iCloud vs OneDrive

August 26, 2023 | Author: Michael Stromann
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iCloud
iCloud is cloud service done right. It stores your music, photos, apps, calendars, documents, and more. And wirelessly pushes them to all your devices.
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OneDrive
Tools for online file/docs storage and collaboration. Contains Web versions of Microsoft office editors (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote). Excel web version allows simultaneous document editing in real time.
iCloud and OneDrive are both cloud storage services, but they have distinct differences in their features and ecosystems. iCloud, provided by Apple, is tightly integrated with Apple devices and services, making it seamless for users within the Apple ecosystem. It offers features such as file storage, device backups, and synchronization of data across Apple devices. iCloud focuses on simplicity and ease of use, prioritizing the seamless integration of data and settings across Apple devices. On the other hand, OneDrive, offered by Microsoft, is designed to be a versatile and cross-platform cloud storage solution. It offers features such as file storage, sharing, collaboration, and integration with Microsoft Office applications. OneDrive aims to provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing users to access and collaborate on files from different devices and platforms.

See also: Top 10 Cloud Storages
iCloud vs OneDrive in our news:

2023. Apple revamps iCloud.com with more features for drive, mail and notes



Apple has introduced a revamped version of iCloud.com, enhancing its functionality for PC users. The redesigned website offers support for browser notifications for Mail and Calendar, allowing users to receive alerts directly on their PCs. Additionally, the homepage is now customizable, enabling users to take quick actions like downloading files, deleting emails, marking tasks as unread, and more. This update builds upon last year's redesign, which included quick-glance widgets for apps like Notes and Pages. Furthermore, iCloud.com now enables users to insert links from one note into another, akin to iOS 17, enhancing the overall user experience and productivity on the platform.


2018. Microsoft added AI transcription to OneDrive and SharePoint



Microsoft is introducing video and audio transcription capabilities to OneDrive for Business and SharePoint, enhancing the accessibility of various digital content for users. This new feature utilizes AI technology from Microsoft Stream (previously known as Office 365 Video) to automatically generate a complete transcript of dialogues when viewing videos or listening to audio files. The resulting text data will be stored in the Microsoft Cloud, offering cost-effectiveness and enhanced security compared to relying on external transcription tools. Office 365 subscribers can expect to access this new service later in the year.


2015. Microsoft gives Apple Users OneDrive For Business Access



Microsoft has unveiled the initial public release of OneDrive for Business for Mac, enabling Mac users to perform the same tasks while accessing and utilizing their OneDrive files through the Mac Finder. Additionally, they can effortlessly handle and synchronize files, similar to the functionality provided by the existing Windows application. Notably, the OneDrive for Business client for Mac empowers users to access and use their files offline, eliminating the need for an internet connection. Moreover, the iOS mobile app grants users the convenience of accessing both their OneDrive for Business and OneDrive consumer accounts within a single app.


2014. Office 365 gets unlimited OneDrive storage.



Starting today, customers of Office 365 Home, Personal, and University subscriptions will enjoy an increased storage capacity. Business customers will also receive unlimited storage in the near future, but for now, they have access to 1 TB of storage per user. With OneDrive, you can conveniently access your content across all your devices, collaborate on documents, and easily share files. While Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, and other cloud storage services have limitations on their storage capacities, OneDrive offers a significant advantage. If you reach the storage limit on those platforms, you have to purchase additional storage. Bitcasa, which was one of the few providers offering unlimited storage, recently discontinued that feature, giving Microsoft a substantial edge in terms of storage capabilities.


2014. OneDrive unifies access to business and personal files



Microsoft's OneDrive is introducing enhanced functionality for mobile users, allowing them to conveniently access both business and personal files from their personal and work accounts. The application will intelligently differentiate between the two accounts, preventing any potential confusion, while still enabling users to view and back up files to both accounts. Additionally, Microsoft is implementing an additional layer of security by incorporating the option to set a four-digit PIN. This PIN can be utilized to restrict access to individual files or the entire app, bolstering overall data protection. These new features will be available in the Android app starting next week, with updates for the iOS and Windows Phone apps expected to roll out in the coming months.


