Apple on Wednesday showed off iOS 4.3, the next version of its mobile operating system.
The update brings a variety of new features, including enhanced Safari performance, iTunes home sharing, AirPlay improvements, slider switch rotation, and a personal hotspot for the iPhone 4.
Apple iOS 4.3 will be available on March 11, and it will support all iPads, the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, and recent iPhones.
Apple showed off the updates at a Wednesday press event that also included the unveiling of its next tablet, the iPad 2. The iPad 2 now includes a front-facing camera, which will allow for FaceTime chats between two iPads, iPhones, iPods, or a Mac. PhotoBooth is also now on the iPad.
The Safari improvements include the Nitro JavaScript engine, meaning iOS will run Java twice as fast, said Apple's Scott Forstall. With iTunes home sharing, meanwhile, users can wirelessly stream content over a home Wi-Fi network from the PC to the iPad.
Apple also added updates to AirPlay. If you're sharing photos, for example, you can now use slideshow transitions on the iPad to your Apple TV and vice versa.
The slider switch on the side, meanwhile, can now be used as a rotation lock or a mute button.
With iOS 4.3, a personal hotspot will let people share their iPhone 4 Internet connection with the iPad.
Despite taking a medical leave of absense earlier this year, Apple CEO Steve Jobs was on hand in San Francisco to unveil the new iPad, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. "We've been working on this product for awhile and I didn't want to miss today," Jobs said.
Jobs took the stage to also unveil iMovie for iPad. It includes a precision editor, multi-track audio recording, new themes, AirPlay to Apple TV, and the ability to share videos in HD. Apple iMovie for iPad will also be available on March 11 for $4.99 in the App Store.
Another app coming to the iPad is Garage Band. It will supprt touch instruments, like the grand piano, organ, guitars, drums, and bass. It also include guitar amps and effects, 8 track recording and mixing, 250+ loops, and the ability to e-mail an AAC file of your song. It is compatible with the Mac version. It will also be $4.99.