The latest iteration of iOS, version 4.2.1, is now available to developers in its usual Gold Master attire. iOS 4.2 GM, released on November 1, had been plagued with issues for third party VoIP apps and iPad WiFi connectivity issues. Did Apple engineers work out the kinks or is this just one more step in the puzzle?
The painfully slow release of iOS 4.2, set to bring multi-tasking to the iPad, reached a bit of a standstill last week. One developer in particular, Toktumi, reported to MacRumors that their Line2 VoIP application was suffering from an issue where the ringer would continue to ring even after the call was answered.
Without knowing if Apple would continue the scheduled public launch of iOS 4.2 they went ahead and sent emails to their Line2 customers urging them not to install iOS 4.2. Clearly, that iOS 4.2 official launch never materialized, but their concerns remain valid. There’s no telling how many other developers offering VoIP apps suffered from a similar bug.
The anticipation for iOS 4.2 to release to the general public is at an all-time high. At the first sign of a Gold Master the countdown in our heads begins to tick. iPad and iPhone 3G owners have the most to gain from the software release and judging by iOS performance on the 3G, we can feel your pain.
Multi-tasking for the iPad has been a long time in the making. Sluggish iPhone 3G performance with iOS 4.x has been painful. When you combine those two install bases you are looking at millions of unhappy campers clicking the “Check for Update” button in iTunes every five minutes.
According to Toktumi, Apple engineers were aware of the bugs affecting iOS 4.2 GM. In all likelihood Apple addressed the issues, but we can’t be certain. If you are a developer and have access to iOS 4.2.1 GM, go ahead and give us a shout. We’re dying to know where the latest build stands- we can’t take much more of this waiting game for a public release.
via Engadget
