As expected, Apple also spent some time during today’s iPad 2 launch to announce the forthcoming release on March 11 of iOS 4.3 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Steve Jobs ceded the stage to Scott Forstall, who took us through some of the main features of iOS 4.3. For starters, it will have “significantly increased Safari performance”. It will also have iTunes home sharing, which will enable you to access all your content directly over Wi-Fi. If AirPlay’s something that you use, you’ll be glad to know that improvements are being brought in, such as when you share photos, you’ll be able to use all of the built-in slide show options.

Forstall also spoke about the new option to choose whether you want to use the switch on the side of the iPad as a mute switch or an orientation lock. Currently it’s been changed to a mute switch from its initial use as an orientation lock, of course, not a very popular move, but with iOS 4.3, you’ll have the choice to change it back if you want.

Source: Live from Apple's iPad 2 event -- Engadget