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Apple's latest iOS 4.2 beta adds SMS tones, disables some AirPlay features

Apple on Tuesday released the third beta of iOS 4.2 to developers alongside the second beta of iTunes 10.1, making subtle changes to the distributions of the former for both the iPhone and the iPad.

iOS 4.2 build releases seem to be following a two week cycle, as the first iOS 4.2 beta was released four weeks ago, with the second beta coming two weeks after.

People familiar with the latest iOS beta said it is known as build 8C5115c.

The beta contains several significant changes, including an updated version of the modem firmware. Noticeably missing from the beta were AirPlay features from previous builds. The AirPlay button has disappeared from the Photos, Videos, and YouTube apps on the distribution for the iPad.

Developers have noticed a bug with the AirPrint functionality. When printing from an iPhone, the image sometimes prints as just the size of the iPhone's screen, not the original image size.

The beta also packs a number of smaller additions. According to fscklog, the new beta adds "a larger number" of tones (Google Translation) for receiving text messages on the iPhone 4. The 17 new SMS ringtones include tones such as "Calypso," "Choo Choo," "Sherwood Forest," and "Tiptoes."

In a minor change to the iPad, the Connect to iTunes recovery screen now uses the controversial new iTunes 10 icon.

The iTunes 10.1 beta released alongside the iOS 4.2 beta continues to support printing.

For more on iOS 4.2, see AppleInsider's first looks:

First look: Apple's iOS 4.2 for iPad and iPhone

First look: AirPrint wireless printing with Apple's iOS 4.2

37 Comments

crisss1205 16 Years · 61 comments

I don;t think it removed the functionality, Just hid it since there is no video AirPlay enabled devices on the network.

stompy 19 Years · 414 comments

Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider

.. According to fscklog, the new beta adds "a larger number" of tones (Google Translation) for receiving text messages on the iPhone 4.

While additions are welcome, custom SMS tones are really all that's needed.
Even better would be SMS tones per contact, with the option of selecting a custom tone.

A number of co-workers rely on server originated SMS messages, they've jailbroken their phones solely to customize SMS tones .

telusman 18 Years · 12 comments

I agree! There is no reason people shouldn't be allowed to add custom tones. I'm sure the 17 new tones are very high quality but I just want a way to add my own...

schmidty 19 Years · 13 comments

LOL at "the controversial new iTunes 10 icon"!

turley muller 17 Years · 112 comments

Quote:
Originally Posted by stompy

While additions are welcome, custom SMS tones are really all that's needed.
Even better would be SMS tones per contact, with the option of selecting a custom tone.

A number of co-workers rely on server originated SMS messages, they've jailbroken their phones solely to customize SMS tones .

You can assign text tones to individual contacts. That was added in a previous beta. However, with just the few text tones previously available, only a handful of contacts would have a unique SMS tone. I the addition of 17 new alerts should be more than plentiful.

Even if not assigning to particular contact, at least you can change from what people around you have. Couple nights ago, I counted 9 out of 11 people sitting at the bar with iPhones, including the manager and bartender, that's 11. And probably half, including me were on the glass chime causing a constant distraction.