Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 05:00 pm

Apple issues second beta of iOS 4.3, says new gestures just a preview

By AppleInsider Staff

Apple on Wednesday released to developers the second external beta of its upcoming iOS 4.3, as well as a new pre-release copy of Apple TV software designed to support the mobile operating system's new AirPlay feature for third-party programmers. It also informed developers that some features present in the initial beta won't make it into the 4.3 release

The new beta of iOS 4.3 carries build number 9F5135d and is available for all three of Apple's iOS devices -- the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Thus far, it's too early to tell what changes may come baked into the release when compared to the first beta, released exactly one week ago.

The first beta of iOS 4.3 introduced a personal hotspot control panel, new multitouch gestures for the iPad, and updated SMS alert settings. Resource files accompanying the release also provided hints at a handful of new iPad and iPhone models, as well as a potential "Find My Friends" social networking feature.

It should be noted, however, that the multi-touch gestures that made their debut in the first beta won't be ready for prime time by the final release of iOS 4.3, according to a note to developers accompanying the release of the second beta.

"This feature will not be enabled in iOS 4.3 for customers," the documentation reads, "but we are providing this preview to gather input on how these gestures work with your apps."

Readers interested in the rest of the discoveries made last week can turn to AppleInsider's First Look at iOS 4.3.

The New Multi-touch Gestures