2014. Microsoft OneDrive gives 15 Gb for free



Microsoft has increased the amount of free cloud storage available in OneDrive to 15GB, a significant upgrade from the previous 7GB. For users requiring additional storage capacity, there is now an option to pay $1.99 per month for 100 gigabytes. Furthermore, Microsoft has announced that all Office 365 customers will receive 1TB of free storage. For instance, Office 365 Personal, priced at $6.99 per month, now includes nearly unlimited storage. When comparing these offerings to competitors, Google Drive provides 25GB for free and offers similar pricing structures, charging $1.99 per month for 100GB and $9.99 for 1TB. Apple grants 5GB for free and charges $0.99 per month for 20GB. Although there is no 100GB option, the rate for 200GB matches OneDrive's pricing at $3.99. Amazon Cloud Drive offers 5GB for free and provides 100GB for $4.1 per month. Therefore, while the price reduction by OneDrive may not significantly impact industry giants, it adds further pressure to third-party services such as Dropbox and Box.


2014. Apple iCloud to get folders with files, Windows app



Cloud file storage and sync service iCloud is not well-received among Apple enthusiasts for several reasons. Firstly, it exclusively syncs internal app files, preventing users from accessing them outside these apps. Secondly, its pricing is considered expensive ($20 for 20GB), making it a luxury only affordable for Dropbox. Thirdly, it solely functions on Apple devices, even frustrating Apple fanatics who desire more openness. To address these concerns, Apple has introduced an update to the service, now known as iCloud Drive. This revamped version operates similarly to Dropbox, allowing synchronization of any folders with any files. Additionally, it will offer a client for Windows in addition to the existing Mac and iOS apps. Furthermore, Apple has reduced the pricing, starting from $0.99 per month for 20 GB, and a free storage tier of 5 GB will also be available. These improvements are slated to launch in the upcoming fall alongside the release of the new iOS 8 and OSX Yosemite.


2014. Microsoft renames SkyDrive to OneDrive


Microsoft has a penchant for renaming its applications and services, and the cloud storage and file sync service SkyDrive is no exception. Over the years, it has undergone various name changes, such as FolderShare, Windows Live Office, and Live Mesh. However, this upcoming name change is not merely a result of marketers fulfilling their job responsibilities. Rather, it stems from a legal dispute that was resolved last August when the British broadcasting company BSkyB successfully claimed ownership of the name "SkyDrive" from Microsoft. As a result, SkyDrive will soon (Microsoft has not provided an exact timeline) be rebranded as OneDrive, and the business version known as SkyDrive Pro, which is available to Office 365 and SharePoint 2013 users, will be known as OneDrive for Business. Currently, you can visit the OneDrive promo site where you have the option to provide your email address to Microsoft's marketing team.


2013. Apple launches iWork for iCloud



In terms of business applications, Apple has historically shown less interest, but it recognizes the significance of Office as an essential component of its platform. Competitors such as Microsoft and Google have taken significant strides in this area, surpassing Apple. To address this, Apple made a move to rectify the main drawback of its office suite, which was the absence of an online version. During the WWDC conference in June, Apple officially unveiled iWork for iCloud, making the online applications Pages, Numbers, and Keynote accessible to all through iCloud online accounts (currently in beta). However, these editors currently have limitations that may only appeal to users of MS Office and Google Docs. For instance, the text editor Pages lacks the ability to add tables, and spell check functions are only available in English. Collaboration tools are also absent. On a positive note, users can upload and edit MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, with formatting being preserved in some cases. Additionally, documents can be downloaded in MS Office formats and PDF.


2012. Microsoft launched SkyDrive for Android



Earlier this month, Microsoft introduced a major update to its online file storage and sharing service, SkyDrive, implementing the Metro-Windows-8 interface. Today, the company has taken a step further by launching the mobile SkyDrive app for Android. This app allows Android smartphone and tablet users to access their files, including shared files, view and edit them using other applications, and seamlessly upload new and edited files back to the server. It's worth noting that SkyDrive's mobile application is also available for iPhone/iPad and Windows Phone users. Furthermore, SkyDrive comes pre-installed in Windows 8 by default. As a reminder, SkyDrive competes with services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and SugarSync, offering a generous 7 GB of free cloud storage, surpassing that of its competitors.

Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com