Apple released its iOS 4.2 update, which is significant because it means the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad are all running on the same version of the platform – an obvious benefit for developers. In this levelling up process, users of the iPad benefit most: they will gain features including multitasking, the ability to create and organise folders, access to the Game Center, a unified inbox for email, and support for Apple’s AirPlay (multimedia sharing) and AirPrint (wireless printing) services. From the apps point of view, the addition of multitasking will be particularly useful, enabling audio, VoIP and location-based apps to run in the background. Alerts and messages can be pushed to apps, and tasks can be completed in the background.

Meanwhile Apple also announced the Find My iPhone (or iPad or iPod touch) feature is now free to use without subscribing to MobileMe. The feature helps users locate their missing device. There is a free Find My iPhone app to download on the App Store. Finally, the company confirmed officially that it has now passed 300,000 apps in the App Store, although the figure has already been flagged up independently. Of this figure, there are 40,000 native iPad apps.