Cloud storage solution
Apple is notoriously known for keeping most of its products exclusive only to its users. This allows them to give optimum service and assure that their devices deliver unparalleled. That being said, keeping most of its products 'Apple exclusive' becomes a double-edged sword, especially for those who use their devices along with gadgets from their competitors. Luckily, the tech company is starting to expand its services to more people. This includes its cloud storage solution service, iCloud.
Best cloud storage solution for Apple devices but not for Windows
If you're accustomed to the slick interface iCloud has for Mac and iOS, you might need to adjust a little on its Windows client
It wasn't a long time ago when Microsoft announced that the iCloud will have a Windows-friendly version available on the Microsoft Store. Apple phone and tablet users who are on laptop and PC can now sync their files across all their devices using the built-in application from Apple. While this should generally be considered as good news, but don't celebrate just yet until you try it for yourself.
A collaboration with Windows
This time around, Apple decided to work with Microsoft to streamline iCloud's performance for Windows. The program is available only to Windows 10 version so you have to make sure that your operating system is up to date before you can use the application on your PC.
Using the same technology as that of OneDrive, iCloud Windows users can be more productive even if they aren't connected to the internet. Free up some space on your computer and access your iCloud Drive files right from File Explorer. Select which file or folder you want to keep on your computer and which ones you want to be stored in the cloud.
You may also store your photos, documents, videos, etc. on the drive and access them on your iOS or Mac by syncing them together. Need to access your files on someone else's laptop? Log in to your iCloud account via the web app and easily download that report you worked hard on last night. You can easily share any file straight from File Explorer and collaborate with others.
If you're accustomed to the slick interface iCloud has for Mac and iOS, you might need to adjust a little on its Windows client. While the former already has sections for applications like iCalendar you won't find it on the later version. The platform also can't identify other file types including Microsoft Office documents. Sadly, both leading tech companies are yet to come up with a mechanism to convert these files into an editable format. Needless to say, you can't just drag and drop files just as easily as you can on the Mac and iOS clients.
If all these weren't disappointing enough, you can't just activate iCloud on your PC if you haven't registered and used it on your iOS or macOS device. Yes, even if you're willing to pay for the service. The same goes for the web because it will ask you to input your AppleID instead of an iCloudID. That being said, if you are really looking for a cloud storage service app that allows you to not only keep your files across devices sync and collaborate with other people, you need to consider other options.
Where can you run this program?
Like all Apple programs, iCloud is integrated on all Apple devices. This means that there is no need for you to download the application on your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Mac or Apple TV. However, Windows users who own mobile Apple devices need to download their Windows-friendly version. It works in the background just as it does on other devices. If you don't want to set up the desktop client, you may also access your files by logging in through the web app.
Is there a better alternative?
If you think iCloud isn't for you, there are a lot of cloud-storage service providers to choose from.
Google Drive is one of the easiest and most reliable storage solutions. Unlike that of Apple's Google offers their services to users of all devices. It's perfect for cloud collaboration and file sharing. You may use it in conjunction with other products from the tech giant like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. View photos and play videos easily or connect it with Pixlr Editor to quickly retouch a few images. Get up to 15GB worth of storage for no cost while their paid plans provide you top-notch service for a low price.
OneDrive is Microsoft's answer to your storage needs. It's integrated into Windows 10 so you no longer need to download any application. Sync photos across all devices using the Microsoft Photos App. You may also use OneDrive on Autodesk AutoCAD and rest assured your work is properly backed up. Get 5GB worth of storage for free or sign up for their paid plans to get bigger storage space.
Our take
Apple's iCloud works perfectly on all of its devices. You don't have to worry about losing your files because it does all the dirty work in the background. The slick design on Mac, iPhone, and iPad give you an easier and a more attractive way to back up your photos and documents. Sadly, however, this does not translate well on Windows.
Should you download it?
No. Even if you're using a handheld Apple device and don't have a Mac or MacBook it still isn't a great way to access the files you have on your phone or tablet. All the more if you don't own such devices. It would be best to opt for a different cloud storage service providers that have a better interface on the Windows operating system
