Services iCloud of Apple were established as a successor to iTools, .Mac and MobileMe. iCloud it is actually a compact and cohesive set of cloud-based services. The purpose of these services is to protect and synchronize your applications and content on all the devices you use. In this way, all your photos, videos and files in general will be at your disposal no matter where you are.
All you need is a compatible web browser and sign in with your Apple ID. As everyone knows, iCloud is free, but with limitations. However, its paid version, called iCloudPlus (iCloud+) expands these limitations, such as cloud storage space. In addition, it incorporates new services focused mainly on user privacy and security.
In the next article we tell you What is iCloud Plus and what new features does it include. We already started.
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What is iCloud Plus
In the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference WWDC (of English Worldwide Developers Conference) of the year 2021, Apple announced the release of iCloud Plus. This would be an update to your iCloud service at that time. The news regarding iCloud Plus was aimed at increasing the security and privacy of the user, as well as other features that improve comfort.
The main features included in this service are an internet encryption function called Private Relay. On the other hand, a function was created for the creation of false email addresses called Hide my Email. And the third, but not least, is the inclusion of better support in terms of private security cameras named HomeKit Secure Video.
In addition, they were established Payment plans with improvements in terms of cloud storage. These plans also include the new features to a greater or lesser extent. If any user already had a payment plan contracted, at the time the new features were launched, they are incorporated into the user’s plan automatically.
iCloud Plus Private Relay
The iCloud Plus Private Relay internet encryption service is the closest thing to a vpn that Apple offers. This service encrypts all data traffic leaving your device, thus protecting your identity. In this way you can browse the web and that your activity is not monitored by your internet provider or third parties.
Its main difference from a classic VPN is its dual server approach. In this case we have an Apple server for the process of login and another that is responsible for establishing the anonymity of the communication. The encrypted data stream is carried by two separate relays, preventing even Apple from accessing this stream.
Since the data is encrypted, in the event that an attacker intercepts your data, they would still have to decrypt it in order to access it. On the other hand, in the case of Apple, it does know your identity, but since the destination is encrypted, it is not possible for it to know where you are directing your navigation.
On the other side, the receiver knows that you have requested their resources, but he doesn’t know who you are. This is because your IP address will appear as an anonymous address. And best of all, this process does not significantly influence your bandwidth and connection speed.
Service to hide your mail Hide my Email
This function provides the possibility of create fake email accounts or aliases so you don’t have to reveal your real email address. The feature is built into Safari and iCloud mail settings. Thus, you can create as many false email addresses as you want, and delete the ones already created whenever you want.
This mechanism acts similar to your real mail. All emails sent to the fake address will be forwarded to your real inbox. In case this fake account is attacked by spammers, you have the possibility to delete it and create a new one.
iCloud Plus HomeKit Secure Video
This functionality allows you to monitor your home security cameras from your devices. The video transfer will be end to end encrypted, and in one of the plans you will have no limit on the number of cameras you can synchronize.
An important addition is that the footage stored using HomeKit Secure Video, will not be part of your contracted storage space. You can also analyze and encrypt all the content that is recorded by your cameras and then store it in iCloud.
Other features of iCloud Plus
ICloud Plus includes another series of no less important features. These were created to increase the convenience of iCloud services for users.
Among these we can find the functionality to add a password recovery contact (Add Recovery Contact). In case you forget the password to access your iCloud account, it is possible to obtain another security code through this method. In this way you can add a family member or friend so that Apple can send them the code, and they will notify you, making it possible to access your account again.
On the other hand, it is common for us to use iCloud to store memories such as photos, videos, relevant documents and even your contact list. In case you want to share this data with a third person, with iCloud Plus it is possible. The function Legacy Contact allows you to designate one of your contacts as a legacy contact. This way, this contact will have access to your iCloud+ account and see the data you choose to share.
Payment plans
Once a user signs up for iCloud services, you get 5 GB of storage free of charge. In case you need more storage, and to enjoy the other functionalities of the service, you must purchase one of the paid plans of the iCloud Plus service.
iCloud+ is a iCloud Premium service. Here you can get access to more storage space and other features. The payment plans that you can find are:
- 50GB of storage and iCloud Private Relay Service. Function Hide my Email in addition to a personalized mail domain. You will have access to HomeKit Secure Video for a camera.
- 200GB of storage and iCloud Private Relay. Function Hide my Email in addition to a personalized mail domain. you will have HomeKit Secure Video for up to 5 cameras.
- 2TB of storage and iCloud Private Relay Service. Function Hide my Email in addition to a personalized mail domain. Access to HomeKit Secure Video for an unlimited number of cameras.
You can upgrade your basic iCloud service to iCloud Plus from any device like iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC from the web. If you carry out this update, the invoice will be sent to you monthly according to the contracted plan. You should keep in mind that the prices of these plans vary according to the region and country where you live.