Cloud Drives and Media Streaming
My last post on cloud computing tended to come off a modest George Orwell(ish), and has frightened some readers away from using these services. This was not my intent. I only wanted to warn of doable problems associated with cloud computing in general. So in response, I wanted to dedicate a post to the positive values of cloud computing, and list some of the services offered by the major outlets.
Let’s start with Amazon’s entry, “Cloud Drive.” First of the up and in succession cloud services (albeit by a day), it is currently available currently for all users. Cloud Drive offers the ability to upload up to 5GB of your own music, videos, photos, and documents for free. Need more space than that, then you can buy a larger subscription package. You can also buy music through Amazons music benefit, which will be automatically saved in your account, and still available to download a copy locally. Once uploaded, your music can be streamed to ANY connected device, including Android (via a dedicated App) or another networked device, via Amazons’ browser driven “Cloud Player.” The largest con is that you can only spill your saved music. Additional files can be downloaded, but there is no function to edit, view, or play these files, and only if your device supports it.
Google’s entry, “Google Music,” is up and in succession, but only users of the Motorola Xoom have yet to be invited to use the system. Everyone else is patently waiting to receive their invitation, since Google is distributing and growing the benefit by invitation only. Google Music offers the ability to upload 2,000 songs to your music account for free, but since Google doesn’t sell music (yet), this functionality is missing. You can also spill your music to any device, via a browser driven player, or with an Android only App. Movies can be streamed from the Android Promote, or pinned to your Android phone, but it is only a rental benefit and files will be deleted once the rental period expires. And it was just announced that you cannot rent movies on a rooted “jailbroken” device. With Google Docs though, you do have the ability to save your vital documents, impart files with others and collaborate with others on any file. These are separate services, but must be mentioned none-the-less. The largest con is the lack of support to upload, buy, or play videos, although the invitation system of distribution is also very frustrating (I’m still waiting to be invited).
Apple’s entry has yet to be seen. Although vastly rumored to be tied into MobileMe. Aptly now the MobileMe benefit costs a yearly subscription fee, but the rumor is that at least some of the functionality will be free. Currently you can upload your photos and files to the benefit, and spill music only, to your iOS device. Files can also be accessed via a browser at me.com. This benefit appears to be tied to the new Apple data center that is life built in North Carolina, and most likely will be announced at the developers conference next month. MobileMe currently offers the ability to upload documents, and edit them via dedicated Apps on iOS or in iWork on osX. Movies can be saved, but streaming these saved files is not currently available. You can rent or buy movies via iOS, but that functionality has been around for quite a minute. A lot has to be seen in how the benefit is implemented and launched, but Apple does have all the pieces to launch a robust cloud system. Here’s hoping.
Whichever you choose, be aware of their respective terms of benefit in accessing and sharing your documents and files. Dredge up that streaming does not equal constant access to your files. You may not have access if you do not have an internet connection, or it could be blocked by your arrangement.
In the end, all of these benefit place forward competitive options, Undoubtedly they will catch on and be integrated into our connected lifestyle.
Image Sources Amazon, Apple, Google
