iCloud may be to catch 50pc no-backup

Apple might have had incentive from its own iPhone users' backup habits to develop iCloud, a new tip from the company's retail stores suggests. About half of all those who get their phones replaced reportedly don't physically link to iTunes beyond the initial iTunes activation, which they might not have even done themselves if they bought at a store. Store Geniuses talking to David Chartier were eager for iCloud since it meant they no longer had to tell customers that they'd lost months or years of valuable data.

The data may reflect a common observation but may help explain some of Android's rapid rise. Google's emphasis on cloud sync has meant that those invested in Google's system get at least basic mail, contacts, and other details back even if a phone was completely lost.

Apple didn't breach the subject directly during its iOS 5 and iCloud unveilings but did acknowledge that an increasing number of its target audience doesn't have a computer. Countries like China, India, and even Japan have a disproportionately large number of users who can't justify the extra expense of a computer. With iOS 5, these users would at a minimum have their most vital information backed up online and in certain countries would get access to their books and music.

By Electronista Staff