iCloud vs. SkyDrive vs. Google Drive: Which Mobile Cloud is Best?
The Pervasive Influence of Cloud Services
Cloud technology is increasingly prevalent, impacting both everyday technology use and the online landscape, including platforms like ours.
Just recently, an article was published concerning PowerPoint alternatives hosted in the cloud. Prior to that, coverage extended to classic DOS games accessible via cloud streaming, and online backup solutions were also examined.
The Growing Importance of Cloud Access
The current enthusiasm surrounding cloud services is justified. Having rapid access to crucial files is becoming both convenient and essential in the modern era.
Our world is characterized by a continuous connection to the internet, permeating all aspects of life – from the constant influx of emails to the ubiquitous smartphone with its extensive app ecosystem.
Comparing Mobile Cloud Solutions
The leading providers in the cloud space are frequently identified as Microsoft, Apple, and Google. This article will focus on evaluating the strengths of each company’s services specifically for mobile device users.
A detailed comparison will be made, considering factors such as accessibility, synchronization capabilities, and the overall user experience on mobile platforms.
Mobile usage is a key differentiator, as users demand seamless access to their data and applications regardless of location.
Each provider offers a unique approach to cloud integration with mobile devices, catering to different user preferences and needs.
iCloud
Apple’s iCloud represents a cloud storage solution with a unique characteristic: its primary accessibility requires ownership of an Apple device. Despite this, the iPhone maintains its position as the world’s most popular smartphone, meaning a substantial number of individuals utilize iPhones alongside operating systems like Windows or Linux on their computers.
A key question arises regarding the value proposition of purchasing additional iCloud storage, particularly for those already integrated within the Apple ecosystem.
Currently, users can acquire supplementary storage options of 10GB, 20GB, or 50GB for annual fees of $20, $40, and $100, respectively. This is supplemental to the initial 5GB of free storage, which facilitates data synchronization across all Apple devices.
For individuals possessing both a Mac and an iPhone – and potentially an iPad – iCloud presents an increasingly compelling option, due to its deeper integration into both iOS and the latest OS X release, Mountain Lion.
Upon acquiring an iPhone or iPad, configuring the 5GB of free storage should be a priority, even if solely for backup purposes. Your iPhone will automatically create a cloud copy of your data when connected to Wi-Fi and charging, with this feature enabled by default.
This automated backup allows for restoration of your data even when traveling, provided sufficient time and internet access are available.
Free storage: 5GB, exclusively for Apple device users.
Additional features: Find my iPhone, Find my Mac, Back to my Mac, @me.com Email, cloud-based iOS Backups.
Web access: Access to Contacts, Calendars, Mail, and iWork Documents via iCloud.com.
Software compatibility: Compatible with all iOS devices running iOS 5 or later, Mac OS X 10.7 and later (integrated into core applications like iPhoto and TextEdit), and Windows through the iCloud Control Panel (with limited functionality).
Ideal for: Users of iPhone, iPad, and Mac, those seeking a 5GB free backup solution for their iDevices, and individuals who utilize Reminders and Notes apps or value cross-device contact synchronization.
Less suitable for: Users who do not own Apple products, and Mac users who primarily use non-Apple tablets or smartphones.
In conclusion: The 5GB of complimentary storage is a valuable asset for iPhone or iPad users as a backup solution. However, iCloud’s flexibility regarding file storage is not as extensive as that of other available services.
Registration is recommended, but reliance on it as a sole storage solution without additional investment in storage space is not advised.
SkyDrive
Microsoft’s SkyDrive service exhibits a design aesthetic closely aligned with Windows 8. Unlike iCloud, it boasts compatibility across a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows Phone OS, without necessitating a Windows PC or any other Microsoft-branded device.
Many users may already possess an existing account, simplifying access. Individuals who participate in Xbox gaming, utilize Hotmail, or retain credentials from the former MSN Messenger service can simply log in to claim 7GB of complimentary storage. Previously, a limited-time offer allowed users to secure up to 25GB of storage.
