For those that are insanely interested in all things Apple then you probably already know much of the following information.
But, for those that aren’t knee deep in documentation since we have “normal” stuff to do, here’s a brief walkthrough of some of the updates to the iOS 4.2 update and a few screens for your perusal.
Check it out:
What’s New?
Here are 6 things you can expect in the release.
1. 17 New Text Tones
As much as new text tones were needed, these are a disappointment. They are five times longer than they need to be and they are annoying in my opinion. Listen to them here.
2. New Voice Memos Icon
The original Voice Memos icon (old microphone) is replaced by a new blue icon.
3. New Notes app fonts
There are two new font choices for the Notes App so that you can have an alternate from the default (Marker Felt):
- Chalkboard
- Helvetica
4. Volume Button Options
4.2 introduces a new option in the settings to allow the volume buttons to control applications volumes alone without interfering with the volume of the ringer and alerts.
5. AirPrint
Definitely one of the more exciting features that iOS 4.2 brings to the iPhone is wireless printing. AirPrint provides the option to print from web pages, emails, pictures, and graphics wirelessly to a networked printer or one of HP’s ePrint enabled printers.
It’s not perfect yet, because it does not work with all printers, but I have a feeling it will get better.
6. AirPlay
Basically a new and upgraded version of AirTunes, AirPlay can stream music, videos, and photos from your iPhone to an Apple TV, airport express, or a few other AirPlay enabled speakers. It has potential to be pretty awesome.
It may get me to buy an Apple TV.
iPad (Major Upgrades):
iOS 4.2 is a very significant update for iPad users, and due to the massive amount of new features, I’ll stick to the major ones for now.
1. GameCenter
Not too important of an update, GameCenter comes to the iPad as it had to the iPhone in 4.1.
2. Multitasking
The most important update to the iPad yet. Double-Clicking the home button brings up the multi-tasking bar with 7 apps compared to the iPhone’s four apps. It also has an orientation lock that repurposes the physical lock as a silence switch along with a brightness slider.
3. Folders
An update that the iPhone had months ago has finally come to the iPad. The folders can hold up to 20 apps instead of the iPhone’s max of 12.
4. 2 New Notes Fonts
Both Helvetica and Chalkboard are now options for fonts in the Notes app.
5. AirPlay
Along with the iPhone, wireless streaming of videos, pictures, and audio is added with AirPlay. It can stream to an Apple TV, Airport Express, and a few other speaker systems.
6. AirPrint
Slightly overshadowed by multitasking, but still awesome, is wireless printing. The iPad can now print documents, web pages, pictures, and emails to a compatible printer. All print jobs are controlled in an app called print center.
7. A Few New Settings
- Along with all of these other large updates, Apple has brought a few new settings options to the iPad. They include:
- Picture Frame mode now has an event category and timing control.
- Location Services can now be controlled per app.
- An option to turn off 3G in favor of EDGE.
- An accessibility option for large text has been added.
- An option for SpellChecker is now available.
- A long list of new keyboards have been added.
- Some new restrictions are added such as deleting apps and changing email info.
- Types of content displayed in spotlight is now adjustable.
So that’s about it for iOS 4.2.
It is an incredible update for the iPad with multitasking and many other huge additions, although for the iPhone it is much less impressive. If you want to grab a copy early you can check it out here.
Chase Livingston says
Great post! I wasn’t aware of some of these additions, so now I’m really looking forward to its release.
Travis Fish says
Thanks! Good to hear!
Kyle Reed says
This gives me something to look forward to. Thanks for sharing all of this
Adam says
Cannot wait to update the iPad and have multi tasking.
Looks great!