Today Apple pulled the wraps off of two upcoming versions of iOS at their annual fall music event. First up is iOS 4.1, which brings several much-needed bug fixes as well as a few new features. Contrary to what we heard a couple of days ago. iOS 4.1 will include a fix for the iPhone 4's proximity sensor woes, which is great news. On top of the proximity sensor update, fixes for Bluetooth and performance of iOS 4 on the iPhone 3G will be included with iOS 4.1. When it comes to new features, we'll see High Dynamic Range photos, the ability to upload HD video over a WiFi connection, TV show rentals, and Apple's new Game Center app. Game Center will bring the ability track scores, find new games, and challenge your friends with iPhones or iPod Touches. iOS 4.1 will be available next week for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Apple also unveiled iOS 4.2, which is the update that will finally bring iOS 4 and multitasking to the iPad. Along with iPad multitasking, iOS 4.2 will bring AirPlay, allowing users to stream audio and video from a computer to your iDevice. Finally, the iPad gains the ability to print wirelessly with iOS 4.2, along with a nifty new Print Center app that allows you to monitor print jobs. iOS 4.2 will be available in November for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.
It's great to see Apple responding to the proximity sensor and performance issues that users have been experiencing with iOS 4. I'm a little disappointed that it's taken so long for the fixes to come, but I suppose that it's better than getting no fixes at all. What has to be most disappointing for iPad owners is that they have to wait until November to be able to multitask with their tablet, whereas iPhone and iPod Touch owners have been enjoying the feature for some time now.
Images via Engadget (1), (2)
