iOS 4.3 update for iPhone & iPod Touch - Walkthrough
What's Up YouTube: Exploring iOS 4.3 with Detroit Pork
In this article, we will delve into the features and updates of iOS 4.3 for iPhone and iPod Touch.
iOS 4.3 Compatibility
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Before we dive into the exciting features of iOS 4.3, it's essential to note that this operating system is only compatible with specific devices. These include iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod Touch 3rd gen, and iPod Touch 4th gen. Unfortunately, Verizon's iPhone does not receive 4.3, which means some features may not be available on this device.
Personal Hotspot Feature
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One of the notable features of iOS 4.3 is the personal hotspot feature. This allows GSM iPhones to act as Wi-Fi hotspots for up to 5 devices. However, carriers may limit this feature to fewer devices, and activation requires a tethering data plan. In the US, this feature comes with an additional $20 per month.
New Messaging Reminder Setting
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A new setting has been introduced in iOS 4.3 for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. This allows users to select from options such as 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 reminders instead of the previous option to simply repeat the message twice.
Safari Updates
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The Safari browser has been updated with a new Nitro JavaScript engine, which significantly improves JavaScript performance and speeds up website rendering. According to benchmark results from SunSpider, JavaScript performance nearly triples with iOS 4.3 compared to iOS 4.2. The benchmark showed that the previous version took over 10,000 milliseconds to complete, while iOS 4.3 took only 4,000.
iTunes Home Sharing
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iOS 4.3 devices also pick up iTunes Home Sharing, which allows users to wirelessly access their iTunes content from their computer within the same home network. To activate this feature, users must update to the latest version of iTunes and follow a specific process.
Activation Process for iTunes Home Sharing
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To activate iTunes Home Sharing, users need to:
1. Update to the latest version of iTunes.
2. Select Advanced and turn on Home Sharing.
3. Enter their Apple ID.
4. Go to Settings on their iPhone or iPod.
5. Choose iPod or Music on their device.
6. Enter their Apple ID under Home Sharing.
Once these steps are completed, users can load the iPod or Music app on their device, select Shared, and browse their iTunes library directly without having to sync content to their device.
Playback Experience
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The playback experience for music is similar to what we experienced on the iPad. Users can select songs, skip tracks, or scrub through music with ease. For movies, playback also works similarly, although users may need time for buffering while the movie loads. The feature also supports AirPlay, eliminating the need to bring up Apple's Remote app to control iTunes content on Apple TVs or Airport Express devices.
Enhanced AirPlay Capabilities
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AirPlay has been enhanced in iOS 4.3 to recognize and playback content to any Apple TV found on the Wi-Fi network without needing to configure those devices for home sharing. This feature also enables users to play back video from their photo gallery, as well as slideshows with transitions.
Canceling Download Progress
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A minor but useful feature has been introduced in iOS 4.3: the ability to cancel download progress by tapping and holding the icon and selecting Delete.
Conclusion
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In conclusion, iOS 4.3 brings several exciting features and updates to iPhone and iPod Touch users. From personal hotspots to enhanced AirPlay capabilities, these changes aim to improve the overall user experience. With its improved Safari browser and iTunes Home Sharing feature, this operating system is definitely worth exploring for those looking to take their mobile device experience to the next level.