Apple released the first beta version of iOS 4.2 and iOS SDK 4.2

Apple has released the first beta version of iOS 4.2 (build 8C5091e) and iOS SDK 4.2 to developers of iOS Developer Program.


4.2 means different things to different types of geeks. To SciFi-geeks, it’s the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything divided by 10. To Apple-geeks, it represents the most important software update in months. Why? Because it’s the first build of iOS 4 (with its folders, multitasking, etc) compatible with the iPad.

Steve promised that 4.2 would hit sometime in November — but as is customary at this point, it just went live a bit early for developers.


Surprisingly (in a nice way, for once), this first, dev-only release of iOS 4.2 isn’t iPad only. Right off the bat, builds are available for the iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, and iPod Touch Generations 2/3/4. First gen iPhone and iPod Touch owners are out of luck, but we’ve known that for a while now.

Need a refresher on what’s new? Don’t worry, so did I. Here’s a list:

• AirPrint, Apple’s wireless printing system. Works on all 4.2 devices.
• Multitasking for iPad.
• Folders for iPad
• AirPlay, which allows you to stream video from an iPad (or iPhone? Not confirmed yet) to an AppleTV with the click of a button.
• Unified Inbox and Threaded Mail for iPad
• Search within Webpages in Safari
• 30 new international keyboards

Apple has changed the functionality of the physical switch that was used for screen orientation in iOS 4.2 beta. It has been repurposed it as a mute switch. You can now control the screen orientation via the orientation button available in task switcher, which is part of the multitasking feature introduced in iOS 4.2 for the iPad. Do you like this change?

source : iPhonehack.com