iOS 4.2 Update for iPad Finally Arrives

Now that Apple has released the iOS 4.2 update, iPad users finally get some long over due new features. Here is a quick review of most of the new features. Multitasking / Folders – These are two of the major features with the update and they both work as expected. These features have been available since iOS 4 was released for the iPhone and iPod Touch back in June. The iPad does an excellent job of handling multiple apps despite having less RAM than its iPhone 4. Mail – Apple has included all of its mail improvements previously found in iOS 4. That includes a unified inbox, threaded messaging, and all the rest of those tweaks are now on the iPad. AirPlay – I have been using AirPlay with the new Apple TV and I’m pleased with the AirPlay function. AirPlay lets you stream digital media wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to your Apple TV and AirPlay-enabled speakers. Apple will allow developers to use AirPlay with 3rd party apps and this could eventually add alot of functionality to Apple TV. I expect music and videos streaming apps to release updates for those apps. There is also the possibility that other type apps could be updated with AirPlay, such as web browsers, games, etc. AirPrint – I haven’t been able to get this to work with my network printer. I’m disappointed that AirPrint only works with eleven printers but Steve Jobs responded to a customers email today and stated more printers will be added soon. On This Page – Now with iOS 4.2 users can search for text while in Safari. Apple made this a little hard to find but once you know where to look, it functions as expected. While viewing a web page in Safari, type the text in the Google search bar. Then tap the text under “On This Page”. The text will be highlighted and a bar at the bottom will appear. Mute / Brightness / Orientation – Apple changed the function of the small toggle switch on the side of the iPad from a screen orientation lock to a mute button. Now, to lock the screen orientation, double tap the home button to get the multitasking pop up and go all the way to the left. You can also change the screen brightness and control music from here. Free MobileMe Service – Apple has made it’s find My iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch service free with the iOS 4.2 update. The MobileMe feature helps you locate your missing device and protect its data. Game Center – Game Center has made it to the iPad. There’s not much difference from iPhone version other than the larger screen size on the iPad. The Game Center app allows users to be more social with their gaming. Gamers can find friends or use auto-match to play multiplayer games against new opponents.

Originally posted 2010-11-24 01:55:01.