Iphone 2.2 line-in

I'm surprised I haven't been able to find a thread, post, or review that has covered this yet. Maybe I've missed something.

I have been looking for a detailed explanation of what the recording capabilities of the iphone are or what they could be and what is standing in the way.

*1) After all the rumors, does the new 2.2 firmware support line-in?

2) what apps are in development or already out there to support a 3rd party microphone?

3) What would the connection look like? Would you need, for example, a battery powered mic and what kind of cable goes from your xlr mic to the iphone?

my dream product: a battery powered super small pre-amp that connects to the iphone and provides phantom power to an xlr microphone.

4) Sow what exists and what's coming?

Where is the definitive post for these questions, or can somebody take a stab at it?

If there's a will there's a way