14 DAY TRIAL // Via a press release posted online by Apple yesterday, the company headquartered at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California confirmed the availability of new developer betas for iOS 4.2 and iOS SDK 4.2.
As noted by Apple in yesterday’s report, iOS 4.2 boasts a flagship feature called AirPrint.
“Apple today announced that it is releasing a beta version of its AirPrint wireless printing for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to members of Apple’s iOS developer program today, and that AirPrint will be included in the free iOS 4.2 software update in November,” Apple said yesterday.
“AirPrint automatically finds printers on local networks and can print text, photos and graphics to them wirelessly over Wi-Fi without the need to install drivers or download software,” the press release revealed.
According to the announcement, the first devices to support printing direct from iOS devices will be HP’s existing and upcoming ePrint enabled printers.
However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as new features go.
Those lucky enough to get their hands on the pre-release iOS 4.2 build were able to confirm dozens of new additions / changes by testing the software against an iPad (more on the new iOS 4.2 features later today).
Now, by logging into their accounts at the iOS Dev Center, enrolled Apple coders are greeted by a message saying Xcode and iOS SDK 4.2 beta are available for download.
The iOS 4.2 IPSW is, of course, freely downloadable as well, for registered Apple developers.
Xcode 3.2.5 and iOS SDK 4.2 beta notably require Mac OS X 10.6.5, a beta of the latest incremental update to Apple’s Snow Leopard operating system.
The latest seed, Mac OS X 10.6.5 Build 10H542, improves reliability with Microsoft Exchange servers, resolves issues with tasks like printing and dragging items from one place to another, and brings enhanced graphics and performance for applications and games, according to the seed notes.
Now, according to people familiar with Apple’s beta releases, iOS 4.2 beta testers must also be running the latest Mac OS X 10.6.5 beta to ensure compatibility with AirPrint shared wireless printing.