iPhone 4.2: What Will iOS 4.2 Bring to the iPhone?
We know that iOS 4.2 wont be released now until at least 24th November 2010 although there is no official release date. The 4.2 update is not a major update but it will bring some changes that deserve a closer look.
AirPlay
AirPlay is the next step in the evolution of Apple’s AirTunes.
It allows users to stream content such as video and audio between their devices. Streaming can take place between the iPhone and Apple TV or with third-party speakers equipped with the AirPlay technology. It will be very interesting to see what apple will do with this in technology in the future.
AirPrint
AirPrint allows users to Print from your iPhone to a compatible wireless enabled printer. However there is no support for either Mac or PC and only HP devices equipped with the latest HP firmware are supported.
Control Ringer Volume
At first glance this may not seem like much of a feature, but its actually very useful. You may now adjust individual ringers independetntly of the iPhones games or audio player.
New SMS Alert Sounds
Different SMS alert sounds can be set for each contact.
Find in Safari
A very useful feature in Safari is now making it onto mobile Safari. You will now be able to search a webpage for specific term. Useful for pages with a lot of text when you are looking for specific information. Typing your search term in to the usual google search bar will give you an option to search the web or search the page. The search result will be highlighted in the browser.
FaceTime Through SMS
There will now be a way to launch a FaceTime conversation through an SMS chat. Take it as another indication of Apple’s drive to get FaceTime to onto all their devices.
Midi Out
The iPhone has the ability to support midi out so a user can create a drum loop or musical sequence that can be played through a midi enabled device with a USB connection.
Apple delays iOS 4.2 update until 24 November
Apple’s forthcoming iOS 4.2 update may not be available until the end of November, amid reports that the firm is still addressing bugs in the operating system.
Developers have reported a bug in the software that causes Wi-Fi connection problems so users will have to wait until 24 November at the earliest.
IOS 4.2 will have over 100 new features, which include enhanced enterprise integration, stronger security and new management capabilities helping to make the device more appealing to business users.
Other improvements include multi-tasking and improved organisation of applications.
Users with multiple accounts will be able to see messages in a unified inbox, organise messages by threads and open attachments in third-party apps.
The Air Print feature allows files to be sent directly to a printer on a wireless network, although Apple has removed support for Mac and PCs and only certain HP printers with the latest firm ware will be supported.
IPad users will also be able to wirelessly stream videos, music and photos to the new Apple TV using the AirPlay feature.
This is a list of the top apps for iPad in various countries.
1. USA
Maxim HD (lifestyle)
Popular “lad’s mag” Maxim comes to the iPad with this free app. The digital magazine features articles on the more outrageous and bizarre aspects of popular topics as well as a number of bikinied models.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/maxim-hd/id391622375?mt=8
2. UK
LIFE for iPad (photography)
Explore the world in images with LIFE magazine’s up to the minute news photos and large digital archive. Users can also share their favorite LIFE photos with friends via Facebook and twitter.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/life-for-ipad/id399415330?mt=8
3. France
iTranslate for iPad (reference)
With translation tools for over 50 languages users of iTranslate can copy and paste text, translate single words or even set the application to instantly translate while typing.
http://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/itranslate-for-ipad/id397730127?mt=8
4. Japan
jubeat plus (games)
A music themed game for the iPad.
http://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/jubeat-plus/id395192484?mt=8
5. Australia
Empire Story (games)
Create your own empire complete with coliseums, temples and roads. Users can invite Facebook friends to be their neighbors and trade the fruits of their empire with friends.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/empire-story/id389462339?mt=8
6. Germany
ENDI Tank Battle HD (games)
Battle toy tanks with this arcade orientated app. Players have to complete over 30 missions in which they will encounter enemies of varying strengths in a number of landscapes.
http://itunes.apple.com/de/app/endi-tank-battle-hd/id400291223?mt=8