Apple Releases iOS 4.3 Ahead of Schedule

Two days before the launch of the iPad 2 at 5PM EST, Apple has released iOS 4.3 for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

As expected, iOS 4.3 brings with it new improvements such as a new JavaScript engine for Safari, AirPlay support for third-party apps, and the addition of Personal Hotspot on the GSM versions of iPhone. The update also makes major improvements in fixing security issues and bug fixes.

The update is available via iTunes, read more for a full change list from Apple.

This update contains new features and improvements, including the following:

* Personal Hotspot

– Share iPhone 4 cellular data with up to 5 devices (combination of up to 3 Wi-Fi, 3 Bluetooth, and 1 USB)

* iTunes Home Sharing

– Play music, movies, and TV shows from a shared iTunes library on a Mac or PC (requires iTunes 10.2)

* New AirPlay features

– Play videos from the Photos app including the Camera Roll album, iTunes previews, enabled third-party apps and websites on Apple TV

– Play slideshows from Photos on Apple TV using transitions available on Apple TV

* Faster Safari performance with Apple Nitro JavaScript engine

* HD video out using the Apple Digital AV Adapter

– View 720p HD videos from Videos app, iPod app, Photos, YouTube, Safari, Keynote, and enabled third-party apps on an HDMI display

* Ping features

– Push notifications for comments and follow requests

– Post and Like songs directly from the Now Playing screen

– Parental controls

* New Settings

– Messages setting for number of times to repeat an alert

– iPad side switch setting to lock screen rotation or mute audio notifications and sound effects

* Single tap conference call dialing with a pause to send a passcode

* Bug fixes