Apple has made available the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 4.2, for download for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users.
The new mobile operating system from Apple inculde new features such as multitasking, folders, unified inbox, game center, AirPlay and AirPrint, the company said.
iPad users can organise their apps with drag-and-drop simplicity using folders, and mail now features a unified inbox, fast inbox switching and a threaded message view.
Game center allows iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users to challenge and play friends or be matched automatically with new opponents, showcase their scores and achievements, and discover new games their friends are playing, Apple said.
AirPlay is a new feature for streaming music, video and photos wirelessly from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to Apple TV, transforming Apple TV into a great accessory for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
iOS users also will be able to use AirPort Express and AirPlay to stream wirelessly to any stereo or powered speakers, or directly to AirPlay-enabled speakers coming to market in the months ahead.
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A selection of the next-generation Wi-Fi print architecture ‘AirPrint’ enabled printers including the HP Photosmart, HP LaserJet Pro and HP Officejet will support printing direct from iOS devices.
iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users can simply tap to print their documents or photos wirelessly to any printer that supports AirPrint.
The new OS also features the Find My iPhone (or iPad or iPod touch) feature that lets users locate a missing device on a map and have it display a message or play a sound, and enables users can even remotely lock or wipe data from a lost device to protect privacy.
Other new features include the ability to rent TV episodes directly to iPad using the iTunes App; the ability to find and highlight specific words and phrases on web pages in Safari; enhanced enterprise support; accessibility enhancements; and support for 25 additional languages, including Korean, Portuguese and Traditional Chinese.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs said iOS 4.2 makes the iPad a completely new product, just in time for the holiday season.
"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," Steve Jobs said.
