Monday, June 6, 2011

Apple's Jobs unveils iCloud, Lion operating system

Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs was back in the limelight today, this time to announce the technology giant's latest product: iCloud, a music-streaming and data service that allows Apple users to store documents and music online, rather than their own devices, Reuters reported.

“We are going to move the digital hub, the centre of your digital life, into the cloud,” Jobs said, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Apple hopes the service will be the backbone of its next growth stage into cloud computing, and also help it stay ahead of rivals like Google and Amazon in the mobile and online content business. All Apple devices – iPhones, iPads and Mac computers – sync wirelessly with the iCloud, which will allow users to access their documents, music, photos, e-mails, apps, etc., from any location, not just on a specific device, CNN explained.

As of this phase, iCloud stores only 5 gigabytes of documents. In order to sync music not purchased through iTunes, users must pay Apple US$25 a year.

Jobs received a standing ovation; his appearance at WWDC, Apple's annual developers' conference, was also big news, The Associated Press noted. He has survived pancreatic cancer, but went on his third medical leave in January for a condition that has not been disclosed.

Jobs also showed off an operating system update called Lion, which expands how finger-touches can be used to control software. It will be available next month for $30.

Image: San Jose Mercury News

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