Apple kicked off its annual developer conference today by introducing the next versions of OS X and iOS as well as a new cloud-based service for backing up and synchronizing your data. Here’s a quick run-down of the iOS and iCloud news from today’s event:
- iCloud lets you backup and sync your data without a PC
Apple’s much-anticipated iCloud service was unveiled today. In a nutshell, you can use it to backup data from your phone to the cloud, synchronize documents, contacts, appointments, and photos between devices, and store your music collection online. The music portion is already live. The rest of iCloud will be available when iOS 5.0 launches this fall. - What’s coming in iOS 5.0?
Mobiputing has a run-down of all the major new features in iOS 5.0 including an updated camera app, improved notifications, and more. - iOS 5o go PC Free: WiFi sync, OTA software updates
You officially won’t need a computer to use an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch once iOS 5.0 hits the streets. Apple will allow you to download system updates over a wireless connection, and if you do want to sync with iTunes on a PC, you’ll be able to do it over a wireless network. - Apple adds “purchased” apps to App Store
Apple just made it easier to re-download apps you’ve already purchased, either on the device you’re using or on another device. Just fire up the App Store and clicked on the “Purchased” tab for a list of all your apps. Unlike iOS 5.0 and iCloud, this feature is already fully available.
Apple also released a developer preview of iOS 5.0 today, so it shouldn’t take long before more details start to spill out. The company says the next generation mobile operating system will include 250 new features.
What happens when multiple users have a sign-on for, say, an I-Pad and they have individual I-Pods, etc.? Â