Can move in an out of fullscreen, Exposé-style

Users who have jailbroken their iPads can now buy an unofficial app that offers Windows-like multi-window app management for the iPad, allowing application windows to be resized, re-arranged, and re-oriented on the screen. The program, called Quasar, allows users to view multiple apps at the same time, though the background apps appear to still be in a "suspended" state. Users can also use the program to move in and out of fullscreen mode.

The change doesn't actually save users any taps compared to the default method of changing applications (single- or double-clicking the home button), but the program shines in being able to view several iPhone-sized iOS apps on screen at the same time in their native size, making better use of the iPad's larger screen (see video, below). The program is also likely to find an audience of people who like having a windowed view, even if it doesn't necessarily add much actual functionality beyond being able to re-orient apps even while the iPad remains in the same orientation.

The program is available through the unofficial Cydia app store, and costs $10. At present, there is no untethered jailbreak available for iOS 5.1, the current version, but a tethered (meaning it must be re-applied every time the device is restarted) jailbreak is available for some devices.

by MacNN Staff