iOS 4.3, Planned For Friday, Available Now

Even with its mobile devices flying off the shelves, Apple needs to keep its competitive edge and iOS 4.3 is part of that strategy. A January survey showed that as of last November iOS was still the leading operating system in the US but losing ground to Google's Android. So, the release of new features in iOS 4.3 is critical.Two days before the release of the new iPad Relevant Products/Services, Apple launched the latest version of its mobile operating system Relevant Products/Services earlier than expected.

iOS 4.3, originally set for Friday, will allow AT&T's iPhone users to access Relevant Products/Services the personal Wi-Fi hotspot feature that Verizon Wireless users received off the bat when the CDMA version became available in January. But the update which includes faster browsing via a new Nitro JavaScript engine, won't reach Verizon iPhone users until later this year.

More Sharing And Streaming

Other 4.3 features include iTunes Home Sharing, allowing users to stream their iTunes libraries to any iOS device Relevant Products/Services via a shared Wi-Fi network; the ability to stream content from any compatible app to an Apple TV set-top device via AirPlay; and iPad side switch customization, which allows users to choose whether the mechanical side switch is used as a volume mute button or to lock the screen rotation.

Many of the features were displayed by Apple's CEO Steve Jobs on March 2, when he came out of medical leave to show off the iPad 2, the first device to ship with 4.3 and not require the update. Users of the iPhone 3GS or 4, original iPad or the two most recent versions of the iPod touch can go to Apple's web site now, connect their device and click on check for updates.

If you haven't updated your iOS in a while, 4.3 will also include past additions, such as Air Print -- the ability to send photos from mobile device to stationary printer Relevant Products/Services -- drag and drop folders and the remote device finder, which also allows remote passcode setting.

The update follows the Tuesday release of iTunes version 10.2.1, which iOS users will need to get the new firmware.

Why Wait?

Apple likely released the update early simply because it saw no reason to hold it once the finishing touches were complete, said mobile devices analyst Avi Greengart of Current Analysis.

"It's software, so there are no channel issues to launch timetables, you just post it on your site," said Greengart

Even with its mobile devices flying off the shelves, Apple needs to keep its competitive edge. A January survey Relevant Products/Services by market research firm Nielsen Group showed that as of last November iOS was still the leading operating system in the United States but losing ground to Google's Android, which is available on numerous devices and tablets and sold by many carriers.

Just two months later, Nielsen found that in the intervening period, through January, Apple was tied with Research in Motion's BlackBerry for second place, at 27 percent each, with Android seizing the lead with 29 percent of active smartphones. (That was before Apple released the iPhone for Verizon Wireless.)

One potential point of concern for Apple is that new smartphone Relevant Products/Services adopters, those ages 18-34, were found to be more likely to choose an Android phone.

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