Apple's new cloud-based service that both stores and ferries files from one iOS device to another.
Launching alongside iOS 5, iCloud does many of the same things as MobileMe (the service it's replacing), while adding new hooks like:
- A back-up service that can store near-full copies of your iOS device on Apple's servers for safe keeping
- The capability to re-download previously purchased content from any one of Apple's digital stores
- A feature called Photo Stream that transfers photos from one device to another in the background
- File storage for app developers to keep certain files, like documents or application settings
Collectively, the service acts as a safety net for some of the things consumers originally needed a computer for when using these devices, something Apple is banking on to be attractive for users with one iOS device, or many.