iCloud is a free Internet service running on Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services servers. Apple developed it in 2011. The project was created to replace the paid data warehouse “MobileMe”. However, it was a test version, and only since mid-October in 2011, users of personal computers and mobile devices have been able to use it. It supports the following operating systems: Windows, OS X, Android and iOS.
Main features
- Cloud data storage.
- Providing 5 GB of file storage.
- Synchronization with the file system of the iTunes player.
- Download music, programs, videos and books.
- Own mail.
- Search for the location of friends with their permission.
- Ensuring security thanks to the “Find iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac” function, which allows you to remotely format a memory card on a mobile device. To activate the device detection function, you need to log in to the iCloud account on the device by entering the login and password from the service access account.
- Sending push messages.
Interface and convenience
You don’t need any special knowledge – the service is easy to understand. To use iCloud, you need the latest version of Windows, although you can also download the application for Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems.
You must enter your Apple ID and password to get started. You need to activate your Apple ID on your mobile, if you haven’t created it yet.
After the user has logged into iCloud, you can start syncing. At the same time, all data (photos, documents, etc.) will be available not only for Windows, but also on all devices connected to the current online service.
Advantages
- 5 GB of iCloud disk space is available for free use.
- The ability to connect mail.
- Safety.
- A lot of music, videos, and other interesting content.
- Search for friends.
- Friendly interface.
- High-speed operation (freezes are possible only with a poor-quality Internet connection).
Disadvantages
Only 5 GB of disk storage.
You will have to pay for some books and music.
The cloud service is suitable for almost everyone, since most of its functions are free. In addition, Apple can boast of providing security services. Developers have made it so that any mobile device connected to iCloud is protected from theft, since it is possible not only to remotely delete all data, but also to determine the location of the robber.