Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) released an updated edition of its iOS 4.2 gold master to registered developers as the computing giant scrambles to fix WiFi connection issues plaguing the iPad tablet. 
iOS 4.2 GM build number "8C134b"--replacing the previous "8C134″--appeared on the iOS Dev Center web portal Friday evening in conjunction with the release of Apple's iTunes 10.1 digital media application update. Last week, registered iOS developers running the initial iOS 4.2 gold master (issued in early November) turned to the web to vent their frustrations with iPad connectivity issues, explaining that even if the device manages to link to a local network, the connection drops within a matter of minutes.
Although Apple has never announced an official release date for iOS 4.2, most observers expected the platform update to appear hot on the heels of iTunes 10.1--however, The Telegraph reports the computing giant has shelved the upgrade until Nov. 24. In addition to iOS 4.2 support, iTunes 10.1 incorporates a number of critical stability and performance improvements--users also can leverage the AirPlay wireless media solution to stream videos from iTunes to the new Apple TV. Also new: iPad support for Ping, Apple's fledgling social network for iTunes music.
iOS 4.2 represents the first iteration of the platform to simultaneously power all three Apple mobile devices. Apple released its iOS 4.2 beta 3 update in mid-October, adding customizable tones designed to alert users when text messages arrive, new iPhone 4 wallpapers and enhanced restrictions settings for the Game Center multiplayer gaming platform, like expanded controls for adding friends. iOS 4.2 also will introduce multitasking and folders to the iPad tablet while enabling iPad developers to leverage Apple's iAd mobile advertising network as well as Game Center.
In related news, Apple will temporarily shutter its iTunes Connect developer interface over the holiday season. "iTunes Connect will be temporarily unavailable from Thursday, Dec. 23 through Tuesday, Dec. 28 for the winter holidays," reads an iOS Dev Center notice. "iTunes Connect access will be back online for use on Dec. 29. If you choose to set an available date for your app to go live during the scheduled holiday shutdown, your app will not go live on the App Store until iTunes Connect resumes for business on Dec. 29. Please plan your releases accordingly."
For more:
- read this Telegraph article
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