Apple Releases iOS 4.3, Adds WiFi Hotspots, Improved Airplay

Two days ahead of the release of the iPad 2, Apple has unrolled iOS 4.3 for the iPhone, iPad, and iPhone Touch.

The update, available via iTunes, adds a number of new features to iOS. Airplay's functionality has been expanded, allowing iOS devices to stream video to high-definition televisions via Apple TV. Third party apps designed for AirPlay can also take advantage of the update to the technology.

The update also introduces iTunes Home Sharing, which allows users to share their iTunes library with multiple PC or Mac computers on their Wi-Fi-equipped home networks. Not limited by format, iTunes Home Sharing supports movies and television shows.

With the update, Apple also boosted the performance of the mobile Safari browser. With a JavaScript engine Nitro, Apple says the updated browser will decrease page load times.

With the update, users can also take advantage of iOS's new personal hotspot feature. Users can use the feature to share their 3G data connections with up to three other Wi-Fi-ready devices.

For iPad owners, possibly the most anticipated feature of the update is the tweak Apple made to the iPad's side switch. With the release of iOS 4.2, the button's functionality was changed from controlling the iPad's orientation lock to muting the device. With the latest update, Apple now gives users themselves the option to alter how the button functions.

There is no word on when the update will be available for Verizon iPhones, which run a version of iOS already equipped with some of the update's features.

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