Apple Introduces New iCloud

On Monday, June 6, 2011, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced the coming release of an Apple-powered “cloud service” coined iCloud.

The iCloud service, rumored to be officially released this fall, makes use of cloud computing which is based on the idea that every device connected to the Internet is connected to large common networks storing applications and files.

The cloud service stores users’ files in remote networks in cyberspace, or in “the cloud.” Individuals can then open their personal files from different devices than those used to originally store or access the files as long as an internet connection is present. The cloud service reduces or eliminates the need for document-sharing programs and external hard drives.

Apple’s iCloud service stores personal files which can be opened from an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac computer, or PC, conveniently linking together different Apple products as well as non-Apple devices.

For now, a beta version of the iCloud has been released while the official version remains a work in progress. Applications that are currently prepared for iCloud are iTunes on iOS 4.3 devices, Photo Stream, Apps, Books, Documents, Backup, Contacts, Calendar, and Mail.

The iCloud service is accessible through iTunes v.10.3.