Cloud Storage Service For Smartphones

If you’re still using your phone’s internal memory for storing files or spending money on micro SD cards, it’s time you joined the Cloud!

Cloud storage takes your files and stores them remotely (up there on a cloud somewhere :P) giving you access via your connected smartphone. It’s simple because there’s no cables, and it uses the servers of a 3rd party provider, saving your physical storage space.

Functionally it is no different than accessing an internal folder, however the folder is located elsewhere and you’re connecting to it via the internet or your mobile network.

Cloud storage is now easily available on iOS, Android and Windows Phones. Here’s how:

iOS – As long as your iPhone or other Apple device is running iOS 5 or later, you can access iCloud for free. On the iPhone open settings and you should find the iCloud icon. Login with your Apple info, and you are immediately given 5gb of storage. You can now simply swipe which kind of data you want stored remotely, including contacts, mail, notes, photos etc. If you use iTunes, all downloads can be stored via iCloud without depleting the 5gb allowance.

Android – Because of Android’s relationship with Google, you can access cloud storage through Google Drive, which you may have noticed alongside Gmail. Some Android devices may already have Drive pre-installed, but you can also get it as an app from the Google Play store. It is a straightforward app that will walk you through how to upload your files to the Drive. Unlike iCloud, Drive is more individualized, meaning you’ll have to select exactly what you want to upload. Once you have uploaded a file, to save space you will also have to delete it from your system. To access it again you will need to download it from Drive.

Windows Phone – Microsoft’s cloud storage service is called OneDrive and is available on Windows Phone 7 onwards. If the app is not already on your device, you can easily download it from the Windows Phone store. The interface is very simple, allowing you to share file types such as Documents, Pictures etc. Some devices allow you to backup your entire device to OneDrive.

If over time you find these cloud storage services do not suit you, there are many 3rd party apps and providers that offer a range of different features.