icloud apple However, many, if not all, of these features are already present in top-end, comparatively priced Android smartphones, including Samsung Galaxy S II, HTC Thunderbolt, LG Optimus 2X and Motorola XPRT. In other words, what could possibly set iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S) apart from rival Android smartphones are iOS 5 and iCloud. According to Gauna, with iOS 5 and iCloud, Apple is in a "unique position to shock and awe" the world "with enhancements, extensions and harmonization" and their release at the WWDC could be "much more revolutionary" than the launch of the fifth-generation iPhone itself. What makes iCloud a game changer.
Analysts say Apple's new cloud-based photo, music and video streaming service that would allow users to store data on servers and access them from their devices on the go, could kill similar services offered by rivals like Google (Music Beta digital locker) and Amazon (Cloud Drive). Unlike its rivals, Apple has already signed licensing deals with major music labels and is already in negotiations with film producers. Moreover, unlike Google's and Amazon's services, which require users to upload their songs or data, Apple iCloud will be able to scan a user's library and make mirror copies available instantly. In other words, iCloud users will be able to stream music to their devices, by matching the song's ID within Apple's archives, without having to upload their library onto Apple's servers. This is in fact iCloud's biggest advantage over its rivals as it will not only boost iTunes sales but also could wean away customers from rival services, analysts say. "Apple's licensing relationships and 'controlled' platform may appeal to studios/publishers seeking to minimize piracy, while protecting their economics in a hosted model," RBC analyst Mike Abramsky said. "iCloud may also be differentiated via Apple's trademark user experience for convenience, simplicity, and discoverability," Abramsky said to his clients. "iCloud APIs may in time extend to developers," he added. Agrees Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu. According to Wu, iCloud has the potential to make Apple's iTunes even more powerful, making it tougher for rivals to keep up. "It looks like Apple will likely
offer some base service for free," Wu said. "Competitors, including RIM, Google, Amazon and Microsoft already have a hard time competing with iTunes as it is, but we believe will likely find it even tougher with iCloud enhancements." According to Trip Chowdhry, managing director of Global Equities Research, iCloud could also enable the technology giant to design new devices around the service. "iCloud by itself will not be a billion dollar revenue opportunity," Chowdhry said. "It is an enabling technology ... once you have things in the cloud, you can create new devices that (have not) been created right now." Music industry analyst Bob Lefsetz also doesn't mince his words
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