iOS 4.2 GM

iOS 4.2 Golden Master (or iOS 4.2 GM) is in the hands of developers now and should be hitting iTunes for everyone to download within two weeks. This firmware update will be for iPhone, iPads and iPod Touches unifying all devices under one software! This is a major upgrade for the iPad while not so much for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Jailbreakers will want to wait unless they are fine with losing their jailbreak. For the important new features lets take a look.

AirPlay – is a new feature that allows wifi streaming of audio and video from your iOS GM device to Apple TV. Many people are excited about this, but you have to have a new 2nd generation Apple TV to use this. Like myself, most people don’t have this device so this feature doesn’t offer them anything. However, I’m glad its there so they can start working out the bugs and one day this might take the place of cable in my house.

AirPrint – Will allow you to print emails, photos or web pages to any wifi connected printer. It’s rare that there is something I want to print off my iPhone, but its good this feature is now there and will definitely factor into my next printer purchase.

iPad – The iPad is getting multitasking, folders and Game Center. Wow, I didn’t even realize it was lacking these features. The biggest feature is the multitasking bar which you access by double clicking the home button. Like the iPhone and iPod Touch the bar includes the screen orientation lock, music control buttons, and the icons of open apps. You can swipe to access additional apps running in the background. With the iPads additional space Apple has added sliders to adjust the screen brightness and volume and a new button to enable AirPlay. If I had an iPad I would update to 4.2 as soon as it was released (unless I was jailbroken and then I would have to think about it).

Jailbreakers If you have a jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch there is no need to update and lose your jailbreak. Just wait as a new jailbreak should be out right around the new year. If you have a jailbroken iPad the decision is a little tougher. You’d lose your jailbreak but only for about two months. It’s up to you. Also if you haven’t backed up your 4.1 SHSH blob with Tiny Umbrella do so now as once 4.2 is out Apple’s servers will quit signing 4.1 firmware and it will be too late.