Storage and Accessibility
The standard free storage allocation is the most substantial among comparable free services. Expanding storage capacity is cost-effective, with options for 20GB, 50GB, and 100GB available for annual fees of $10, $25, and $50, respectively.
Windows Phone 7 users require downloading the application from the Windows Phone Marketplace to access their files. However, photos captured with their devices are then automatically uploaded and accessible from SkyDrive-enabled PCs, Macs, and the web.
The recent release of Windows Phone 8 promises even deeper integration with Microsoft’s cloud storage solution. However, app developers have received somewhat inconsistent guidance regarding the utilization of SkyDrive as a backup solution akin to iCloud.
Key Differences and Functionality
A significant distinction between iCloud and SkyDrive lies in their core functionalities. SkyDrive facilitates both file storage and creation through a drag-and-drop interface or web application accessible at SkyDrive.com. iCloud, conversely, primarily functions as a backup and synchronization tool, lacking native document creation capabilities but providing automatic backups of iDevices.
SkyDrive’s comprehensive suite of cross-platform mobile applications ensures convenient file access from iOS, Android, or Windows Phone devices. This makes it particularly well-suited for users of Microsoft Office who desire on-the-go access to their SkyDrive documents, serving as an excellent complement to a backup solution like that offered by iCloud.
- Free storage: 7GB
- Extras: SkyDrive WebApps for Word/Excel/PowerPoint/OneNote, file sharing, group file sharing, remote access to Windows PCs
- Software integration: Windows 8 (in-built), Windows 7 or Vista SP2, Mac OS X 10.7+, Windows Phone 7.5+, iOS, Android 2.3+
Ideal Users
Who it's good for: Windows Phone users benefit from automatic photo synchronization. iPhone or Android users paired with a Windows or Mac PC will also find it useful. It’s also a strong choice for those heavily invested in Microsoft Office and PC users planning to adopt Windows 8.
Who it's not good for: Linux users are unsupported beyond web uploads. Individuals accustomed to Google Docs may find it less intuitive.
Conclusion
Bottom line: SkyDrive represents a robust, cloud-based storage solution from Microsoft, performing a distinct function from iCloud. Its generous 7GB of free space, coupled with mobile and desktop applications across multiple platforms, makes it a compelling option. The absence of file type restrictions and larger storage capacities further enhance its appeal, although improved backup functionality for Windows Phone users would be advantageous.
Google Drive
Significant advancements have been made by Google with Google Docs, most notably through its integration with Google Drive. Long-time users of Google Docs will likely appreciate the expanded capability to store virtually any file format and preview numerous types directly on their mobile devices. A key advantage of Google Drive – beyond its powerful document creation tools – lies in the fact that only files that aren't in Google Docs format utilize your allocated storage space.
You are able to create as many Google Docs files as needed, or convert and upload your Microsoft Office and iWork files, without consuming any of your storage allowance. Any files you wish to store in their original format will draw from your 5GB of included storage, which can be expanded to 25GB or 100GB for monthly fees of $2.49 and $4.99, respectively.
Regarding mobile applications, Google Drive offers apps for both iOS and Android, but currently lacks support for Windows Phone. Recent updates to both the iOS and Android apps have introduced the functionality to create, modify, and view your documents while mobile. However, the iOS version is limited to editing and creating text documents, and the Android version currently lacks presentation editing capabilities.
For tablet users, this represents a valuable tool for access – and even users with larger Android phones, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Note series, may find increased productivity. While I was unable to view the contents of a .ZIP archive I had uploaded on the iOS version, the "Open In..." option to utilize another application was available. Offline document synchronization is a beneficial feature, though it prompted consideration of using the native Notes.app instead.
Desktop support is provided for both Windows and OS X through dedicated applications that establish a Google Drive folder, enabling synchronization with your computer.
