There was a time when cloud storage was just a high-tech term used by industry insiders. Now everything is different, and each user can access such services. They are designed to make your life easier by vastly expanding your device's memory size through digital means. Where is the cloud in the iPhone and how to use it?
What is cloud storage?
The name "cloud storage" evokes associations with information floating in the air, but this is not so in practice. When you store something in the cloud, that data is on a remote server. This is contrary to saving directly to your device. These servers can then be remotely accessed by users. Typically, these servers are owned and operated by the hosting company that supports them.
So why is it called "cloud"? The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the early days of the Internet. Back then, cloud drawings were used to depict the telephone company that provided Internet access. The term has recently been carried over into the modern era. Where is the cloud in the iPhone and what is it for?
Why is it useful to use cloud storage?
There are several good reasons to use cloud storage. For example, Apple likes to charge extra fees for increasing storage devices. The problem is that modern devices continue to consume more and more storage space. Regardless, Apple is not going to reduce the cost of the 256GB iPhone models, so an alternative is needed.
This is cloud storage. Remote servers can store a ton of photos, videos, and other data at a reasonable cost. Beyond that, you rarely have to take additional steps to access them.
Cloud storage also makes it easy to transfer data between multiple devices. Imagine a simple process of copying photos from your phone to PC without the cloud. You will have to deal with wires or the cumbersome process of sending files via email. Synchronizing your iPhone with the cloud avoids this.
However, one of the most overlooked benefits of cloud storage is the backup options it offers. Ideally, you should make a copy of every important file you have on your server. This will allow you not to worry about the risks of losing information.
However, the best reason for using cloud storage is relatively simple: it's the future. People may one day live in an era where the cloud will become the dominant storage method. So it's best to check it out now.
How difficult is it to use cloud storage?
With the right service, cloud storage is incredibly easy to use. Most modern devices give you the ability to save to the cloud immediately. From there, accessing your data is as easy as using embedded media.
The main hurdle when working with cloud storage is data management. It is possible to enter the cloud from an iPhone, but it requires using a third-party browser. In addition, the habit of having information in several places is difficult. Fortunately, most cloud services make it easy to automatically back up your data and manage your files.
How much cloud storage do you need?
It depends a lot on your needs. If you are a business owner, you need as much as you can get, as the cloud is best for you to create copies. Based on your needs, this could mean signing up for a service that allows you to store terabytes. Since you can always enter the cloud from your iPhone, on a paid basis you get the ability to back up any information.
However, this storage space may not be necessary for everyone. If you're a mobile user who just wants to back up some of your photos and videos, consider a service that stores about half of the space available on a mobile device.
Plus, see how much space your photos and videos are taking up and get the service you practically need. Just keep in mind that your needs may grow.
What is iCloud?
iCloud Drive is Apple's solution for managing documents and files on iOS and Mac. If you have an iCloud account, you can use this storage. Subscription prices range from free to $ 19.99 per month, depending on your volume needs. First of all, you'll need to complete the setup process and get started with iCloud Drive.
How to turn on iCloud Drive manually on iPhone
What is iCloud in practice and how to connect it? When you update iOS from an older version, you will need to indicate if you want to update iCloud Drive. If you answered yes, you don't have to do anything else. But if you chose no, you can turn on iCloud Drive with just a few taps by following these steps:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 8 or higher.
- Click on iCloud.
- Click on iCloud Drive.
- Enable the option for cloud storage.
You may receive a pop-up warning if you have other iOS and OS X devices that are not currently using iCloud Drive. Remember, they all need to be updated to ensure compatibility between them. So just repeat this process on each one.
How to choose an iCloud Drive subscription plan
By default, iCloud Drive comes with 5GB of free space. This is the same volume that you previously received for backups. Where is the cloud in the iPhone? In newer versions, it is accessed through the Files application.
If you feel that this is not enough, you can sign up for more GB. Or, if you're already paying for an iCloud subscription, you can change it to suit your current needs.
This process is done like this:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Click on iCloud.
- Next, click on "Storage".
- Click Change Storage Plan.
- Choose the plan that best suits your needs.
- Click "Buy" in the upper right corner.
- Sign in to your iCloud account to complete your purchase.
That's all. Your storage will change immediately and you will see the selected subscription.
How to use iCloud Drive on your iPhone
The great thing about iCloud Drive for iOS is that it always works. You don't need to do anything or configure anything. Once you're signed in to your iCloud Drive account, any apps that support cloud storage will give you options to open and save documents.
