iOS 5 is by far the biggest software update Apple has ever released for its mobile devices. It brings more than 200 new features (see our initial coverage here with all the new functionality) including iCloud, WiFi iTunes sync, a new notification bar very similar with the one on Android devices, iMessage (a Blackberry style messenger), Newsstand, Reminders, Twitter integration and many other smaller features.

    As of today, iOS 5 is ready to be downloaded and installed on your iDevice (iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S, iPad, iPad2 and iPod Touch gen 3 and 4). It’s a free update and requires iTunes, as always, but that’s going to be the last time you ever need to activate and connect your Apple device to a computer.

    iCloud

    You can now choose to sync over WiFi via iTunes, or backup up your device to the iCloud automatically. It’s easier than before, and brings that level of freedom we’re already used to from Android devices that tie almost everything to your Google account.

    In Apple’s case everything is tied to the iCloud account which you’ll set up with the same credentials as your Apple ID. You can then select in the Settings menu which items are backup up automatically. If you opt for the free 5GB account you might want to deactivate media sync as your photos and home made videos will take the most of that space. You can even access some of your files online on iCloud.com: Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Find My iPhone and iWork.

    iCloud is available also online, but with limited features

    iCloud is available also online, but with limited features

    I’ve set it up to backup up my device automatically to the cloud, which requires me to keep the iPad locked and connected to the wall charger and wirelessly to the Internet. It’s a pain in the a**, if you ask me, as I prefer not to use my charger at all. The same situation repeats when you’re using iTunes WiFi sync. It’s an unnecessary step that I hope Apple will fix with iOS 6, or maybe even sooner.

    Installing iOS 5

    At the end of this post is a video with the actual update process, which took me a while because Apple’s servers were too busy and unable to verify the previously downloaded iOS image, but things should be OK  right now. Don’t forget to backup your current state to make sure you don’t have to go through the hassle of installing apps, downloading books and arranging icons once again. Once the update is over everything will be restored automatically if you choose to restore the device, or select to set up as a new one

    During the next days there will be more videos and posts to follow that will cover iCloud setup, the Notifications system and iTunes WiFi sync. This update is big and we’re going to talk about it accordingly at All Touch Tablet.