Android is arguably the most comprehensively supported mobile operating system, and this is largely true. However, no backup solutions currently exist that leverage Google Drive for storage. Automatic photo uploads are also absent – though Google+ provides this functionality – and it seems Google isn't fully capitalizing on the integration potential between Google Drive and the Android platform.
On-the-fly document editing and creation are advantageous, and the desktop applications for OS X and Windows allow users of both iOS and Android to either drop their documents into a folder or create them online, accessing them while on the move.
Free storage: 5GB
Extras: Google’s comprehensive suite of Docs tools for document creation within a web browser and via the Android app (web access is also available from iPad), integration with a wide range of web applications, file sharing, and collaborative features.
Software integration: Windows 7, Vista and XP, OS X 10.6+, Android 2.1+, iOS 5.0+ are all supported through downloadable applications.
Ideal for: Android users who frequently create content on the go, iOS users who value text document creation and editing, Chrome OS users who have transitioned to lightweight web applications, Windows XP users unable to utilize SkyDrive, and Linux users dissatisfied with the limited app integration options available for their OS (access via web interface).
Not ideal for: Windows Phone users due to the lack of a dedicated application, and those who prefer dedicated desktop applications like Microsoft Word for content creation.
In conclusion: Google’s desktop creation tools are comparable to Microsoft’s dedicated software packages, although full integration of Docs has yet to be realized on iOS or at all on Windows Phone. Android users benefit from a robust application, but enhanced integration with the operating system for backup and photo storage purposes would be beneficial to compete with services like iCloud.
Considering Dropbox as an Alternative
Dropbox presents itself as a viable alternative, though its suitability is contingent upon several considerations. The free storage allocation offered by this service is the most limited among its competitors, beginning at a mere 2GB, though it can be increased to 18GB. However, its widespread adoption is notable; it's rare to find someone without an existing Dropbox account.
If a significant portion of your contacts are unfamiliar with Dropbox, leveraging its referral program to expand storage capacity is a practical strategy. Dropbox provides dedicated desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, alongside a streamlined web interface. Furthermore, a wealth of applications and innovative functionalities enhance the service's versatility.
Android devices integrate exceptionally well with Dropbox, enabling automatic photo uploads without requiring manual app activation. While iOS users lack this capability due to Apple’s background processing restrictions, the feature is available upon launching the application, albeit with reduced convenience. Windows Phone users may find SkyDrive a preferable option due to the absence of an official Dropbox app.
Dropbox maintains compatibility with the older Blackberry operating system, making it an appealing wireless sharing solution for those still utilizing RIM devices. A multitude of mobile applications across various platforms also support Dropbox integration; further ideas can be found in this related article.
Regarding data backup on Android, Titanium Backup stands out as the primary solution. However, utilizing this tool necessitates rooting your device, and while the Pro version offers Dropbox backup functionality, the process isn't as intuitive as iCloud. The rooting requirement itself may deter many users.
Nevertheless, for simple tasks like transferring a few photos or documents, Dropbox functions effectively, especially considering its free availability. It remains a strong contender for basic file storage and sharing needs.
Final Thoughts
Should this discussion have proven perplexing, apologies are in order, but the most effective approach involves utilizing all three – or even all four – platforms. For instance, if you utilize an iPhone, operate on Windows, and favor Google Docs as your primary document editor, the straightforward recommendation is to employ all three services.
Similarly, Android users paired with a Mac and the newest version of Microsoft Office for Mac will also find benefit in integrating all three. Even Linux users with both an iPad and an Android phone, while facing inherent complexities, can leverage the advantages offered by each of these platforms.
Choosing Between Cloud Storage Options
The core decision often rests between SkyDrive and Google Drive, and this ultimately depends on your content creation habits. If your workflow centers around Google Docs, then Google Drive is the logical choice.
Conversely, if you are investing in Microsoft’s suite of applications, neglecting SkyDrive would be imprudent. Furthermore, iPad owners seeking to safeguard app data, photos, notes, and other critical information should strongly consider establishing an iCloud account.
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