Apple has released the iOS 4.2 Software Update, bringing all the goodness of the new iPhone 4 software from earlier this summer to the iPad tablet (and also bringing the same release to the iPhone and iPod touch).
The 100-some new features include multitasking, folders, unified inbox for all your mail, Game Center for Internet gaming, AirPrint, and AirPlay wireless streaming (see the Apple iPad Features pages).
Some highlights:
- Multitasking support allows you to keep working, for example, while files are downloading in iTunes, and non-Apple apps now can continue to work in the background, to play audio, monitor your location, or receive network alerts. As a shortcut, double-click the Home button for quick access to recently used apps, and scroll left for immediate Brightness and Music controls.
- Folders on the Home screen help you better organize your growing collection of apps. To make a folder, hold down on an app to edit the screen (the start wiggling), and then drop one app on top of another.
- AirPrint adds background printing over a local wireless network, but only to AirPrint-enabled printers (see the list of compatible HP products). This works with Apple apps including Safari, Mail, Photos, and iWork, as well as third-party apps with built-in printing. Upgraded versions of Keynote, Pages, and Numbers also are available from the App Store with AirPrint support.
- Similarly, AirPlay provides wirelessly streaming of videos, music, photos over Wi-Fi to the Apple TV, to AirPlay-enabled speakers and receivers, and other speakers through the Apple AirPort Express.
See my Apple iPod / iPhone / iPad Gallery for more on the iOS upgrades and the Apple portable products.
Find the Apple iPad on Amazon.com