Apple iOS 4.3 will be available to the public on March 11th, but anyone with a developer account has been able to test out a pre-release build for the last few days, and users are starting to notice a couple of hidden features.
Sure we already know that the web browser will feature faster JavaScript performance, there will be improved support for sharing media between a Mac and an iOS device, and the ability to turn your iPhone 4 into a “Personal Hotspot,” sharing your 3G internet connection with other devices. But here are a few things you may not have known:
• The App Store will finally recognize apps you’ve previously purchased, even if they’re not installed on your device at the moment.
• Personal Hotspot will only let you share your connection with up to 3 devices over WiFi, the other two will have to use Bluetooth or USB tethering.
• AT&T will charge an extra $20 per month for the privilege of using the Personal Hotspot — even if you’re already paying for data.
• iTunes Home Sharing is a bit of a pain to set up.
Hopefully Apple will work out the kinks in the Home Sharing feature, and I suppose it’s good to have the option of WiFi tethering… even if actually using it seems expensive. At least the App Store improvement sounds promising.
