Apple iOS 4.3 Might Be Released for the iPhone on February 13

A couple of reviewers may have spilled the beans about the timing of an upcoming iOS update: though it has yet to be confirmed, speculation has pointed to a February 13 release date of iOS 4.3.

While reviewing Verizon's version of the iPhone 4, Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal and David Pogue of the New York Times both brought up the mobile hotspot capabilities of this device, a feature which will be available upon this smartphone's release. But they also brought up that February 13 is when AT&T plans on starting up its Personal Hotspot  service.

As previous iOS 4.3 betas have indicated, the operating system update will include mobile hotspot capabilities for AT&T iPhones, so to mention a release date for hotspot capabilities may suggest a release date for the iOS 4.3.

It is worth noting, however, that the reviewers could have simply been referring to AT&T’s Mobile Hotspot app, which it will be launching on the same day for some of its other phones, including the HTC Inspire 4G.

More about Mobile Hotspot Software
Mobile hotspot software allows a smartphone to share its wireless connection to the Internet with other computers over a Wi-Fi connection. Basically, it allows a phone to act as a portable wireless router.

Verizon charges $20 for this service, and AT&T will too.

Preview of Apple iOS 4.3
The iOS 4.3 betas that were released to developers over the past months revealed a number of features that are new to the impending update.

Aside from hotspot software, cloud-based photo sharing and syncing will also be available via the MobileMe-based Photo Stream, and FaceTime and Camera apps will be made available for the iPad in anticipation of the device’s front- and rear-facing cameras.

Are you looking forward to iOS 4.3? Or is this is "ho-hum" sort of update? Chime in with your comments in the Brighthand forum.