Apple's iOS 5 was released Wednesday and came a step nearer to replacing the Mac and PC as the main computing device for the masses. The latest update to the iOS brings big changes to the iPad and the iPhone as well as fixing possible security vulnerabilities.

The updates and additions on the iOS are noteworthy as it makes using Apple devices easier than ever with its design centered on instant use and a better user experience. It has made the iPad and iPhone a standalone device that may replace the PC or Mac for casual users. Below are the list of features that will most certainly be used by Apple users.

Updates Over Wi-Fi

iOS 5 devices are now free from the PC and Mac over updates. Usually, updating software is done by connecting the device to the PC or Mac; now iOS 5 devices can receive their devices over wireless.

iCloud Services

All iOS5 devices, including the Mac, can now access the iCloud to store your pictures, documents, videos and other files. Combine this with the updates over wireless, casual users can now use their tablets as their main computer.

Improved Camera Software

One of the problems with phone or tablet cameras is that they can't take pictures instantly. They can't take pictures of moments when you need it the most. With a tap and a swipe, you could now take pictures of life's surprises. The shutter button is now located at the volume button so the iPhone can now function like a eal camera instead of just another camera phone.

Notification Center

SMS, e-mail, messages and reminders can now be viewed by a dropdown tab on the top called the Notification Center. The new addition occupies a small screen real estate so it will not disturb any activity you would be doing in the device. It can also be accessed while Lock Screen is in effect, making important notifications easier to answer by eliminating the need to unlock the device's screen.

Multitasking with Gestures

One of the many issues with the iPad is its inability to multi-task. It is now possible to do that and switch between apps with swiping four or five your fingers across the screen left or right. Swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar.

Safari Update

The new Safari for mobile can now do tabbed browsing. While this feature is available to other browsers even on Android, it is about time that it receives the function. The update on the browser also includes the Safari Reader, which is like an RSS reader only that it just takes the content of the Web site sans any advertising. With it is the Reading List which, what else, lists down Web sites you have saved in your Reading List. This might be Apple's attempt to introduce casuals to RSS.

iMessage For SMS

With the iMessage, users can now send SMS and multimedia messages with other iOS users for free. It actually is just a messenger service exclusive to Apple users. It will use wireless services to send messages or images and will enable users to send message without using telecommunication companies services with Wi-Fi.

Twitter

Twitter is no longer just an app you could add to your device. Twitter is now integrated in the iOS 5 and will enable users to tweet anything on their devices in Safari, Youtube and Maps. With the integration, contacts can also now have Twitter users attached to their entry making tweeting a message to someone easier.

With all these new features from the iOS 5 update, there are some issues that may come up. First is the backlash from carriers over the free "SMS" service they would be offering. Are these companies willing to let go one of their most lucrative services? The second issue is the would be the backlash from Web sites funded by advertising. Will they just block Safari and make people use other browsers?

With the iPhone 4S coming out Oct. 15 and the iOS 5 rollout for iPads today, it is likely that most casual users will replace their PC or Mac with the iPhone and iPad since the two devices have all the functions that casual users use.