5 Things About iOS 4.2 We Are Finding Irresistible

Over here in the TCGeeks lab, we have been testing out iOS 4.2 pretty extensively.  And while all of the new iOS 4.2 features are not included in the latest Beta version, it’s still pretty robust.  We are having a great time with it and have found some of the features irresistible. Here’s a peak into our crazy world.

iPad iOS 4.2 Features

Our iOS 4.2 page is full of great information but the real interesting stuff comes from testing it all out.  Luckily we have a great little lab set up (it’s actually just a desk, but let us believe we have a lab) and that’s where we have tried to experiment as much as we can to bring you all the great features of the forthcoming iOS release (November, 2010).

While this is still officially in Beta, it is functional to the point that we are finding a few of the features to be so useful they are irresistible (it happens).

Irresistible iOS 4.2 Feature #1 – AirPrint

AirPrint.  It’s a great new feature that is easy to use and it makes the entire experience on the iPad that much better.  You might thing that that there is a big icon somewhere leading you to this new function but you won’t really find that.

The current way to print from the iPad is to get an app and then use it to send documents via WifFi, Bluetooth or direct via iTunes.  Those apps are great and I don’t suspect there is any reason to delete them as they offer a great number of features.

With AirPrint, it’s just a simple process. You find a webpage or photo or anything else you want to print and tap the screen. A “print” feature pops up and you can then send prints to a wireless printer.  There are some basic functionality features you get but for the most part it’s simple, easy, and a great feature.

Irresistible iOS 4.2 Feature #2 – AirPlay

To be fair here, not all of the functionality of AirPlay is in the current beta of iOS 4.2.  The video portion is still not working but the audio certainly is and here is why it’s so amazing.

First, you’ll want to have the new Apple TV.  I happened to grab the last one on the shelf and so that’s where my adventure began.  The way AirPlay works is by opening up an iTunes movie or TV show on your iPad and starting to play it.  Once it begins, you tap the screen and there is a little icon you can press that initiates AirPlay.  Immediately, the sound (and soon video) starts coming through the Apple TV and thus you can see and hear that video content on your TV and through your home theater.  You will be able to do this with Photos as well.

Note: You must have HomeSharing enabled on the Apple TV for it to work.

The reason this is so amazing is because it’s simple and it works.  No complicated installs. No tinkering around.  It really does “just work”.

The only thing I noticed is that the sound and the video were not always in sync, but simply restarting the video fixed the issue.  Again, this is beta iOS so I’m not going to officially state that this will be an issue.

Irresistible iOS 4.2 Feature #3 – Multitasking

It’s not that big of a feature if you are an iPhone user with the latest iPhone iOS.  However, it is a great feature to have on the iPad.

I like that I can listen to Pandora or iTunes and “minimize” it while working in Pages.  I also like that I can be reading an email or RSS feed and switch over to another app without losing my place in the other program.

It’s not that much different than the iPhone multitasking.   But since I do a lot on the iPad, this is definitely a great feature.

Irresistible iOS 4.2 Feature #4 – Folders

Another feature you will already be familiar with if you are an iPhone user.  Folders is great because I can finally organize all those apps I have cluttering up my screen.  I use and test and try out a TON of apps (go figure) so being able to organize them is really a great thing.

Folders works by dragging an app over another app and creating a grouping.  This is perfect for all those apps but the one thing I wish I could see is the ability to self-create my own folder.

I would love to be able to create a grouping, for example of “test apps” or “addicting apps”.  Perhaps this feature will become available in the final release but for now I’m pretty happy with the way it is.

Irresistible iOS 4.2 Feature #5 – Unified Inbox

I use email a lot.  I have multiple email accounts as well and thus it is really nice to have the ability to see all my messages in one view as well as experience threaded messages.

The new mail features in iOS 4.2 are great.  All email conversations are threaded.  This means if you are having an email conversation with someone then all those back and forth messages are all kept into one single “thread”.  It’s easier to read, easier to navigate, and keeps your inbox view much cleaner.

At this point, I really don’t know how I managed all my mail without it.

In Conclusion

It’s only beta still, but iOS 4.2 has some features that are pretty darn irresistible.  These are what others have been waiting for and I can’t wait to see the final release when things are all polished up and working perfectly (nearly).  Of the features above I am most impressed with, I have to say it would be AirPlay (and it’s not even fully working yet).

What feature of iOS 4.2 are you waiting for?

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