these pieces of software will already come on it for free.

As Far As Any Free enhancements I Noticed in 1.1.3

• Ability to set a 4-digit password to lock your ipod.

• The ability to view rented videos from the iTunes store on your iPod.

And Thats About it! Thanks Apple.

I'm sure there are probably a few "under the hood" bug fixes that I'm not aware of. But as far as day-to-day use goes, it wasn't enough of an improvement to warrant breaking all of my 3rd party applications.

Needless to say. I'm going to go downgrade my iPod Touch firmware back to 1.1.1 and put my free applications back on. Lots of people are frustrated about this, check out the Apple Forums. These are lovers of Apple products and early adopters who pay extra to have the newest Apple product.

It's unwise for your biggest fans to continually feel like they're getting a little bit screwed. In the short run, its profitable maybe. In the long term, its bad business.