Apple releases iCloud for Windows 10 in the Microsoft Store

Apple made it available today for download at Microsoft Store a new version of iCloud for Windows, application that syncs data and files between Apple devices such as iPhones e iPads, and computers with the Windows 10 operating system.

Although iCloud for Windows has been around for years, the tool could only be downloaded through the Apple's official website and not directly through the Platform Store. Microsoft itself announced the arrival of iCloud to the Store by official blog of the operating system.

iCloud Features for Windows

The main new feature of this version of iCloud is the on-demand file feature (Files On-demand) which allows the user to view in File Explorer (formerly Windows Explorer) all files stored in the iCloud Drive without the need to download.

If the user prefers to keep a copy locally, the app lets you select only the folders and files you want to sync, saving disk space on your computer. According to Microsoft, to provide the on-demand file feature, Apple used the same technology employed by Apple in the competing cloud storage service. OneDrive.

The Apple support portal contains a complete list with iCloud for Windows features:

– Store photos and videos securely in iCloud. with the feature iCloud Photos, all new photos and videos you take using your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch are automatically transferred to your PC. And you can upload the new photos and videos using PC to access them on other devices too.

- Use Shared Albums to share photos and videos only with the people you choose. Then ask friends to add their own photos, videos and comments.

– Access documents on all devices used with the iCloud Drive. Just drag the documents to the iCloud Drive folder on the PC and access them whenever you want on the desired device. 

– Keep Contacts, Calendars, Reminders and iCloud Mail up to date automatically on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and PC.

– Make Internet Explorer, Firefox or Google Chrome bookmarks on Windows the same as Safari bookmarks.

– Update iCloud preferences, see how much iCloud storage space is being used, delete items to free up space, and update your storage plan whenever you want.

Unfortunately Apple didn't take this opportunity to improve the app's interface, sync notes, or add features available to Android users such as messaging integration into the app. Your phone.

iTunes

iCloud for Windows is the second app made available by Apple on the Microsoft Store since it was created in 2011 (the first was iTunes in 2018 and since then the player is a constant presence in the list of most downloaded apps on the Store).

The main advantage of downloading them from the store is that the apps are automatically updated and can be easily removed.

It is worth noting that, contrary to what will happen with the iTunes for macOS, according to the website ArsTechnica the Windows version will continue to exist and will not be divided into three separate applications for music, podcast and TV. The news was announced on WWDC 2019 as one of the main new features of the next macOS update, Catalina.

Download

To install the new iCloud for Windows, just go to this link from the Microsoft Store on a Windows 10 PC (version 18362.145 or later). To use it, an account is required. iCloud.com set up on an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac. The service is free and offers 5GB of storage.