Apple gives devs third iOS 5.1 beta, adds 3G toggle

While most of the electronics world has its eyes peeled on the happenings at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, Apple quietly released another version of iOS 5.1 to developers.The software, which is the third such beta of iOS 5.1, hit Apple's developer site earlier today. Among the changes is the addition of the 3G toggle for iPhone 4S users, a feature spotted by Macrumors, which was not present when the phone shipped. This meant users did not have the option to turn off the faster data tier to conserve battery life. While Apple never explained why this was the case, the Siri voice assistant was considered the culprit since it required 3G or Wi-Fi, and would not work on Edge. The release suggests Apple is one step closer to bringing the software to customers, who are expecting the company to improve battery life in this update. Reports from users with earlier versions of the software reported having mixed results. Eyes are also on 5.1 to see if features like panoramic photos andthe autocorrect menus found by developers end up as readily accessible features.

Apple gives developers iOS 4.3 Gold Master

Apple has given developers the Gold Master copy of iOS 4.3, which is slated to go out to users as a free download at the end of next week. The Gold Master is typically the same build users get when the software is released.The software update was formally unveiled during yesterday's iPad 2 event. Developers had first gotten their hands on it in mid-January.AppleAmong the new features that come with iOS 4.3 are support for Home Sharing (which lets you play your iTunes library from anywhere in the house), the capability to turn your iPhone into a Wi-Fi hot spot, improved AirPlay support, and a new JavaScript engine for Safari that Apple says brings Safari mobile up to speed with its Mac OS X counterpart.Other iPad-specific improvements include a software toggle to turn the switch on the right side of the device into either a mute button, or the screen orientation lock switch--functionality Apple had changed with a previous software update. Apple said yesterday that only the iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and third- and fourth-generation iPod Touch devices will be eligible for the software update.To read more about some of the additions and see them in action, you can take a look at our roundup from yesterday.Download links from Apple's iOS developer page.CNET