infoTECH Feature

February 02, 2011

Apple Releases iOS 4.3 Beta to Developers

 Last November, Apple introduced an updated version of its mobile operating system, iOS 4.2, to bring multitasking from iPhone (News - Alert) and iPod iTouch to iPad – enabling gadget users to be more productive while having fun playing.

In January, the iPhone maker unwrapped beta for yet another updated version of the iOS, the iOS 4.3. In a little over two weeks, the company is releasing a third beta version of iOS 4.3 to developers, according to MacRumors.com.

Describing new features, also detailed on App Advice site, MacRumors.com reports that iOS 4.3 betas now allow users to cancel downloading apps and delete them in the mid-download process. This feature is designed to benefit users who accidentally begin downloading a large application and decide to cancel it.  

The process is simple. All you have to do is to enter the icon arrangement mode ("Wiggle mode") as you normally do to delete an application. However, in this case, you notice that the "x" appears over the currently downloading app as well. Click it, and the iOS 4.3 will proceed to interrupt the download and delete the app.

Yahoo! News reports that Apple's (News - Alert) third beta of iOS 4.3comes in three separate packages: iOS, the SDK and Apple TV Software. Typically, Apple releases three betas to its developers before seeding a Gold Master, writes Yahoo! News.

According to Yahoo! News, this will be the first major update to iOS that will not be compatible with pre-iPhone 3GS/iPod Touch 3rd-generation hardware for a simple reason; the most popular feature of 4.3, HD streaming over AirPlay (News - Alert) will be taxing on older devices.

“The update will also bring HTTP Live Streaming statistics, which allows developers to track video streaming usage and performance metrics (such as bitrate, dropped frames) in order to optimize content,” said Yahoo! News reporter Mike Keller in a statement.

Another rumor concerning iOS 4.3 is support for recurring subscription billing for App Store content. The recurring subscription billing is expected to play a key role in distribution of The Daily, an iPad-focused news publication set for introduction at a media event this week.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications & technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO East 2011, taking place Feb 2-4, 2011, in Miami. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.


Ashok Bindra is a veteran writer and editor with more than 25 years of editorial experience covering RF/wireless technologies, semiconductors and power electronics. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Carrie Schmelkin
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