iOS 4.3 launches early - out now

Update March 10th: Apple originally announced that iOS 4.3 was due March 11th but it looks like it's gone early. Shout out in the comments what you think.

Original story: Alongside the announcement of iPad 2, Apple has also unveiled the latest version of its mobile operating system.

New features in iOS 4.3 include faster Safari mobile browsing performance with the Nitro JavaScript engine; iTunes Home Sharing; enhancements to AirPlay; the choice of using the iPad side switch to either lock the screen rotation or mute the audio; and the Personal Hotspot feature for sharing an iPhone 4 mobile data connection over wi-fi.

iOS 4.3 will be available to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users as a free software update on Friday, March 11th.

The update is compatible with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, plus third and fourth generation iPod touch.

"With more than 160 million iOS devices worldwide, including over 100 million iPhones, the growth of the iOS platform has been unprecedented," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "iOS 4.3 adds even more features to the world's most advanced mobile operating system, across three blockbuster devices - iPad, iPhone and iPod touch - providing an ecosystem that offers customers an incredibly rich experience and developers unlimited opportunities.

While a faster Safari mobile browsing experience is self explanatory, iTunes Home Sharing allows iOS 4.3 users to play music and movies on an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch from their iTunes library on a Mac or PC over a local Wi-Fi network.

"With a simple tap you can enjoy all the media in your iTunes library wherever you are in your home," says Apple.

You can stream a movie from your Mac in one room to your iPad in another or stream an iTunes mix to your iPod touch from the office to the kitchen, for example.

iOS 4.3 also includes enhancements to AirPlay, the wireless technology that allows users to stream music, photos and video to Apple TV.

With iOS 4.3 you can stream additional content including video from third party apps and web sites, videos from the Photos app and previews from the iTunes app to your TV.

The Personal Hotspot feature in iOS 4.3 lets you share an iPhone 4 mobile data connection with up to five devices in a combination of up to three wi-fi, three Bluetooth and one USB device.