If you cast your mind back to gamy school physics , you might call back what ’s dubbed theGrand Unified Theory — an attempt to explain how three of the primary forces of the unviverse were once a single , unified effect . So you might call iOS 4.2 the “ grand jointure ” release of iOS , as it at long last brings the iPad , the iPhone , and iPod touch under the same roof .
While we ply downiOS 4.2 ’s fundamental features back when it was in genus Beta , you might still find yourself with questions . Read on for the skinny on the latest update to Apple ’s peregrine OS and check out our lists of ten great features in iOS 4.2 and ten features that we ’re still waiting for .
Okay, okay, what’s the big deal with iOS 4.2?
Most prominently , iOS 4.2 finally convey the capabilities of Io 4 — multitasking , pamphlet , and more — to the iPad . But it also brings two new big feature of its own : AirPlay , which lets you stream media from your iOS equipment to your Apple television or third - party equipment , and AirPrint , which rent you print directly from your iOS equipment to sure compatible printers . And just for good measure , there are a handful of smaller improvements along for the drive .
So, I can finally print from my iPad?
Well , that depend . While Apple originally touted the ability for iOS devices to take reward of printer shared from a Mac or PC , it look like that featuredidn’t make the cutfor Mac OS X 10.6.5 . So alternatively you ’ll need to have a compatible HP eSmart printer . There ’s still a chance that pressman share-out might return at some point in the futurity , but Apple has n’t exactly been forthcoming about when — or if — that might happen . In the meantime , check outour detailed composition on what AirPrint can do for you today .
But at least I can stream media from my iOS device, right?
Again , the answer is a restricted yes . If you ’ve buzz off one of Apple ’s fancy Modern Apple telly , you ’re all set — you may rain buckets characterisation , audio , and telecasting from any supported app — which includes the built - in iPod , Music , Videos , iTunes , and YouTube apps — at will . ( AirPort Express owners can teem only audio . ) In addition , third parties such as Bowers & Wilkins , Denon , Marantz , JBL , and iHome have already announced their intention to build AirPlay - compatible speakers and receivers and , in some cases , providefirmware updates for existing units . Take a feeling at our overview of AirPlay ’s capableness for more .
What if I don’t have a fancy printer or A/V gadget? What’s in 4.2 for me?
If you ’re an iPad substance abuser , then multitasking is undeniably the swelled draw . Even then , though , you ’ll need to wait until app Almighty update their software system to take advantage of the Modern features . The safe news ? Many programs that run on both the iPad and iPhone already have multitasking support construct in . You ’ll also get the other 4.0 feature .
Remind me what those are again?
Mail now has a unified inbox that lets you see all your new substance in one place , and it can organize messages by thread . Folders let you group diligence and aid reduce nursing home covert jumble — the iPad permit you fill up a folder with up to 20 different apps . And there ’s Game Center , Apple ’s bet on social internet , which lets you equate scotch with your friend , place in leaderboards , and earn accomplishment in supported game . round off it out with support for iTunes TV show rentals and the Ping social networking service , and it ’s nothing to sneeze at .
I’ve got an iPhone or iPod touch—what do I get out of 4.2?
Besides AirPrint and AirPlay , iPhone exploiter primarily get a handful of smaller feature article at their disposal . For example , you’re able to now look for for textual matter on a Web Sir Frederick Handley Page , control VoiceOver from a wireless keyboard , and take vantage of the boom international living that adds keyboard and dictionary for langauges like Arabic , Greek , and Hebrew .
Surely there’s more in this update.
That ’s not really a question — and do n’t call me Shirley . But , yes , there are stack of smaller characteristic too . For example , Io 4.2 expound the available tones for when you get a school text message and lets you shift the font for the Notes app ( under options - > Notes ) . paternal controls now allows parent to restrict kids from deleting apps as well as set up them , shift account information , and playing multiplayer games or tote up friends in Game Center . you could also now choose to have the ironware buttonsnotchange the alert or ringer volume along with the bulk of media you ’re playing back , a welcome localisation for many who have accidentally quieted their alarms .
Fine, you’ve convinced me. How do I get this magical update?
As always , just plug your iOS machine into iTunes — if you ’re not prompted , sink in Check for Updates and away you go . Remember to sync your twist first so you get a full backup , just in case .
iOS 4.2
