Apple today rolled out its iOS 4.2 upgrade for Apple iPads, iPhones and iPod touch devices, promising more than 100 news features, including the much-anticipated Air Play app that enables users to stream music, videos and photos from their device to Apple TV-enabled televisions. It's launch had been delayed when Apple discovered the upgrade craeated WiFi connectivity issues.
It's the first time all three devices will have access to iOS 4.2, and gives iPad users broad functionality improvements that the iPhone has had for several months, including Multitasking, Folders, Unified Inbox, Game Center and AirPrint.
"iOS 4.2 makes the iPad a completely new product, just in time for the holiday season," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "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."
For users who see Apple TV as a major play in the online video space, AirPlay is a new feature for streaming music, video and photos wirelessly from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to the recently-revamped device. iOS users also will be able to use AirPort Express and AirPlay to stream wirelessly to any stereo or powered speakers, or directly to AirPlay-enabled speakers coming to market in the months ahead.
The iOS 4.2 also give iPad users the ability to rent TV episodes directly to iPad using the iTunes App with a 30 day viewing window and a 48 hour session window once playback is started
iPad users will be able switch between apps instantly, while preserving iPad's battery life and can organize their apps with drag-and-drop simplicity using Folders. Mail now features a Unified Inbox, fast inbox switching and a threaded message view.
The update is available today to download to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch by syncing the device with iTunes 10.1.
For more:
- see this release
Related articles:
iPad owners, potential owners more likely to cut cord, downgrade
Rumor: Apple's iOS 4.2, AirPlay for iPad release pushed to Nov. 24
NBC bows out of iPad lineup, says it's not interested in streaming to the tablet