Apple today launched version 4.2 of its iOS mobile platform. The new update is available at the iTunes Store and is downloadable on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
This latest version of iOS is perhaps most revolutionary for iPad users, which have lacked such features as multitasking, folders, unified inbox and Game Center since the device was launched.
“iOS 4.2 makes the iPad a completely new product, just in time for the holiday season,” said Apple CEO Steve Jobs in a statement. “Once again, the iPad with iOS 4.2 will define the target that other tablets will aspire to, but very few, if any, will ever be able to hit.”
New to iOS in this version are AirPrint and AirPlay. AirPrint is the company’s Wi-Fi print architecture, which will allow users to print directly from their mobile devices. The company says that a selection of AirPrint-enabled printers, including the HP Photosmart, HP LaserJet Pro and HP Officejet, will be the first to support printing direct from iOS devices.
AirPlay allows users to stream music, video and photos wirelessly from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to Apple TV. iOS users also will be able to use AirPlay to deliver music to AirPort Express, Apple’s wireless receiver. Apple promises AirPlay-enabled speaker systems will come to market in coming months.
Additionally, Apple will now offer Find My iPhone for free. The remote location service was originally a part of Apple’s Mobile Me service, which cost $99 per year. The Find My iPhone app is a free download on the App Store and lets users easily locate a missing device on a map and have it display a message or play a sound. Users can even remotely lock or wipe data from a lost device to protect privacy.
The iOS 4.2 update is available today to download to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch by syncing the device with iTunes 10.1. iOS 4.2 is compatible with iPad, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, second- and third-generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB) and new iPod touch. Some features may not be available on all products. For example, multitasking requires iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, third-generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB) or later.
