Kibbles & Bytes Blog

Wednesday, alongside the introduction of iPad 2, Apple showcased iOS 4.3–the software behind its latest hardware innovation. Building off existing abilities of iOS, 4.3 perfects several established features and introduces just as many new ones. Though designed specifically around iPad 2, the update is compatible with many existing iOS devices as well. The full list of compatible devices is as follows:

* iPhone 3Gs
* iPhone 4 GSM Model (AT&T)

* iPod touch 3rd generation
* iPod touch 4th generation

* iPad
* iPad 2

Here is a detailed look at some of the refinements and new features of iOS 4.3:

*AirPlay Enhancements*

Apple’s revolutionary AirPlay technology gets even better in iOS 4.3. Previously allowing you to stream music, movies, and photos from your compatible device to Apple TV, AirPlay will now stream video from the Photos app. This feature, highly requested post launch of iOS 4.2 last year, enables users to shoot home video and instantly share it via Apple TV. Additionally, Apple has allowed AirPlay-enabled apps and websites to stream to Apple TV.

*Safari Performance Boost*

Apple has implemented a new Nitro JavaScript engine into iOS 4.3. This nets users a speed boost up to two times faster than iOS 4.2. While pages will load faster in general, Apple claims sites with numerous interactive features–obviously no Flash–will appear significantly faster.

*iTunes Home Sharing*

With iOS 4.3, Apple has expanded iTunes Home Sharing to iOS devices. This means users will be able to stream the entirety of their iTunes libraries from their Mac or PC to their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. In addition to music, users can stream movies, TV shows, and podcasts directly to their device.

*iPad Side Switch*

Traditionally, Apple doesn’t make very many mistakes. However, when the company introduced iOS 4.2 for iPad last year, many users were upset that the update permanently altered functionality of the side switch on their iPads. Sensing a slight misstep, Apple has listened to user feedback and remedied the issue in iOS 4.3. iPad owners will now be able to choose whether they prefer the switch function as a mute switch or as a screen-orientation lock through the Settings menu.

*Personal Hotspot for iPhone 4*

Though it was introduced alongside the launch of the Verizon iPhone 4 last month, iOS 4.3 introduces Personal Hotspot for iPhone 4 to all users of the device, and yes, AT&T has confirmed they are on board. For an additional $20 per month, iPhone 4 owners with AT&T’s higher tiered Data Pro plan will receive 2 additional gigabytes for Personal Hotspot usage. The handset’s 3G connection can be shared with up to five devices at once over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB. Though only three connections can take place via Wi-Fi, two additional devices can be added over Bluetooth and USB.

The release of iOS 4.3 will accompany the launch of iPad 2 next Friday, March 11th. The update will be pre-installed on all versions of iPad 2 and available as a free download for users with older compatible devices. If you own one of the aforementioned devices, you can download the update on the 11th by connecting it to iTunes. As always, we recommend you perform a full backup of your device prior to updating.

Mac OS X is well known for the deep levels of customization it affords users. Just about every aspect of the OS is customizable to an extent–especially if you know your way around the command line. Regardless of whether it’s through performance tweaks or aesthetic changes, making it your own is one of the joys of owning a Mac. While it may seem like a familiar tip for longtime OS X users, a question we frequently hear is, “How do I move the little icons in the Menu Bar?” This is a great question, especially given the intuitive and easy customization of the Bar’s southern neighbor–the Dock. If you’ve ever tried to rearrange the mini icons for Bluetooth, Airport, Volume, etc, then you have probably discovered they’re a bit too stubborn for the typical click and drag. The secret is in the Command key. Simply hold it while clicking and dragging, and you can rearrange Menu Bar icons just like in the Dock!

Need to cut the clutter? With Command held, drag any item from the Menu Bar onto the desktop. Release the mouse, and you’ll get a satisfying “Poof!” and an accompanying cartoon cloud of smoke. If you remove something important–the clock let’s say–don’t fret. Simply visit System Preferences and the corresponding Preference Pane to re-enable the feature. In this instance, we’d want to visit System Preferences > Date & Time > Clock and click the checkbox “Show date and time in menu bar.”

It is good to note that these tips work best with pre-installed system Menu Bar icons. These include Bluetooth, Time Machine, Airport, Volume, Date & Time, Username, and more. While many third-party developers build this functionality into their apps, it’s not guaranteed to work. Often times the best way to disable a rogue third-party icon is through the preferences located within the app.

*mini mac treat #1:* To access the preferences of any application press Command + comma! The more you know…

Keep in mind that your Menu Bar mileage will vary based on your screen size. If you’re running an 11-inch MacBook Air, you’ll want to be fairly selective with the number of icons at the top of the screen. Option-heavy applications like Photoshop need a lot of room to display all of their menus.

_Dear Friends,_

This week it’s Ben writing for Don while he’s away. I debated changing this week’s edition to “Kibbles & Ben” while the Top Dog is out, but I’d like to keep my job so I’ll refrain. There’s no shortage of topics to write about this week thanks to Apple’s announcements on Wednesday–most notable of course is iPad 2. Faster, lighter, and HD camera equipped? Sign me up! The fact that I can plug in my Stratocaster and rock out with a virtual pedal board in ‘GarageBand for iPad’ sold me on its own. By retaining the same pricing as the previous generation and 10 hours of battery life across the line, I’d say Apple has another hit on its hands.

iPad 2 is a remarkable device, but it seemed even more impressive when Steve Jobs introduced it. It was great to see the charismatic CEO make his first public appearance this year with such energy and enthusiasm. Although he did not update attendees on his health or plans to return to Apple, simply seeing him take the stage was reassuring.

iOS 4.3–the brains behind iPad 2–looks incredible as well. Apple continues to innovate through software as much as it does through hardware. All of the great new features in the forthcoming release indicate this trend. With technologies like AirPlay, Apple is able to push the capabilities of its hardware beyond its initial reaches. We’ve seen this with multi-tasking, AirPrint, AirPlay, and now Home Sharing and Personal Hotspot for iPhone 4. I’ve got a hunch that iOS 4.3 is merely a preview of Apple’s future plans for its powerful portables. Keep reading for more on all of Apple’s exciting announcements from this week.