Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) released a beta of iOS 4.3 to developers mid-week that gives the platform mobile hotspot capability, among other new features. Assuming support by carriers, its eventual release would mean that iPhones and iPads will offer Internet access on-the-move to laptop users, rendering MiFi hardware obsolete. While this capability already exists on a number of other platforms--and can also be enabled on a jailbroken iOS device--the sheer market penetration of iOS devices essentially means that other platforms will now find it of paramount importance to offer the same feature in order to stay competitive.

In addition, access to Apple's AirPlay technology is now open to developers, and new four and five-finger gestures have been added. The new gestures support navigation to the home screen, as well as to use the app switch. The current speculation is that they will eventually eliminate the need for a button on iOS platforms.  And yes, a new preference option has apparently been added for the side switch on the iPad so that users can now choose if they prefer it as a mute toggle, or as an orientation lock.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at Ars Technica
- check out this article at PCMag
- check out this article at InformationWeek

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