One of the best features of iCloud Drive is how it works in conjunction with Mac and Windows. Saving any documents in the cloud makes them instantly available to any service that supports it in iOS, and vice versa. Where is the cloud in the iPhone? You can find all files, documents and folders in the iCloud Drive app.
In order to access the full version of the Aycloud website, you will need to use any browser other than Safari. There is no mobile version of this resource, but the process of working with the online repository is very simple. This way you can process data from multiple accounts at the same time.
How to Move Files in the Cloud on iPhone
iCloud Drive is now stored in the Files app for iOS 11. It opens up many options for storing and organizing files on your device. You no longer need to stick to app-based folders to organize your content — you can handle everything in Files like Dropbox or Box. How do you work in it? How to find a photo in the cloud on an iPhone and copy it?
- Launch the "Files" application
- Click iCloud Manager under Locations.
- Click on the files you want to move.
- Click Move at the bottom of the screen.
- Click a folder to select a destination for the files.
- Select "Move" in the upper right corner of the screen.
How to delete files in the cloud on iPhone?
If you find that you are running out of space or simply accumulated a lot of unnecessary information, you can easily delete unnecessary files. This is as easy as saving to the cloud on your iPhone. This is done as follows.
- Launch the Files app
- Click Browse at the bottom of the screen.
- Select iCloud Manager under Locations.
- Click on a folder to open it.
- Then - "Select" in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Select the files you want to delete.
- Click "Delete" in the lower right corner.
It should be noted that there is no confirmation of the operation when deleting. Deleting files only marks them in advance. They can be restored in the Files application.
How do I enable or disable cellular data for file syncing?
If you have accumulated a large number of documents in the cloud, and you have a limited tariff for storing information, you can prevent the application from using mobile data. You don't even need to follow the steps to sign in to iCloud from your iPhone. How it's done:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Click on "Data Transfer".
- In the Mobile Data section, scroll down until you find the Files app.
- Press the On / Off switch to disable the use of the functionality.
This will allow you to ensure that iCould Drive is not being used to store different information.
On October 12, Apple launched the highly anticipated iCloud service. I propose to understand in detail what's what.
So, iCloud is a cloud service from Apple that allows you to synchronize various kinds of information between devices (PC, Mac, iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad). It requires iOS 5, Windows Vista SP2 / 7, OS X 10.7.2. There is also a web version at the address, but more on that later.
Capabilities
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iTunes in the cloud... Allows you to automatically download purchased music, applications or books to any of your devices. There will probably be more videos in the future.
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iTunes Match... If you have a large amount of music and do not want to buy it in iTunes, then this function will come in handy. iTunes Match scans songs from your library; if it finds a match, it uploads a song from the iTunes Store to your virtual library. If not, it copies the song from your computer. You can store up to 25,000 songs in total. The cost is $ 25 / year, and this is the only paid option in iCloud besides purchasing additional space.
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Photo stream... Taking photos on iPhone is really easier than carrying your camera around all the time. And since the camera allows you to take photos of good quality, many people take photos with it. But what if you need to transfer photos to your computer / iPad / Apple TV? This is where Photo Stream comes in handy - after a photo is taken, it is automatically uploaded to Photo Stream and transferred to other devices. Storage of up to 1000 photos is available, new ones are overwritten in place of old ones. All photos are stored on the computer, not just 1000. And absolutely nothing needs to be connected anywhere, only the Internet is needed.
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Documents in the cloud... Imagine this situation: you have a working file (document / presentation / spreadsheet) that you need to upload to your iOS device, but you don't have iTunes at hand. This is where iCloud comes in. We go to the iWork section on the site, load the file into the required application, go to this application on iOS and after a couple of seconds the document is on your device. And no more quickoffice and dropbox crutches to it. Everything is convenient and simple. When you edit a document on iOS, its "version" is automatically updated on all iOS devices and in the web version of iCloud. So no changes to the document will be lost.
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Backups... For me personally - the most important and necessary thing in iCloud (besides the previous point). You no longer need to connect your phone to iTunes every time in order to make a backup copy and not lose all data. Thanks to iCloud, backups are created automatically when connected to a charger and turned on Wi-Fi connection. What is included in an iCloud backup: device settings, arrangement of icons on the screen, messages (iMessage, SMS, MMS), application data, photos and videos captured with the device's camera, ringtones, purchased music, programs, books and TV programs.
