iOS Components and Frameworks: Understanding the Advanced Features of the iOS SDK

8. Getting Started with iCloud

iCloud is a set of cloud-based services provided by Apple. It was introduced with iOS 5 as a replacement for MobileMe, and generally provides cloud storage and automatic syncing between iOS devices, OS X devices, and the Web. iCloud includes email, address book, and calendar syncing; automated iOS device backup and restore; a “Find My iPhone” feature to locate and/or disable a lost device; a “Find My Friends” feature to share locations with family or friends; “Photo Stream,” which automatically syncs photos to other devices; “Back to My Mac,” which allows configurationless access to a user’s Mac over the Internet; and “iTunes Match,” which provides access to a user’s music library without uploading and syncing. ...