14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has officially disclosed the release date of its iOS 4.3 software update, as well as the additional functionality it brings, and the supported devices.
A requirement for those looking to turn their GSM iPhone 4 into a WiFi hotspot, iOS 4.3 comes with a Personal Hotspot feature that enables users of a GSM handset to hook up five additional devices to its cellular Internet connection.
If the user were to put the feature to the test, he / she would find that up to a maximum of three devices can use WiFi, whereas the other two will need to rely o different means of connection (Bluetooth, USB).
An exclusive new feature for owners of an Apple iPad, the Settings menu now includes an option to toggle between “mute” and “screen lock” when assigning the use of the hardware switch found on the side of the iPad.
Spanning several iOS software updates, Apple couldn’t make its mind whether to have the switch mute volume, or lock orientation. Customers in the two camps cried loud enough to convince the tech giant to give them the best of both worlds through iOS 4.3.
New features that apply to all supported devices (more on this below), include:
A faster Safari web browser, thanks to the Nitro JavaScript engine that Apple pioneered on the desktop version of the application
New iTunes Home Sharing, which allows iOS 4.3 users to play music, movies and TV shows on an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch from their iTunes library on a Mac or PC over a local WiFi connection
Enhancements to AirPlay, which now streams additional content including video from third party apps and websites, videos from the Photos app and previews from the iTunes app to the TV
As far as supported devices go, Apple has confirmed that the only models supported by iOS 4.3 are iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod touch 3rd and 4th generation, and iPad.
The recently announced iPad 2 ships pre-installed with the new software, Apple said. iPhone 3G is officially dropped from software update support starting with iOS 4.3.
The CDMA (Verizon) iPhone 4 is also not supported, for one reason or another.
iOS 4.3 is slated for March 11, in tandem with the iPad 2 launch.