It was looking rather bleak at the end of last week, with us and many others expecting iOS 4.2 not to appear until the 24th November at the earliest, however Apple have now officially announced the firmware update will be with us today!

A time hasn’t been set so the very keen should plug their iPhones and iPads into iTunes and get clicking on the firmware update button. The iOS 4.2 software is available to download now and is compatible with the iPhone 3G, 3GS, iPhone 4, 2nd/3rd/4th generation iPod Touch and the iPad.  As before, not all the features will be available on the iPhone 3G.

Apple slipped another piece of exciting news into their press release, saying that Find My iPhone will be free to use via an app!  Previously a feature of the pay-only MobileMe service, it applies to the iPhone 4, 4th gen iPod Touch and the iPad only, and will contain a map for locating your device and remote lock/wipe functionality.

Also, the iPad will gain the ability to rent TV episodes without having to sync with iTunes.  They will be available for 30 days with a 48-hour life once started.  The iPad has the most to gain from iOS 4.2, as it introduces multi-tasking, folders, AirPrint, Game Center, AirPlay and a global email inbox.

We’ll update as soon as it’s live.