iOS 4.1 update now available for iPhone and iPod Touch

Revealed last week and available right now Apple's iOS 4.1 update fixes a number of bugs on the iPhone 4, specifically the glitchy proximity sensor as well as two dozen security patches. Hit jump for a video of iOS 4.1 as well as a run down of all the features and fixes.

New to the idevices are a HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature in camera that creates a composite of three images taken for clearer and more vivid feature.

iOS 4.1 also brings Social Gaming with the Game Centre app that allows users to enjoy multiplayer games, achievements and find friends on the network. More social updates come by way of Apple's Ping music-focused  social network which has already garnered 1 million users. iTunes TV show rentals direct to the device are also part of the update as is the ability to upload HD quality videos via Wi-Fi.

Real World Experience

Our experience updating to iOS 4.1 was that our iPhone 4 required we restore our iPhone from a previous backup which took roughly 30 minutes. When this was done, iOS 4.1 was installed although we needed another 30 minutes to reinstall all our apps and media. Rather than an update, which usually takes no longer than 15 minutes, this felt like a complete reinstall of the OS. 

iOS 4.1 update is available for the iPhone 4, 3GS and 3G, as well as the iPod Touches introduced in 2008, 2009 and on Sept. 1, 2010. The oldest of Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch do not support iOS 4, and so will not receive today's upgrade.

Apple requires users to download iOS 4.1 to their Windows PC or Mac using iTunes, then sync their iPod Touches or iPhones to the machine to install the upgrade.