Apple Launches iCloud Services

Apple has launched  “iCloud,” a set of free cloud services that synchronize applications on  iPhones, iPads, iPod touch, Mac or PC devices. Content stored on iCloud is automatically and wirelessly pushed to all of a user’s registered devices when changes are made.

The free iCloud services include the former “MobileMe” services such as contacts, calendar and mail, The App Store and iBookstore.

Purchased iOS apps and books can be downloaded to all of a user’s devices, not just the device they were purchased on. Tapping the iCloud icon will download any apps and books to any iOS device (up to 10 devices) at no additional cost.

iCloud Backup automatically and securely backs up iOS devices to iCloud daily over Wi-Fi when users charge their iPhones, iPads or iPod touch devices. Backed up content includes purchased music, apps and books, “Camera Roll” (photos and videos), device settings and app data.
iCloud Storage seamlessly stores all documents created using iCloud Storage APIs and automatically pushes them to all of a user’s devices. When you change a document on any device, iCloud automatically pushes the changes to all your devices. Apple’s “Pages,” “Numbers” and “Keynote” apps already take advantage of iCloud Storage.

Users get up to 5GB of free storage for their mail, documents and backup.

iCloud’s “Photo Stream” service automatically uploads the photos a user takes or imports on any of their devices and wirelessly pushes them to all of a user’s devices and computers.

Apple’s “iTunes in the Cloud” lets users download previously purchased iTunes music to all of a user’s  iOS devices at no additional cost, and new music purchases can be downloaded automatically to all devices.