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Mail, calendars, reminders, contacts, notes, bookmarks... When creating an account in iCloud, you can create a mailbox of the form
What is its beauty? The fact is that iCloud mail accounts are the only ones that have instant push notifications when a message arrives on the server. Synchronizing calendars, reminders, contacts, notes and bookmarks will allow you to keep all your information up to date on any device.
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Find Friends and Find iPhone... The Find Friends service allows you to see your friends' location on the map (if they have allowed it) and get directions from your location to them. And "Find iPhone" - shows the location of the iPhone / iPad / iPod Touch or Mac on the map. If you lose your device, you can lock it remotely or display a message on the screen asking you to contact you.
Migrating from MobileMe to iCloud
When you move from MobileMe to iCloud, a small portion of the former will be lost. These capabilities include iDisk, Gallery, Publish Sites to iWeb, Sync Dashboard Widgets, Keychain, Dock, and System Preferences. I don't know the statistics, but syncing keychain, settings and iDisk were pretty useful.
During migration, these options disappear, so if you need them, but you have no analogues, do not rush to migrate. MobileMe accounts are valid until June 30, 2012. After this period, the service will cease to exist.
It is worth noting that when migrating from MobileMe to iCloud, you are given an additional 20GB of space for 1 year for your data.
Customization and use
Let's start with the web version. Its interface is almost identical to the interface of these applications on iOS.
There are 5 main points here:
Mail. Your email account is at me.com. Think of it as the web version of the Mail client on the iPad.
Contacts.
The calendar.
Find iPhone (in my opinion, it's time to rename the service to find a device).
iWork. You can upload your iWork, MS Office documents and they will automatically appear on iOS devices. Editing documents on a computer is done only after downloading and opening in an office suite. On iOS, documents are edited and loaded back automatically as you work with them.
When making changes in the web-version of the calendar, contacts, mail - all changes instantly appear on the iOS device. And vice versa.
You can also delete photo stream data in the web version. To do this, you need to click on the account in the main menu, click Advanced, then Reset Photo Stream.
Configuring on OS X and Windows very simple - we turn on the necessary services and the service itself starts working and synchronizes everything.
For OS X, as I said at the very beginning, you just need to update the system to version 10.7.2. Windows is a little more complicated.
First, there is no support for Windows XP. Secondly, you need Windows Vista SP2 or Windows 7 with MS Office 2007/2010 installed. Earlier versions are not supported.
Setting up on iOS no less simple - we update the device to iOS 5, go to Settings - iCloud, put the slider in the "On" position in the necessary services and agree to the activation request.
You can create a backup in two ways: either automatically, while on a Wi-Fi network and connecting the device to charging, or manually.
There is a choice of applications for which you want to copy data.
If the standard 5GB of space is not enough for you, then you can buy an additional one. My backup copy of 1 device on average takes 170-200 MB, so I don't see the need for additional space.
The tariff plans are as follows:
$ 20 / year - 10GB;
$ 40 / year - 20GB;
$ 100 / year - 50GB.
If you want a refund, you have 15 days to contact Apple.
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You can also open files, however, while they open slowly for some reason. The opening speed is unstable.
Sending documents
iCloud Drive is a secure cloud. So secure that a file or folder in it cannot be shared. Perhaps not yet.
But documents from iCloud Drive can be opened in another program or sent by mail, messages, etc.
In iOS 9, the standard email app has the ability to add an attachment from iCloud Drive. You need to tap on the text of the letter and select "Add attachment" from the menu
The iCloud Drive window appears, where you can select the files to attach to the email.
iCloud Drive and other cloud storage
iCloud Drive is a clear attempt to wean Apple fans away from competing cloud storage.
The main advantage of iCloud Drive is that the cloud is already built into iOS and the iCloud ecosystem. That is, if a user buys space for the iCloud media library, the same free space is available for iCloud Drive.
Prices are generally adequate:
- 5 gigabytes free
- 20 gigabytes - 39 rubles per month
- 200 gigabytes - 149 rubles per month
- 500 gigabytes - 379 rubles per month
- 1 TB - 749 rubles per month
Disadvantages:
1) Unlike competitors, iCloud Drive cannot share files and folders. Perhaps this joint is a matter of time.
2) while some limitation is felt. For example, on icloud.com, you cannot update folders in iCloud Drive, and you cannot specify files in the iPad app to store offline.
