14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has started notifying members of its iOS developer community that version 4.2 of the company’s mobile operating system has hit GM status. Downloads available for enrolled iOS developers include iOS 4.2 GM, iOS SDK 4.2 GM, Xcode 3.2.5, and iTunes 10.1 beta 2.
iOS 4.2 is the next incremental update to iOS 4, Apple’s latest major version of the operating system powering iPhones, iPod touches, iPads, and now even the Apple TV (second generation).
While the set-top box is not targeted by this update, the other three devices are.
Apple itself promised back in September that iOS 4.2 would drop sometime in November for iPhone, iPod touch and, most notably, for iPad users who will soon get a bunch of new features that only iPhone and iPod touch users have been enjoying since the initial iOS 4 launch.
Since iOS 4.2 will bring all the existing features of iOS 4.1 to the iPad, plus the new ones Apple touted during the Sept. 1 keynote, upcoming additions specifically targeting the iPad include:
- Multitasking - Folders - AirPlay wireless music, movie, and photo streaming - Printing support over wireless networks - Game Center for multiplayer and social gaming - Unified and improved Mail inbox - Search text within Safari - Enhanced enterprise support - Accessibility enhancements - Keyboard and dictionary enhancements According to those with access to the recent iOS seeds, Apple has changed the look and functionality of the multitasking bar, and made a few modifications to the way users log into MobileMe.
These are labeled as subtle changes by the people at AppleInsider, who mention the addition of volume controls and an AirPlay button to the multitasking bar, as well as an option to access MobileMe with an Apple ID.
Developers can immediately download the aforementioned files by accessing the iOS Dev Center and logging in with their developer ID.
According to the infamous iPhone Dev Team, today's seed is jailbreakable via the updated redsn0w.