The new iOS 5, a free software update from Apple, is now available for any iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Apple released the update on Oct. 12.

The new update removes the requirement of plugging the device into a computer.

Apple has installed a new feature called iCloud.

“iCloud stores a bunch of information, so it is always available to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch,” Bill Rankin, director of mobile learning research, said. “It gives you access to your music, apps, and photos from whichever device you use.”

Another new feature is iMessage. This new app operates through Wi-Fi, so now even iPod touches can send text messages.

“Used to be, I had to send the text message through AT&T. If I had an iPod touch, I couldn’t send text messages,” Bill Rankin  said. “Now, I can send text messages through Wi-Fi, and even iPod touches can send text messages for free.”

Many new features make things faster and easier. The new Reminders application allows users to organize their lives with task lists and alerts. They can set the alerts to go off based on time or location.

People away from home will enjoy another application called Cards. It lets users take pictures and place their pictures in one of 21 templates. On the inside of the card, people can write personalized messages to send to their friends. Apple will print the personalized card with the photo and message and mail the card. It will go to any address in the U.S. for $3, and users can mail it internationally for $5.

“The operating system, which runs for iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, is a nice new feature that can make things faster, easier and cheaper,” Rankin said.