Apple announced on Wednesday at the iPad 2 event that they will be releasing iOS 4.3 on the 11th of March, the same day that the iPad 2 goes on sale in the US, and they have now released the GM (Gold Master) version of iOS 4.3 to developers.
New Features in iOS 4.3
iOS 4.3 comes with a range of new features which include faster browsing in Safari, with the Nitro Javascript engine. This new engine significantly improves the performance of web applications and websites, making browsing a much smoother and quicker experience. The Nitro Javascript engine is designed to execute JavaScript code more efficiently, which is particularly beneficial for complex web applications and interactive websites.
There are also enhancements to AirPlay, Apple’s wireless streaming feature. With iOS 4.3, users can now stream more types of content from their iOS devices to their Apple TV. This includes third-party apps and websites, which means that any app that supports video out can now stream content to an Apple TV. This enhancement broadens the scope of media that can be enjoyed on a larger screen, making it easier to share videos, photos, and music with friends and family.
Another significant feature is iTunes Home Sharing. This allows users to play content from their iTunes library on their Mac or PC on any iOS device over a shared Wi-Fi network. This means that you can access your entire music, movie, and TV show library from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch without having to sync or transfer files. This feature is particularly useful for households with multiple iOS devices, as it centralizes media content and makes it accessible from any device.
Additional Enhancements and Customization
Other features include now being able to choose what the iPad slide switch is for; it can either be used to mute the iPad or to lock the screen rotation. This customization option was highly requested by users who wanted more control over their device’s functionality. By allowing the slide switch to be configured according to personal preference, Apple has made the iPad more versatile and user-friendly.
In addition to these major updates, iOS 4.3 also includes several smaller enhancements and bug fixes. For example, there are improvements to the Messages app, which now supports additional text tones and better group messaging capabilities. The Photos app has also been updated to include new slideshow transitions and the ability to import photos from a camera or SD card using the Camera Connection Kit.
Developers have been given access to the GM version of iOS 4.3, allowing them to test their apps and ensure compatibility with the new operating system. This early access is crucial for developers to update their apps and take advantage of the new features and improvements in iOS 4.3. It also helps to ensure a smooth transition for users when the update is officially released.
You can find out more details over at the [Apple Developer website](https://developer.apple.com/).
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