Apple Previews iOS 4.1 And 4.2 For iPadApple Previews iOS 4.1 And 4.2 For iPad

iOS 4.1 for iPhone/iPod Touch

Apple has been updating the software developer kit for iOS 4.1 regularly, but hasn't shared much information in the way of new features. On Wednesday, Apple offered a brief glimpse about what the new software will offer for iPhone users.

iOS 4.1, which will be available for the iPhone beginning the week of September 6, will first and foremost fix bugs. Apple CEO Steve Jobs mentioned that 4.1 will fix the proximity sensor issue that has plagued some iPhone 4s, as well as the sluggish software behavior on the iPhone 3G. It will also fix a small bug that was affecting the iPhone 4's Bluetooth performance.

iOS 4.1 will offer several new features. The most interesting of which is the new HDR -- High Dynamic Range -- imaging tool. With HDR activated in the iPhone's camera, it will take a set of three shots with varying degrees of exposure (known as bracketing) and then assemble the three images into one final picture that has the best elements of the three images.

With the new software, Apple will finally deliver the Game Center to iOS devices. The Game Center's sole purpose is to enable multi-player gaming. Jobs noted that users can see what their friends are playing, join games, or can be paired with strangers when no one else is available to play.

Other features for iOS 4.1 include the ability to upload HD video via Wi-Fi. iOS 4.0.2 limits HD uploads to when the iPhone is attached to a computer. This new feature will make it easier to share HD video content.

Last, Apple said that users of the new iPod Touch -- which includes front- and rear-facing cameras -- will be able to conduct FaceTime video chats with users of the iPhone 4.

Apple didn't specify when during the week of September 6 that iOS 4.1 will become available.

iOS 4.2 for iPad

iOS 4.2 is all about the iPad, said Jobs. It will bring all the features of iOS 4.0 and 4.1 to the iPad -- folders, multitasking, Game Center -- and adds wireless printing and wireless streaming of video and audio.

During Wednesday's press conference, Jobs demonstrated how with iOS 4.2, the iPad can stream HD movies via Wi-Fi to the new Apple TV.

iOS 4.2 won't be available for the iPad until November.