iOS 4.2 out now in New Zealand

After what must seem like an eternity for iPad owners, Apple has finally released the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 4.2.

“iOS 4.2 makes the iPad a completely new product, just in time for the holiday season,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Once again, the iPad with iOS 4.2 will define the target that other tablets will aspire to, but very few, if any, will ever be able to hit.”

iOS 4.2 brings many of the options that iOS 4.1 brought to iPhone such as multitasking, folders and a unified inbox.

AirPlay is a “new feature for streaming music, video and photos wirelessly from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to Apple TV” and users will also be able to see AirPort Express and AirPlay to stream wirelessly to any stereo or powered speakers, or directly to AirPlay-enabled speakers coming to market “in the months ahead” says Apple.

The Find My iPhone (or iPad or iPod touch) feature is now free to use without a MobileMe subscription. It’s a free app that lets users find their device and remotely lock or wipe data if necessary.

“Other new features that iOS 4.2 brings to the iPad include: the ability to easily find and highlight specific words and phrases on web pages in Safari; enhanced enterprise support so businesses can take advantage of stronger security features, new device management capabilities and improved enterprise integration; industry-leading accessibility enhancements; and support for 25 additional languages,” said Apple.