| Joined: | Thu Apr 19th, 2012 |
| Location: | United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 4424 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
I think Apple have kinda tried to make bit's of it work with other OS to give users a taster but bear in mind it's far from fully implemented even in Mountain Lion, where most of the functionality is embedded. Each new OS version is introducing more aspects of the iCloud. This IS ground breaking despite Kens assertion that it's old hat, the implementation of a world wide remote synchronisation on this scale and with this level of detail is a massive undertaking. Apple are feeling their way, one piece at a time.
Apple are also listening to feedback and are prepared to backtrack on some features if there is sufficient pressure. 'Save As' has been restored now in the latest version.
Regarding background synchronising of the minor data (bookmarks etc), if you want to enjoy the broad 'Apple Experience' then you have little choice but to go with the flow. You can turn off some or all aspects of the iCloud but I see that as far too much a self denial. I see no harm in syncing my bookmarks, calendar, contacts and stuff. If the FBI want to know my business they have plenty of ways of achieving that even if I was running a totally cloud free network.
It would be a simple matter to install a bot which eMailed my keystrokes for the day to them. However, I think they have enough genuine threats to monitor without bothering with me.
The only data I actually put in the iCloud are minor personal things, mainly drafts which I am working on and notes.
The way the data is saved to the cloud seems to be very economical, with the exception of the 100Mb TIFF images I have put in the iCloud, I have not noticed any delays on my connection as a result of 'stuff' being transmitted. My home internet connection is very flakey and is now running at <700Kb. A phone call and it all falls apart but I have had no issues with bandwidth and the iCloud.
Embracing the iCloud is obviously a personal thing but for the average person, I think the benefits outweigh the snags.
I refused to have a bank card for years, I ALWAYS used cash for everything, I still strictly minimise my involvement with 'job' outfits like PayPal but my life hasn't fallen apart since I started to use the bank card. There is little difference between the bank card and eMailing and the iCloud, sensitive personal info is being transmitted and stored outside you control by organisations who would sell their soul for a dime, which have to kow-tow to the authorities and have little allegiance to me. Of all the companies out there I think I would trust Apple most but they still have to kow-tow to the authorities.
The lunch is already paid for. >$600 Billion in the bank, cash? Apple see this as their way to further dominate the market by having such an appealing, feature rich product they become irresistible to the user even at premium prices. Who in their right mind pays £500 for a phone???
Just my two cents to the debate!
The concept of iCloud makes a lot of sense for people who need to access and modify data in multiple locations and on different computers. For many, it's 'going with the flow' when they never really needed to get wet. After all, the whole idea of a laptop was so you could take your work with you....and not need to use a third party computer in different locations. If you work off the laptop all the time there is no need to sync with a second or third computer.
As a free backup service icloud does has value. ( incidentally I just discovered I DID set up an iCloud account and enable the backup feature when I got the iPad...amazing what you forget!)
But I personally don't need that degree of synchronicity in my life and anyway I don't have (or want!) Windows 7, required for it to work with PCs.
Last edited on Tue Jul 31st, 2012 07:59 by Eric
____________________
Eric