By the time you get around to reading this article, Apple's iOS 5 will probably be available to download.

Here's what you'll be tinkering with after you finally install the highly anticipated software update.

The biggest new addition in Apple's iOS 5 is Notification Center, which groups together your text messages, game pop-ups, Twitter mentions, and Facebook tags into one big hub.

This can be accessed by simply swiping downwards from the top of your device's screen.

iOS 5 also comes with Apple's iCloud, a service that wirelessly backs up and syncs your contacts, calendars, music, documents, and - most importantly - gaming data across your iOS devices.

For fans of big-screen gaming, meanwhile, AirPlay Mirroring invites you to stream content from your iPhone 4S to a HD television set via Apple TV.

If you don't believe me, check out the sensational Party Mode in Real Racing 2, which allows four players to compete in a split-screen race on a 46" inch tellybox.