 "Microsoft updates SkyDrive for iOS after 10 months")
There’s some good news for SkyDrive users who need to access their accounts on iOS devices. For the first time in nearly 10 months, Microsoft has updated its cloud service application on Apple’s platform and added support for iPhone 5 and iPad mini.
The reason why it took so long for Microsoft to update SkyDrive was because it was having a tussle with Apple over a cut in the revenue generated by the cloud storage service. Apple wanted a 30 percent cut in the revenue generated by sales of SkyDrive storage space via the iOS app while Microsoft was opposed to the idea.
After many, many months of back and forth between the two companies, they seem to have finally resolved their differences. It is not clear how Microsoft and Apple finally managed to reach an understanding, but SkyDrive version 3.0 is finally up and running for iOS devices.
An update after nearly 10 months!
Most importantly, the update brings along with it support for the newest iOS devices – iPad mini and iPhone 5 – that released after the cold war between Microsoft and Apple began in June last year. The app will also feature new user experience with a revamped user interface and app icons.
Photo functionality has received a tweak with this long awaited update. You will now be able to download full resolution photos to your iPhone and iPad, control the size of the photos you upload and download and the metadata of the images are retained when you upload to SkyDrive now.
Microsoft also says that it has updated SkyDrive to incorporate other small changes, bug fixes and performance improvements. Microsoft released a statement regarding the update saying, “We worked with Apple to create a solution that benefited our mutual customers.”
The only difference that will be carried forward from the previous arrangement is that you will still not be able to purchase more storage space for your SkyDrive through your iOS devices. You will still need to login to the website and make a purchase, in case you feel the need of expanding your SkyDrive storage space.
You can download the SkyDrive for iOS app from the App Store here.
While the app development of the iOS platform had come to a creaking halt, Microsoft had not been sitting twiddling its thumbs. Late last year, not only did the software giant release a SkyDrive app for its own Windows Phone 8 platform, it added the cloud storage service to its Xbox 360 devices too.
SkyDrive’s focus with the Xbox 360 app was on photo sharing. The app allows you to view photos or videos on your television sets. You can even share them with your family and friends through your Xbox and even view those shared with you. If you own and use a Windows phone, your images will be available on the TV via your Xbox.
Another new feature in the SkyDrive for Xbox 360 app is an interesting “Party Slide Show” feature. Using this feature, you can play slideshows on your TV as a kind of background while there is a party going on. You can even choose to play videos from the last party or holiday in the background.
The SkyDrive for Xbox 360 app supports Kinect voice controls and gestures, as well as remote and controller input that can make surfing through images and data a breeze. Essentially, you can activate slideshows of images or open folders with simple voice commands.
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