Apple has confirmed that iOS 4.2 will arrive today for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch users. (the company says by 10 a.m. Pacific Time), a free software update that brings the features of iOS 4 .
Bringing a slew of new features to the device. Included in that laundry list is proper iOS 4-style multitasking, fast app switching, and a unified mail inbox—to the iPad for the first time, folders, Game Center integration, and Safari enhancements (like find-in-page text searches). Besides those features, the company has been touting two other big changes that could cause a major shift in the way you use your iPad — namely, AirPrint and AirPlay. Both additions leverage your WiFi network, certain connected printers, and the new Apple TV in an attempt to make the company’s slate less like a distraction and more like the center of your digital life.
How to update
iOS 4.2 is compatible with all existing iOS devices except the original iPhone and first-generation iPod touch. However, some features (such as multitasking) won’t work on older devices, including the iPhone 3G and the second-generation iPod touch.
Once the update is released, users of compatible devices can update by attaching a device to a Mac or PC, selecting it in the iTunes source list, and clicking the Check For Update button. (It’s always a wise idea to let iTunes back up your device before running an iOS update, in case there’s an error that forces you to erase it.) . One bit of trivia: the iOS update being released Monday for iPad is actually version 4.2.1, since version 4.2 proper was replaced as a part of this release’s development cycle.
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