Apple has released the latest version of its mobile operating system two days ahead of schedule. The update is already available through iTunes and brings several new features to Apple's iPod touch, iPhone and iPad product lines. Among iOS 4.3's highlights is faster Safari performance. Apple has ported the Nitro JavaScript engine used by the desktop version of Safari, supposedly doubling JavaScript performance in some instances.
Version 4.3 also sees the addition of Personal Hotspot, which was first introduced on the Verizon iPhone 4 and lets you share your mobile data connection with other devices over Wi-Fi. Apple has made it easier to share media as you can now access your entire iTunes library with any iOS device over your wireless home network. For instance, iTunes Home Sharing can stream music and movies from your Mac or PC to an iPhone or iPad.
AirPlay has been opened up to third parties interested in using the feature. Applications and websites with AirPlay support will be able to wirelessly stream audio, video and photos to your TV – assuming you have an Apple TV or the AirPort Express. The iPad's physical side switch has received additional functionality. You can configure it to serve as a mute toggle or an orientation lock, as it originally did prior to iOS 4.2.1.