ICloud facts for kids
.png){kind=logo} |
|
| Developer(s) | Apple Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial release | Developers Release June 6, 2011 General release Fall 2011 (scheduled) |
| Operating system | Mac OS X Microsoft Windows iOS |
| Type | Cloud Service |
| License | Free |
iCloud is a cloud service from Apple Inc. announced on June 6, 2011 at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The service allows users to store data such as music files and automatically sync between multiple devices such as: iPhones, iPods, iPads, and personal computers. It also replaces MobileMe, acting as a server for email, contacts, calendars and other data.
Announcement
The first official mention of iCloud from Apple came on May 31, 2011, when a press release announced that it would launch the software at the WWDC on June 6, 2011
5 Days before the 2011 WWDC, Apple released the logo of iCloud, along with iOS 5 and OS X Lion logos. Inside the Moscone Center, a banner shows the logos of OS X, iOS 5, iCloud: a lion for OS X, "5" for iOS 5, and a cloud for iCloud.
In the WWDC 2011 keynote speech, Apple announced iCloud will replace MobileMe, and will move all its services over to iCloud. It was also announced that the basic iCloud service is free of charge.
Basic Service
The cloud based system allows users to store music, photos, applications, iBooks and contacts, as well as serving as a platform for Apple's email servers and calendars. Each account has 5GB of free storage. Any music files purchased via iTunes are automatically downloaded to any registered devices e.g. iPods, iPhones and computers. When a user registers a new device all iTunes content can be automatically downloaded.
Extended service
For an annual charge registered users can let Apple "scan and match" their complete iTunes music library so that all available content can be automatically downloaded to all devices. This includes music that has been originally ripped (copied) from CD. Any music that is not available via the iTunes store has to be uploaded to iCloud so it can be backed up and synced.
See also
In Spanish: ICloud para niños
