Apple on Monday rolled out the latest version of its mobile operating system. Apple users can download iOS 4.2 for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. But the update has the greatest impact on the iPad.
iOS 4.2 offers plenty of in-demand features for the Apple mobile world — more than 100, to be exact. Some of the most noteworthy are multitasking folders, a unified inbox, a game center, AirPlay and AirPrint.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs was in true form in announcing the new mobile OS. He said iOS 4.2 makes the iPad a “completely new product” and promised the iPad with iOS 4.2 will “define the target that other tablets will aspire to, but very few, if any, will ever be able to hit.”
Beefing Up iPad
With iOS 4.2, iPad users can switch between apps instantly without compromising battery life. Users can also organize apps with a drag-and-drop function using Folders. What’s more, Mail now offers a Unified Inbox, faster inbox switching and a threaded message view.
“This is a major upgrade for the iPad that brings it in line with the other Apple devices — the things that iPad users have been wanting that iPhone users have had for a while, like Universal Inbox, multitasking and Folders,” said Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at Gartner.
Moving on the gaming front, the Game Center lets Apple mobile-device users play games with friends or get matched automatically with new opponents. The feature also lets users brag about their scores and achievements and see what games their friends are playing.
Air Apple
Then there’s AirPlay, a new feature for streaming music, video and photos wirelessly from an Apple mobile device to Apple TV. Gartenberg said anyone who’s tried to get streaming content from a mobile device to a television or speakers knows it can be a daunting, complex…