Apple plumps iOS 4.2 features for iPad [u]

This ground has been well covered in the past, but the “new” stuff we all will be arriving on the iPad this week is just too good. Thereupon, hash and rehash ‘em again here, but you should know AirPrint fans may be in for a disappointment.

Apple has posted the iOS 4.2 Software Update. Coming soon to iPad page and it’s — made of people! — chock full o’ glowing descriptions of all features we can expect, most folks presume will arrive this week. Thereupon, you can just keep compulsively clicking “Check Now” in OS X’s Software Update System Preference pane.

• Multitasking — Run all your favorite apps, and switch between them instantly, without slowing down the performance of the foreground app or draining the battery unnecessarily.

• Folders — Organize apps into folders with drag-and-drop simplicity. Get faster access to your favorites and browse and manage thousands of apps.

• Game Center — Experience social gaming on your iPad. Find friends or use auto-match to play multiplayer games against new opponents. Track achievements and compare high scores.

• Even better Mail — See messages from all your accounts in a unified inbox, organize messages by threads, and open attachments in third-party apps.



• AirPrint — Print mail, photos, web pages, and more directly to a printer on a wireless network.

• AirPlay — Wirelessly stream videos, music, and photos from iPad to the new Apple TV, and stream music to AirPlay speakers or receivers, including AirPort Express.

• Find text on web pages — In Safari, easily find and highlight specific words and phrases on large web pages.

• Enhanced enterprise support — Businesses can take advantage of stronger security features, new device management capabilities, and improved enterprise integration.

• Accessibility enhancements — Control VoiceOver using a wireless keyboard. Output in braille to over 30 supported wireless Bluetooth refreshable braille displays in more than 25 languages.

• Keyboard and dictionary enhancements — Choose from more than 30 new keyboards and dictionaries, including Arabic, Greek, and Hebrew.

See also: Mac OS X 10.6.5: It’s here

For folks who’ve been waiting for AirPrint, you might want to steel yourself for a disappointment TUAW, among a host of others, is reporting that printing from iOS devices to printers connected to a Macs or PC has been pulled at the last minute.

[u] LoopInsight reports a Steve Jobs email that states AirPrint will arrive whole.

Good Morning, Mr. Jobs:

As a release-day purchaser of an iPad, I was elated when you revealed iOS 4.2 would support AirPrint. Now comes reports AirPrint support has been pulled from 4.2. Between announcements/assurances of the white iPhone, and now the pulling of AirPrint, is Apple going to lose credibility and become known for announcing “vaporware”?

Respectfully,

El Jobs:

AirPrint has not been pulled. Don’t believe everything you read.

AirPrint will only be available via compatible HP printers and I think there are three of those available on the market.

Are you a dev with tasty details about any of the above features? Drop us note (and link if possible) in the comments below…

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