Apple announced today that it plans to release iOS 4.2 today for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch owners.
4.2 brings over 100 new features from iOS 4.0 and 4.1 to the iPad including multi-tasking, folders support, a unified inbox, game center support and AirPlay/AirPrint. “iOS 4.2 makes the iPad a completely new product, just in time for the holiday season,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Once again, the iPad with iOS 4.2 will define the target that other tablets will aspire to, but very few, if any, will ever be able to hit.”
iPad owners can now make use of app switching which was introduced in iOS 4.0 for iPhone. iOS 4.2 unifies both platforms and provides access to the new AirPlay feature. AirPlay allows users to stream music, video and pictures wireless from an iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch directly to an Apple TV. Apple has also introduced AirPrint in 4.2 which allows iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users to print documents wirelessly from their iDevices.
In other related news, Apple is understood to be readying an updated iPad for Christmas. The new iPad will feature an integrated SIM card according to reports in The Telegraph newspaper. Apple is planning to release the integrated-SIM version of the iPad in time for the holiday season or soon after.