Rumor: Apple to release iOS 4.3 on Feb. 14 at 10 am Pacific
Citing a "reliable source," MacStories.net reported on Friday that Apple plans to release iOS 4.3, bringing AirPlay functionality to third-party applications and the new Personal Hotspot Wi-Fi tethering feature, in 10 days. Apple usually releases its iOS updates around 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern.
In the past, the website correctly predicted that Mac OS X 10.7 Lion would adopt various features and user interface elements from iOS, which powers the iPad and iPhone. But last November, the site also incorrectly reported that Apple would release iOS 4.3 in December with recurring application subscriptions.
Apple issued the first beta of iOS 4.3 to developers in mid-January. It introduced the new Personal Hotspot tethering feature for iPhone, as well as new multi-touch gestures on the iPad for quickly multitasking and accessing the home screen.
However, Apple later informed developers that the new multi-touch gestures in the iOS beta are just a preview for developers to test compatibility with their applications. The Cupertino, Calif., company indicated that the functionality will be included with a later update to iOS.
So far, Apple has released a total of three betas of iOS 4.3 to developers, with the most recent one issued this week. Other reports have speculated that iOS 4.3 could be released within two weeks.
17 Comments
So far, Apple has released a total of three betas of iOS 4.3 to developers, with the most recent one issued this week. Other reports have speculated that iOS 4.3 could be released within two weeks.
I have not tried the 4.3 betas since I'm in the middle of a big project. How does this relate to the just released GM Xcode 4 which only supports iOS 4.2?
Perhaps we'll see a preview of iOS5 as well.. iOS4 was previewed February last year.
... new multi-touch gestures on the iPad for quickly multitasking and accessing the home screen. ...However, Apple later informed developers that the new multi-touch gestures in the iOS beta are just a preview for developers to test compatibility with their applications. ..
I can't for the life of me think of a single reason why these five finger gestures are being delayed. It seems like a simple, practical addition that can be done without interfering with anything else, yet developers have to "test them out" for another six months before we see them? Whatever for?
The only possible conflict is if an app has already implemented a five finger gesture within the app, but that seems like a ridiculous reason to delay things. If they have implemented such a thing, it violates Apple's patents and in any case, the only solution for that would be to dis-allow the apps from using five finger gestures of the same type. Why not just do it now and save all our fingers from double-tapping that home button all day long?
Perhaps we'll see a preview of iOS5 as well.. iOS4 was previewed February last year.
Wasn't it in April?
I can't for the life of me think of a single reason why these five finger gestures are being delayed. It seems like a simple, practical addition that can be done without interfering with anything else, yet developers have to "test them out" for another six months before we see them? Whatever for?
The only possible conflict is if an app has already implemented a five finger gesture within the app, but that seems like a ridiculous reason to delay things. If they have implemented such a thing, it violates Apple's patents and in any case, the only solution for that would be to dis-allow the apps from using five finger gestures of the same type. Why not just do it now and save all our fingers from double-tapping that home button all day long?
I can think of several possible reasons...
1) the 5-fingure gestures are not natural
2) some popular apps may not work well with FSFTS (Full-Screen Fast Task Switching)
3) the hardware may not be robust enough to support the full-screen effect of switching between active tasks
4) new iOS multitasking constructs may be required to support FSFTS
5) Apple may want to use different (fewer finger) gestures to allow FSFTS to work on the iPhone and iPod Touch
If you have an iPad with 4.3 beta installed, try this:
-- fire up several apps that are big users of memory and/or CPU/GPU
-- I have Angry Birds, Calendar (multiple calendars), Twitter, Contacts, YouTube Playing a video, etc.
Try FSFTS...
I expect you may not think it is ready for release.