Apple launches iCloud cloud services

Apple has launced iCloud, a set of free new cloud services that integrate seamlessly with applications on the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC to automatically and wirelessly store content in iCloud and sync it across devices.

“Today it is a real hassle and very frustrating to keep all your information and content up-to-date across all your devices,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iCloud keeps your important information and content up to date across all your devices. All of this happens automatically and wirelessly, and because it’s integrated into our apps you don’t even need to think about it—it all just works.”

The free iCloud services include:

• The former MobileMe services—Contacts, Calendar and Mail.
• The App Store and iBookstore that  download purchased iOS apps and books to all devices, not just the device they were purchased on.
• iCloud Backup – an automated and secure backup services for iOS devices to iCloud that automatically backs up purchased music, apps and books, Camera Roll (photos and videos), device settings and app data automatically when the device is on charge, via wi-fi. All data can be restored on new iOS devices by entering the Apple ID and password during setup.
• Itunes that downloads previously purchased iTunes music to all iOS devices.

Apple said it would ramp iCloud in its three data centers, including the third recently completed in Maiden, NC, having invested over $500 million in its Maiden data center to support the expected customer demand for the free iCloud services.

iCloud also features 5GB of free cloud storage for Mail, Document Storage and Backup. Apple clarified that purchased music, apps, books and Photo Stream do not count against the storage limit and the iTunes Match will be available for $24.99 per year (US only) starting this fall.