Apple iOS 4.2 Released Today: Multitasking, AirPlay Finally Here

Today Apple released the long-awaited  iOS 4.2 for the iPad (and the iPhone and iPod touch), bringing with it, among other things, the ability to multitask and create folders.

Other new features include a unified e-mail inbox, Game Center, and Airplay and AirPrint.  AirPlay will let users stream music, videos, and photos wirelessly to an Apple TV, and AirPrint will let you print wirelessly over the network to an AirPrint-enabled printer (the list currently includes the HP Photosmart, HP LaserJet Pro and HP Officejet lines).

Another welcome feature is that you no longer need to sign up for a MobileMe subscription to use the Find My iPhone app, which helps you locate your device and lock or wipe it should it go missing.

Last but not least, other improvements include the ability to rent TV shows through iTunes and watch them on the iPad; a Find feature in Safari, enhanced enterprise support ; and support for 25 additional languages, including Korean, Portuguese and Traditional Chinese.

Stay tuned for our full hands-on.