Apple is seeding out an iOS 4.2 beta 2 to developers and it should have all the goodies we’re expecting for the iPad, iPhone 4 and iPod touch.
The first iOS 4.2 beta reportedly had a lot of bugs in it, so those should hopefully be addressed. While this isn’t a major X.0 upgrade, iOS 4.2 should make a lot of iUsers very, very happy.
I can’t wait to get the official version of iOS 4.2 on my iPad because it will finally bring multitasking to the tablet. The iPad is a super cool device but it’s tough to really get work done on it – it’s essentially an expensive toy. Multitasking will greatly enhance my ability to get work done on the iPad. Also, I’m tired of having to close apps because I want a quick session of Angry Birds
Another cool feature of iOS 4.2 is AirPrint. This will also boost the iPad, in particular, because you won’t have to e-mail yourself copies of stuff that you want to print.
The iOS 4.2 software should also include AirPlay, which will make getting content off your Apple devices easier … kind of. With AirPlay you would be able to stream a movie from your iPad to the new Apple TV. This will likely be limited to music and audio but we’ve seen signs that other apps may be able to take advantage of it in the future.
AirPlay seems like a cool idea and other manufacturers than Apple will integrate this into docking stations, speakers and more. My main concern with streaming a movie off the iPad to my TV is that I believe you can’t use the iPad during the streaming. I love to watch TV with that iPad in my lap to browse the web or, uh, play Angry Birds.
The iOS 4.2 software is bound to have some more goodies and we’ll let you know what the deal is once we’ve had a chance to play around with it. Look for the software to be available to all comers in November.