iCloud Features Augment the Power of the iOS 5 on the iPhone

Cloud storage has been around for quite a while now. Servers first took advantage of this virtual infrastructure to enable online collaboration among the users working on the same project. Clouds also provide additional processing resources beyond the capability of the client computer. The iOS 5 implemented this feature with innovative features that surely stand out against contemporary cloud services.

iCloud configurable settings

Upon updating to the latest iOS version, installation procedure prompts for the account information to be entered. The same account registered in the Apple store may be used for the iCloud service. Apple provides 5 GB of free storage with functionalities that beat other cloud services.

Configurations for the iCloud are found in Settings > iCloud. A new option right on the first page of the Settings menu accommodates the iCloud configuration settings. By sliding the on/off switch for each feature, data is wirelessly synced to the iCloud. A great innovation of this service is the ability to sync across various iOS devices such as the iPod touch and the iPad.

By enabling Photo Stream, photos are are automatically uploaded to iCloud and are downloaded to other iCloud-enabled devices bearing the same account. This feature is very convenient for viewing a sideshow of the pictures taken from different devices onto bigger and wider screens.

Emails from the MobileMe account are also synced. MobileMe email service is free but I haven't registered yet so the switch on the snapshot is still turned off.

Contacts, calendars, reminders, and bookmarks stored on Safari are conveniently synced with the iCloud. For the meantime, my Notes are not yet synced since items in that app are still with my Gmail inbox. Documents and data from other apps may be stored on the cloud too.

A security feature is included in the last option of the menu. Find My iPhone enables remote locking of the iPhone and erasure of data whenever the device is lost or stolen. Using Wi-Fi, GPS or cellular network triangulation, precise location of the device is provided.

Finally, synced information can be checked online through the iCloud website.