14 DAY TRIAL // A new version of Apple Configurator 1.2 is now available to download from Apple’s Mac App Store as a recommended update for all existing users. Apple Configurator is a tool designed by the Mac makers to allow administrators to mass configure and deploy iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in institutions.
The Cupertino, California-based computer giant notes that this update improves overall stability and performance, and that includes a bunch of new features.
What the company doesn’t say is that Apple Configurator 1.2 is arguably the biggest update so far, with over a dozen new features and enhancements, as well as bug fixes.
The updated iDevice management tool now offers support for new iOS 6 features on supervised iOS devices, the ability to lock-to-App, global HTTP Proxy, and support for new iOS 6 restrictions on supervised iOS devices.
It allows the removal of apps from the device, and permits the use of iMessage. Access to the iBookstore is also allowed now, as is the purchase of books classified as Erotica from iBookstore.
It even allows filtering of profanity for Siri, the personal assistant originally introduced in iOS 5 on the iPhone 4S. The voice-activated utility is now available on all (new-generation) iDevices thanks to iOS 6.
Apple Configurator 1.2 further allows the use of Game Center and the installation of new configuration profiles. The app is also more reliable when activating a new iPhone or iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular.
Administrators will also be glad to learn that the last settings used on the Prepare pane are now retained when they quit and relaunch Apple Configurator.
The ability to update or restore devices that are currently in recovery mode has been improved as well, and paid apps from the App Store can now be installed in the Prepare pane only when a unit is listed under supervised devices.
Rounding up the list of enhancements, Apple mentions support for configuring advanced network options on Apple TV. The usual bag of fixes has been incorporated too.