So far we seem to see Dropbox of the first version, although what prevents Apple from taking the best practices of competitors right from the start and implementing them in its application?
What else do you need to know about iCloud Drive?
The maximum file size in iCloud Drive is 15 gigabytes. There are no file type restrictions.
In the settings, you can prevent the use of iCloud Drive on cellular networks. I recommend doing this if you have a limited data plan.
Settings-\u003e iCloud-\u003e iCloud Drive-\u003e Cellular Data.
In the same window, you can prevent individual applications from accessing iCloud Drive.
As you know, Apple gives each registered user () 5 GB of disk space in the iCloud cloud for free, but many iDevice owners fill up the storage in a matter of weeks and then face the problem of creating backups, copying important data, etc. It is noteworthy that in 99% of cases this situation is the result of incorrect synchronization settings.
In contact with
Free space on iPhone or iPad is not the same as free space on iCloud
Unfortunately, many users see a message on the screen not understanding its meaning, they begin to delete everything, freeing up the storage device of the iOS device.
- - the remaining space on the iOS device storage (internal memory). Everything that is downloaded to the device (software, applications + cache, downloaded and created photos and videos, etc.) is stored here.
- - the remaining space in the iCloud cloud storage. The main purpose of the iCloud cloud is to create automatic backups as well as sync personal data.
Of course, 5 GB by modern standards is not very much, to put it mildly. However, even this memory is often filled with data that is not really necessary for the user. Usually, the lion's share of disk space is "eaten" by unnecessary backups, as well as photos and media files, moreover, saved twice.
How does this happen? When the Back up to iCloud option is enabled, the device, being connected to a power source and Wi-Fi, automatically copies the entire library to the cloud, and then additionally creates a backup, which also includes all media files.
How do I check how much free space is left in iCloud?
It's quite simple to check it - go to the menu Settings -\u003e Apple ID (your first and last name) -\u003e iCloud -\u003e Storage... The diagram that appears will visually represent iCloud storage, including the volume used and sorting by content type.
Following the path Settings → Apple ID (your first and last name) → iCloud → Storage management, you will probably see the most "difficult" sections at the top of the list. Backups" or " Photo"... They are the ones who litter the place in iCloud. Delete unnecessary files to free up Apple cloud storage space.
In addition, you should disable future automatic backups to iCloud (in whole or selectively).
To completely disable iCloud backups, go to Settings -\u003e Apple ID -\u003e iCloud -\u003e Backup and disable the option ICloud backup.
The optimal option for most users is to manually specify files when creating backups (selective prohibition on copying Media Library data).
This can be done as follows:
1. Go to Settings -\u003e Apple ID -\u003e iCloud -\u003e Manage Storage -\u003e Backups;
2. Select the desired device;
3. Translate the "checkbox" opposite the item " Mediathek " (and other applications as desired) into a passive position;
4. In the same menu, press the " Delete copy "to clear the cloud;
5. Return to Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Backup and create a new copy without the already gluttonous photos and media files.
How can I view data (photos, videos, files) stored in iCloud?
You can view the data stored in iCloud (and, if you wish, delete it) using the web version of the Apple cloud service located at icloud.com (you need to log in from a computer). The main sources of "severity" of the occupied space are data from web applications mail, Photo and iCloud Drive... You can delete them if you wish.
Google Photos offers an unlimited cloud storage service for photos and videos for your iPhone and iPad
10/22/16 at 17:07
For many years in a row, the iPhone has become the most popular device for creating photos according to the Flickr service. This did not happen by chance, but due to the good quality of the resulting images and ease of use. Unlike popular digital cameras and “soap boxes” in the past, iPhone is always in your pocket and does not require additional manipulations with peripherals. In addition, pictures taken on the iPhone are immediately transferred to your Mac and other iOS devices, and information about their location on the map is saved.
In the wake of the simplicity and ease of use of the camera in the iPhone, social networks and applications such as Instagram, aimed at publishing your photos on the network, began to develop actively. The volume of photographs is no longer tied to 36 film frames, as in the past, and therefore the number of pictures taken has increased many times over. Now every iPhone and iPad owner is faced with the problem of storing all previously captured photos. You can upload them to your Mac or hard drive, but it's best to store them in the cloud, where they will never get lost and you can share them with friends and family.
