To coincide with the launch of thethis week, Apple has released iOS 4.1, the latest update to their mobile operating system that powers the iPhone and iPod touch. The new update brings a wealth of new features and tweaks to the company's most recent products, as well as many previous generations. So, what exactly can you expect from the download?

Game CenterAt long last, Apple's mobile game client has arrived on the iPhone and iPod touch. Originally introduced in April, and up until now hadn't been seen since, Game Center is a centralized multiplayer gaming service for the iPhone and iPod touch, much like Microsoft's Xbox Live service. It allows players on both mobile platforms to form friends lists, score achievements, access leaderboards, and even set up multiplayer matches in supported games.Friends are found by one or more email addresses or a nickname, sort of like a gamertag, which allows you to send them game challenges and compare achievement scores and leaderboards status. If you prefer to pwn some strangers, Game Center's auto-match feature finds players around the world for you to play against. Finally, games can be launched directly from within Game Center, creating a streamlined multiplayer experience.Game Center is supported on the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and the fourth, third, and second generation iPod touch.High Dynamic Range (HDR) PhotosApple has given the iPhone 4's photo taking capabilities a massive boost with high dynamic range photos, which takes three photos at three different exposure levels simultaneously then recombines them to create a perfectly balanced photo. In use, the most noticeable benefit of HDR photography is its ability to capture larger depth, showing details of the background that would otherwise be washed out by conflicting light.

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But, showing is easier than telling, so check out our photo example and see for yourself. Despite the fact that the new iPod touch features a built-in camera, HDR photography is exclusive to the iPhone 4.TV Rentals and Ping via iTunesThe mobile version of iTunes is getting an update with iOS 4.1, adding TV show rentals and Ping, Apple's new social networking service. After downloading iOS 4.1 users will be able to rent instantly streamable TV show episodes for the price of $0.99 per episode. Each rental will be available for 48 hours after the show has begun playing, and unwatched rentals are available for 30 days.Ping adds mobile support for Apple's new social networking service to the iPhone and iPod touch to complement its addition to iTunes 10 last week. Ping allows you to connect with other iTunes users and view their recent activities, including song purchases, profile comments, as well as video and photo uploads. Users can also follow their favorite artists, view their updates from the road, and even get full concert schedules.HD Video Uploads over Wi-FiUp until now, the only way to retrieve and upload uncompressed HD video captured by your iPhone 4 was to connect it to your computer, transfer the file, and upload it from your PC. Now, with iOS 4.1, users can upload HD video over Wi-Fi to either YouTube or Apple's MobileMe suite, allowing for seamless on-the-go video uploads.Better Bluetooth AudioOne of the most alluring features of smartphones and many modern mobile media players is Bluetooth audio, which is capable of delivering wireless audio to headphones and stereo systems. Unfortunately, Bluetooth protocols were a bit lacking on the previous iPhone software, resulting in poor bitrates and compression; now Apple has incorporated AVRCP Bluetooth technology for improved audio fidelity.Much Needed Minor TweaksFor the more active iPhone and iPod touch users, there have been a few minor tweaks to iOS 4.1 that will resolve a few of the software's more frustrating qualities, namely it's relentless spell checking and stationary camera controls, plus the addition of Face Time contacts as favorites. With iOS 4.1, users now have the option of turning spell check off entirely, preventing it from converting your intentionally foul worded insults into PG-friendly works of nonsense.Controlling the iPhone 4 or new iPod touch's camera functionality just got easier as well, as now the on-screen button that enables flash relocates itself when you change from portrait to landscape positions rather than staying in its fixed position. Video chat lovers also now have the benefit of adding Face Time contacts directly to their favorites list.Bug FixesAs Apple CEO Steve Jobs mentioned during his keynote address earlier this month, the iOS 4.1 update also resolves several key performance issues; particularly problems with iPhone 3G speeds and problems with the iPhone's proximity sensor. The update alleviates issues with the new operating system slowing down the iPhone 3G's performance, and tweaks the iPhone's proximity sensor, which detects when a user is holding the device close to their face, to prevent it from incorrectly determining when a user is holding the phone.