iOS 7

[Morrus]

Yeah, you don't plug it into your computer or use iTunes these days. You turn on your new phone, it asked if you want to restore from iCloud, you say yes, and it makes your new phone exactly like your old one with non additional steps required. Plugging into your PC is very 3-years ago!

 

[Janx]

You explained the iCloud better than anything I've seen from Apple. Thanks. The handwavey explanations I had read suggested the cloud was somehow maintained throughout the devices in my home and elsewhere as the need may arise. I didn't like the idea of my data hanging around some nebulous web of systems.

I hope it helped some at least.

I totally get why you'd be leary of iCloud after the fiasco of getting downloads you didn't want and that stuff is NOT obvious that there's a "better" way to do it.

It is easy for folks in my position to get wierded out when we see people not use the features that are there to solve the problem that they're having.

I would recommend getting a nerdier friend to talk about your equipment, and come up with a more optimal configuration (getting iCloud done right). Of the things to dislike about iOS, iCloud shouldn't really be on the list (unless your comparing to something Android can do bettter).

I'm not sure what the threshold for nerdier is, but kid who works at Best Buy might not be high enough up the tech level, for example (mileage may vary, I've known tech industry guys to moonlight down at the BB for extra cash).

 

[Fast Learner]

Great explanation, Janx.

Using iCloud for backups is free and ridiculously easy: launch Settings, turn on iCloud backup, enter your Apple ID.

Ta-da! Lose your device, smash your device, need to wipe your device for some reason, upgrade to a new device, whatever, the replacement will have everything the previous one did.