When Apple announced iCloud at yesterday’s WWDC 2011, they also revealed that the service would replace their current MobileMe offering. Existing users will be able to continue to use MobileMe until the 30th of June 2012.
MobileMe is now essentially a closed service. You can no longer sign up for a new account, nor can you upgrade your existing account to a Family Pack account or add any additional storage to your existing package. This transition marks a significant shift in how Apple manages cloud services, aiming to streamline and enhance user experience with iCloud.
Transitioning from MobileMe to iCloud
When Apple launches iOS 5 and iCloud later this year, existing MobileMe users will be able to transfer their current MobileMe email address to their new iCloud account. This seamless transition is designed to ensure that users do not lose any of their important data or email addresses during the switch. Apple has emphasized that the new iCloud service will offer more robust features compared to MobileMe, including better synchronization across devices, enhanced storage options, and improved integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
One of the key benefits of iCloud is its ability to automatically back up your iOS devices daily over Wi-Fi when they are connected to a power source. This feature ensures that your photos, documents, and settings are always up to date and can be easily restored if you ever need to replace your device. Additionally, iCloud will offer 5GB of free storage, which can be used for mail, documents, and backup. Users will also have the option to purchase additional storage if needed.
Refunds and Customer Concerns
It isn’t clear as yet whether customers who recently renewed their MobileMe subscription will get a refund from Apple. It seems at the moment it is only people who purchased a retail box of MobileMe and haven’t activated it who are eligible for the refund. This has raised some concerns among users who have recently paid for the service and are now facing its discontinuation. Apple has yet to provide detailed information on how they plan to address these concerns, but it is expected that they will offer some form of compensation or credit towards iCloud services.
For those who have been using MobileMe’s various features, such as iDisk for file storage, Gallery for photo sharing, and iWeb for website hosting, the transition to iCloud will require some adjustments. Apple has announced that iDisk, Gallery, and iWeb publishing will not be part of iCloud. Users will need to find alternative solutions for these services. For instance, users can switch to other cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive for file storage and sharing, and use platforms like WordPress or Squarespace for website hosting.
The move to iCloud represents Apple’s commitment to providing a more integrated and user-friendly cloud experience. By consolidating services and focusing on seamless synchronization across devices, Apple aims to make it easier for users to manage their digital lives. The introduction of features like Photo Stream, which automatically uploads and syncs photos across all your devices, and iTunes in the Cloud, which allows you to access your entire music library from any device, highlights the potential of iCloud to enhance the way we interact with our digital content.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
