14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released a new version of its Configurator application that makes it easy to mass-configure and deploy iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in schools, businesses, and institutions in general.
Configurator presents administrators with three workflows that let them prepare new iOS devices for distribution. The utility lets admins assign said devices to users and subsequently supervise them.
You can also use Configurator to bulk-update devices simultaneously to the latest version of iOS, as well as to configure settings and install apps and data.
Now at version 1.2.1, Apple Configurator “improves stability and the experience upgrading from version 1.1.2,” according to the release notes.
Superseding version 1.2, Apple Configurator 1.2.1 also includes support for new iOS 6 features like Lock to App and Global HTTP Proxy on supervised iOS devices.
Support for new iOS 6 restrictions is also included. Admins can block the likes of Game Center, iBookstore, and iMessage on supervised iOS devices.
For those who haven’t updated their Configurator installation for a while, the new version will also deliver improved reliability when activating a new iPhone or iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular.
In the latest version of Configurator, the last settings used on the Prepare pane are retained when you quit and relaunch the app.
It also improves the update and restore process for devices that are currently in recovery mode.
When a device is being supervised, paid apps from the App Store can now be installed in the Prepare pane only.
Finally, Apple has also added support for configuring advanced network options on Apple TV. The usual bag of fixes is included to address minor bugs.
Apple Configurator requires OS X 10.7.5 Lion or later. The program is free to download and use by anyone. It’s localized in English, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.