Girls In Tech

Apple has just release the iOS 4.3 software update for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Download the update by connecting your Apple device to your computer. You will need iTunes 10.2.1, released by Apple on Tuesday, to sync and update.

Here’s a simple summary of what’s new in iOS 4.3:

• Faster browsing: Apple claims that Safari browsing is now double in speed due to the implementation of “Nitro,” the JavaScript engine that drives the desktop version of Safari. Let us know if you notice a perceptible improvement.
• Personal hotspots via 3G: This feature allows you to share your 3G connection with other gadgets you have with you and/or other people within your vicinity (according to Apple, up to five devices can be connected). This may be useful if you are not within easy access of a Wi-Fi connection. But beware: most cellular data plans have megabyte limits, so you stand the risk of using up your allotted limit when you share your 3G connection. A really unwelcome outcome might have you paying mega bucks on mega overage. Also, sharing a 3G connection can slow the connection speed, especially if all the connected devices are running multimedia applications such as streaming video. Bottom line: Great feature in a pinch when there’s no Wi-Fi available, but can get really expensive really quickly if you use it a lot.
• Improved AirPlay: AirPlay is a media streaming protocol that allows you to connect your Apple mobile devices to an AppleTV and watch videos from your device on television. Additionally, AirPlay also allows you to connect your device to a stereo, so you can listen to music in any room where you have speakers. iOS 4.3 improves AirPlay because it allows third-party apps to connect to your television or stereo via Apple TV. In addition, videos recorded on an iOS device can be streamed to the Apple TV.
• iPad Toggle Switch: You can now change the hardware rotation lock switch into a mute switch via iPad settings. This was a popular request from users.

Note: the iOS 4.3 update is not available for the iPhone 3G nor the first and second-generation iPod Touch.

If you’ve updated to iOS 4.3, have you noticed any additional new features? If so, let us know.

Sources:

• Gizmodo
• CNET
• GigaOm