iCloud & wifi sync questions

[Rob9874]

Sorry if this has been covered ad nauseum, but I am pretty confused about iCloud and wifi sync. In iTunes, I selected "backup to iCloud". Does this mean that I won't have any backup on iTunes anymore?

And I'm only using 0.8 GB on iCloud, so what exactly is backed up? I know your music purchased on iTunes isn't included in that amount, so I'm assuming that would allow me to backup all my settings, apps, contacts, and iTunes-purchased music? So if I needed to restore my non-iTunes music, I would still need my iTunes backup? So I should be backing up to both iCloud and iTunes?

And then there's iTunes match for $25/yr, but do I also need to purchase additional storage space on iCloud? Or does that $25 cover storage space for any mp3 that iTunes can match? If so, what would I need to purchase additional iCloud storage space for?

And if I no longer need iTunes, then what's the purpose of wifi sync? Wouldn't I just backup to iCloud?

 

[Terri French]

Sorry if this has been covered ad nauseum, but I am pretty confused about iCloud and wifi sync. In iTunes, I selected "backup to iCloud". Does this mean that I won't have any backup on iTunes anymore?

And I'm only using 0.8 GB on iCloud, so what exactly is backed up? I know your music purchased on iTunes isn't included in that amount, so I'm assuming that would allow me to backup all my settings, apps, contacts, and iTunes-purchased music? So if I needed to restore my non-iTunes music, I would still need my iTunes backup? So I should be backing up to both iCloud and iTunes?

And then there's iTunes match for $25/yr, but do I also need to purchase additional storage space on iCloud? Or does that $25 cover storage space for any mp3 that iTunes can match? If so, what would I need to purchase additional iCloud storage space for?

And if I no longer need iTunes, then what's the purpose of wifi sync? Wouldn't I just backup to iCloud?

I have the exact same questions. I think that Apple needs to put an iCloud 101 document up and go over the basics.

 

[HazyCloud]

1. If you choose to backup to iCloud, you no longer backup to iTunes like your phone says when you choose iCloud backups.

2. Everything on your phone is being backed up. Contacts, App data, settings and the like. (Both my 32 GB iPad and 32 GB iPhone combined take less than 1 GB on iCloud for backups.)

3. What do you mean restore your non-iTunes music? If you want them back on your device, use the Wi-Fi sync to re-add it. No need for your iTunes backups. (This will pretty much be moot once iTunes Match is live.)

4. iTunes Match gives you access to any songs iTunes Match can match. If iM can't find your music, you then have the option to upload them. Those being uploaded will count towards your 5 GBs and that's why you can purchase more space if needed.

 

[Rob9874]

OK thanks, that helps answer quite a bit! So iTunes Match songs don't count against your storage quota?

 

[HazyCloud]

OK thanks, that helps answer quite a bit! So iTunes Match songs don't count against your storage quota?

Nope, they sure don't since Apple already has those songs. Theoretically, if all of you music was matched, you'd be just fine with 5 GBs.

 

[Rob9874]

So then what is wifi sync needed for? If I backup to iCloud, won't my iTunes get synced up with that the next time I open it? All purchases are distributed to all devices, right?

I guess it would be for adding music to your iPhone not purchased through the iTunes store.

 

[maricc]

Is anyone experiencing iCloud back up issues? It does not automatically back up like the description says. Also, wifi syncing does not automatically start up like it's supposed to.

So then what is wifi sync needed for? If I backup to iCloud, won't my iTunes get synced up with that the next time I open it? All purchases are distributed to all devices, right?

I guess it would be for adding music to your iPhone not purchased through the iTunes store.

Say you buy a CD (if you still do) and import it to itunes, you can now add the files you just imported to you iDevice without connecting to your computer via USB.