Where to store huge volumes of photos
1.iCloud
2. Flickr
3. Google Photos
1. Sync iOS photos with iCloud
If you have turned on support for syncing photos in iCloud, then all taken pictures will be sent to Apple's cloud storage. At the same time, there is an option that allows you to save space on the iOS device, which will store low quality photos on the iPhone only for displaying their preview. But as soon as you click on the photo, it will be immediately downloaded in the original from iCloud. This is a very tricky and convenient trick, you can continue to take pictures as long as you like, the originals are stored in the cloud, and your iPhone will remain more or less free for new pictures. But here comes the problem: the free volume of iCloud is limited to 5 GB. If all your photos and videos do not fit, you can increase your cloud space by purchasing a subscription.
Cost of additional space in iCloud Drive
With this, deleted photos from iCloud will delete those photos from all your iOS devices.
Pros: iCloud sync is built into the operating system of Apple mobile devices. It stores originals and saves space on iOS.
Minuses: with active use of the camera, 5 GB may not be enough at all, you need to subscribe to large volumes.
2. Sync iOS photos with Flickr
Flickr recently released an updated iOS app that automatically syncs all your videos and photos to the service. You are given that 200 times the free volume of iCloud. All photos uploaded to Flickr will be marked as custom by default, they will be available only to you and hidden from prying eyes. Deleted photos from Flickr will not affect deleted photos on iPhone.
pros: 1000 GB more than free iCloud storage. All photos and videos are kept in original quality.
Minuses: this volume may also run out over time. Synchronization requires the installation of a special application, which must be periodically launched or kept in memory. Uploaded photos to Flickr are not deleted from the iOS device, which requires periodic manual cleaning of already uploaded photos from the iPhone library.
3. Sync iOS photos with Google Photos
Google has presented another opportunity, which with its proposal looks very, very appetizing. They offer you unlimited cloud storage for all your photos and videos for free.
By installing the Google Photos iOS application, you can upload all pictures and videos to the Google Photos service and store them there indefinitely, forever without any restrictions on the number and time. This is undoubtedly a big plus.
What could be the catch? According to Google, the maximum size of stored photos is 16 Mp and 1080p for videos. This means that if your pictures were taken with a camera in a resolution of more than 16 Mp, they will be reduced to the specified size.
Fortunately, most modern cameras are around this value. In addition, the images of iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus have a resolution of 8 MP. However, despite the fact that iPhone photos are less than the specified limit, they will still be slightly compressed to reduce their size. Visually, the difference between the original and the compressed versions is very difficult to distinguish.
Can originals be stored in Google Photos? Yes, this option is also present but requires a subscription. You are given 15 GB of cloud space for free.
How to sync photos from iOS to Google Photos
Next, your entire library will be prepared (which may take some time, in our case there were so many photos that it took 2 days to prepare). Photos uploaded to Google Photos can be deleted from the iPhone, as well as from Flickr - manually. In addition, you can free up space on the iPhone if you go to Google Photos, select the photos, click on the menu in the upper right and select "delete copies from this device", while everything that was uploaded to Google Photos will remain there, and the same pictures will be deleted from iPhone memory.
However, if you delete photos from Google Photos, they will also be deleted from your iOS device.
All photos uploaded to Google Photos will be recognized by a smart visual search engine. For example, you can click on search and enter the words of objects, items, locations. In most cases, Google Photos finds the right things. This is a very handy trick, for example, you can find photos of a couch or your dog from your hometown, taken even when the cameras did not know how to remember the location of the shot.
In addition, Google Photos is able to determine places in images, even without geotagging. For example, having determined that the image of the Eiffel Tower, Google will mark this image as taken in Paris. And then by entering "Paris" in the search, you will see pictures of this city, even if the photo did not have information about the location.
In addition to the iOS app, Google Photos has a web version of the service. You can go to it to access your pictures, but it will also be used if you give access to someone who does not have Google Photos.
Summing up, we can say that Google has presented an excellent service that will allow you to forget about the problem of free space, clogged with numerous pictures, and even more so videos. The Google Photos app has an intuitive, lightweight interface, the ability to delete local copies, and was a great, if not one hundred percent replacement for iCloud, then at least a backup tool for all your footage. This service will undoubtedly be convenient for those who save iconic moments of their lives with an iPhone or iPad every day and do it very often.
To sync with Google Photos, you need to install the iOS app and have a Gmail account. After authorization, the application will offer to enable automatic uploading of photos and videos to its service, and will also ask you to indicate what type of storage you choose - free unlimited with reducing images to a specified size or storage in paid storage.
