Apple iOS 4.3 handed out to developers

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The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system got a boost this week as it was released to developers.

The first beta and SDK of iOS 4.3 is doing the rounds in the developer community and showed a number of new features soon to be made available on Apple products.

Reports suggested the new version would include personal hotspot capabilities, support for AirPlay streaming video and multi-touch gesturing for the iPad.

However, iOS 4.3 will only be available on the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 4, the iPad and Apple TV 2G, meaning original iPhone users will miss out.

The general release date of iOS 4.3 has yet to be confirmed by Apple.

Jobs takes medical leave

Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive, has also announced he was to take another leave of absence to focus on his health.

In an email sent out to Apple employees, he confirmed chief operating officer (COO) Tim Cook would take on the responsibility for day-today tasks. However, it also said Jobs would remain as CEO and would be "involved in major strategic decisions for the company."

This is the second bout of leave Jobs has had to take due to illness in two years. He previously admitted to having a hormone imbalance, which caused him to lose weight, but during his six months leave he also had a liver transplant.

Jennifer Scott

Jennifer Scott is a former freelance journalist and currently political reporter for Sky News. She has a varied writing history, having started her career at Dennis Publishing, working in various roles across its business technology titles, including ITPro. Jennifer has specialised in a number of areas over the years and has produced a wealth of content for ITPro, focusing largely on data storage, networking, cloud computing, and telecommunications.

Most recently Jennifer has turned her skills to the political sphere and broadcast journalism, where she has worked for the BBC as a political reporter, before moving to Sky News.