iOS 4.3 Beta 3 Seeded to Developers
Apple's third beta of iOS 4.3 is now in the hands of developers. This new beta includes three separate packages: iOS, the SDK, and Apple TV Software. Typically, Apple releases three betas to its developers before seeding a Gold Master. This latest beta feels snappier and more polished, as well as introduces a welcome surprise.
As you may know by now, this will be the first major update to iOS that will not be compatible with pre-iPhone 3GS/iPod Touch 3rd-generation hardware. No doubt that the most anticipated feature of 4.3, HD streaming over AirPlay, would be taxing on older devices. The update will also bring HTTP Live Streaming statistics, which allows developers to track video streaming usage and performance metrics (such as bitrate, dropped frames) in order to optimize content. Clearly, video streaming is a focus of this update.
