I still don't get the point of iCloud backup. Let's say I backed up everything to iCloud, it actually only backing up the database of the Apps. It doesn't backup the Apps or Music right? Or Does it? I mean, lets say I restore my device without using the my Mac and then I restored the database from iCloud I still need to sync with my Mac to transfer apps and music back to my iphone? You still need your computer, then what's the point of iCloud backup. It just seems like another way for Apple to make money since 5GB is really not enough for everyone esp if you have more than one device.
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What's the point of iCould backup?
- Thread starter dojoman
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I'm confused like you are. Why wifi sync and also iCloud backup? Does one do something the other doesn't or visa versa? Wouldn't a wifi sync be sufficient just like hardwire syncing like we all did before yesterday? Should most users just use iCloud for contacts and calendars so they can be viewed on your iPad or mac? I'm kind of lost...
iCloud does a backup to Apple's servers on the Internet, while wifi sync does a backup to your computer. So the wifi sync does the same thing as iTunes backup, but without the cable connected to the computer.
iCloud backup is great for people without a computer. Many people that buy an iPad don't own a computer, and that was the #1 reason they introduced it. I think.
Music and apps don't need to be backed up, because iCloud can reinstall them for you from the App Store and music store. iCloud backup simply notes what apps you have installed, and what folders you created, and how you have it organized. A restore from iCloud should restore your apps and your music (assuming the music you have was purchased from Apple).
iCloud backup is great for people without a computer. Many people that buy an iPad don't own a computer, and that was the #1 reason they introduced it. I think.
Music and apps don't need to be backed up, because iCloud can reinstall them for you from the App Store and music store. iCloud backup simply notes what apps you have installed, and what folders you created, and how you have it organized. A restore from iCloud should restore your apps and your music (assuming the music you have was purchased from Apple).
It states under the iCloud backup setting, "Automatically back up your camera roll, accounts, documents, and settings when this iPad is plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi." So unless you are telling it to backup, I can't see it adding a drain on your battery according to that warning.
I thought that was Apple's intention but I think it will be incredibly time consuming to redownload everything from Cloud server for Apps, music, etc...I have 16gb iPhone, imaging someone with 64GB. It will take at least the whole day to restore.
Having iCloud on in general will drain battery more quickly, but not iCloud backup in particular. Unless you request a backup yourself by pressing the button, it will only do it when the phone is plugged in.
Another benefit of iCloud Backup as opposed to WiFi backup is that you can restore an iCloud Backup to the device without having to plug it in. I don't believe there is a way to do that over Wifi from iTunes. Of course, regardless of which backup method you choose, you will either have to re-sync your music from your desktop or download it again from the cloud.
Well, people complained that you needed a computer if you really wanted to use an iPhone or iPad, and now you don't. It's not really Apple's fault that most people's internet access is too slow.
What puzzles me is the App back up in particular. Under iCloud storage management, I saw that my back up size is 3GB with all the apps included. For example, TwitBird Pro took up a good ~250MB of iCloud storage space. I'm puzzled as to the 'back up' being a literal backup of the entire app or just the app data information, since you could get all the apps back via iTunes Purchased.
Also say 3GB is backed up. Is the backup incremental or does it keep copies?
Apple really needs to get some documentation up to clarify things up.
Also say 3GB is backed up. Is the backup incremental or does it keep copies?
Apple really needs to get some documentation up to clarify things up.
TwitBird Pro must be caching things in its Documents directory or another one of the app-specific folders that is backed up to iCloud. The app bundle itself should not be backed up. Most of the apps I use have an iCloud backup size that is much smaller than the size of the app itself.
But the cable does have to be connected to an electric outlet. I think I'd rather just plug in into the PC. What's the diff?
No it doesn't. You can make it sync wirelessly with your PC by going to settings > general > iTunes wifi sync > sync now. It will only allow you to do it if you have enough battery.
I guess that makes sense...haha maybe I should just enable all the apps again. I went through the painful process of disabling each app last night, except for my Camera roll
Thanks!
Yes I do. I thought iCloud would completely cut the cord from my devices to my mac but it looks like I still need it. Originally I was going to backup everything from iPad and iPhone to iCloud, since Apple doesn't give iCloud storage per device basis, it's per account so even if I buy more storage it's still not enough for both iPad and iPhone.
If you're having to ask this question you haven't done enough reading. Most consumers back up their phone to computers less than once a month, and a good portion of iPhones have never been synced to iTunes at all. iCloud backup means that no matter when the last time you synced and backed up your device, if it breaks today, your new phone will pick up right where your old one left off.
I did it last night when moving from gm to final an it was surprisingly fast. Keep in mind that only your iTunes purchases are saved in the cloud, you will have to move any ripped music back to your phone through your computer. iTunes match will be the answer to this when it comes out.
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Apps don't need to be backed up because they can be re-downloaded. Music will soon be available with iTunes match.
The point of the iCloud backup is that you no longer need iTunes installed anywhere to use an iPhone. A new phone can be activated wirelessly, and software updates can be done over the air, and backups over the air. It would be silly to have to connect to iTunes only to backup your phone before an over the air software update.
The point of the iCloud backup is that you no longer need iTunes installed anywhere to use an iPhone. A new phone can be activated wirelessly, and software updates can be done over the air, and backups over the air. It would be silly to have to connect to iTunes only to backup your phone before an over the air software update.
since app data is backed up into the cloud now and apps can be downloaded when you do a restore from apples servers, how do you get rid of the apps from your mac now? Whenever i go to unsync apps in itunes, it states it will remove them from my device too? anyway we can get rid of the apps from our mac and keep them on our devices still? I think its pointless to sync apps with the mac if its not even backing up the data anymore.
iCloud Backups are very handy. You can restore your device anywhere you are. All your Apps will re-download and be back in their proper place. I've done one of these restores and it was much better than leaving it plugged into my Home Computer. Especially since I restored my iPad while at work.
Strange.. your link tries to open for me but fails as the ":" is somehow being dropped from after "http". However, when I quote your link, I see it..
I'm happy to have both options. I have a tower that I leave running all the time to run backups and (formerly) for iOS syncs. Every night, my tower takes all my apps, music, etc from my iTunes folder and puts a copy on my 3 TB external hard drive (also all my other important stuff independent of iTunes). Wireless iTunes sync makes it so I don't have to plug in to give my tower a current backup.
I guess technically iCloud backups eliminate the need for me to do this, and I'm happy to let it run every night for just that purpose, but what happens when iCloud takes a crap? I have a local copy of my phone to restore to.
I guess technically iCloud backups eliminate the need for me to do this, and I'm happy to let it run every night for just that purpose, but what happens when iCloud takes a crap? I have a local copy of my phone to restore to.
How long did it take for you to restore everything from iCloud? Assuming that not all your music were iTunes purchased.
Where can you find the iCloud backup? Do you have to go to http://www.icloud.com or through your ios device?