Apple releases iOS 4.2 beta with AirPrint to developers

Apple has released the beta version of its iOS 4.2 operating system to developers, bringing with it a new feature known as AirPrint. The update brings multitasking to the iPad for the first time. Multitasking allows users to run more than one program at a time — for example, listening to a streaming music app while browsing the web. The iPhone and iPod Touch have had some multitasking capabilities since the introduction of iOS 4.0.

The update also features wireless printing software called AirPrint. "AirPrint is Apple's powerful new printing architecture that matches the simplicity of iOS — no set up, no configuration, no printer drivers and no software to download," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, in a statement on Wednesday. iOS 4.2 is expected to be released in November.

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