14 DAY TRIAL // During its iPad 2 event yesterday, Apple introduced iOS 4.3, “the latest version of the world’s most advanced mobile operating system.” Steve Jobs & Co. touted new features like a faster Safari (with the Nitro JavaScript engine), iTunes Home Sharing, enhancements to AirPlay, optional functions for the iPad side switch, and the Personal Hotspot feature for GSM iPhone 4 owners.
“The world’s most advanced mobile operating system just keeps getting better,” Apple states on the iOS 4.3 marketing page on its web site.
“The free iOS 4.3 Software Update comes with new features that let you do even more with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.”
Delving into the specifics for each of these new features, Apple start’s out with AirPlay, noting that it now streams video from your Photos app, and that AirPlay-enabled apps and websites are now supported on the “big-screen” as well.
“And if your photos are the feature presentation, you can play a slideshow with all the stunning themes available on Apple TV,” says the Cupertino tech-giant.
Weighing in on the Safari boost, Apple says that responsiveness has been increased dramatically thanks to the Nitro JavaScript engine powering the browser.
“It runs JavaScript up to twice as fast as in iOS 4.2.2 which means you get more speed behind each page load. And sites with lots of interactive features can appear on your screen even faster,” the company elaborates.
iTunes Home Sharing, another iOS 4.3 enhancement, plays your entire iTunes library from anywhere in the house.
As simple as it sounds, you can play any kind of supported content on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch over a shared Wi-Fi network, as long as you have that content stored on your Mac or PC.
The iPad side switch now gains a toggle in the iOS 4.3 Settings which allows users to determine how it’s used. Some want it for muting the device, other to lock screen orientation. Wherever you fit, you got it, Apple says.
Last, but certainly not least - the Personal Hotspot feature. It’s only available for iPhones and, since CDMA (Verizon) handsets already have it in iOS 4.2.6, the new iOS 4.3 will only feed the new feature to GSM iPhone 4 units.
“On the road, in an airport, at the park — now you can bring Wi-Fi with you wherever you go,” reads Apple’s description of the new feature.
“Download iOS 4.3 on your iPhone 4, and the next time you find yourself without access to Wi-Fi but in 3G territory, enable Personal Hotspot and share your cellular data connection with your Mac, PC, iPad, or other Wi-Fi-capable device,” the Mac maker explains.
Users can connect with up to five devices at once over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB. A maximum of three can be used on Wi-Fi at a given time, according to Apple.
The iOS 4.3 software update will be available March 11 fo iPad, iPhone 4, and iPod touch 3rd & 4th generation.