Yesterday Apple gave registered iOS developers access to the first beta of iOS 4.2. The next major iteration of iOS was announced at Apple's annual iPod event in early September and Apple expects the final release to be in November.
iOS 4.2 is the first version of iOS 4 to be able to run on the iPad bringing the major enhancements to the iPad. The main features of iOS 4.2 on the iPad include folders, app multitasking, AirPlay, AirPrint and the ability to search a webpage in Safari.
Folders on the iPad can hold up to 20 apps, giving the iPad the ability to store 520 apps on an individual screen. Apple has also changed the hardware switch from an orientation lock to a volume mute switch. The orientation lock of the iPad can now be changed by entering the multitasking dock and swiping to the right, the screen brightness can also be adjusted here.
Apple also announced that AirPrint will be the name of the technology that will allow iOS devices to print wirelessly to printers.
AirPrint automatically finds printers on local networks and can print text, photos and graphics to them wirelessly over Wi-Fi without the need to install drivers or download software. HP’s existing and upcoming ePrint enabled printers will be the first to support printing direct from iOS devices.
