Apple Talks iCloud, iOS 5 at WWDC

Today was the first day of Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference, or WWDC. The event is a little different than other Apple conferences; with the focus on developers, the tone is more likely to be about software than the latest gadget or an updated computer line.

There was a lot of news at today’s event, but some of the most anticipated details had already leaked. For example, many already knew CEO Steve Jobs, who has been on medical leave, would make an appearance to lead the keynote, which finally revealed the cloud computing service that many had been expecting for some time. At launch, Apple’s iCloud will offer 5 gigabytes of free storage space, as Casey Johnson noted at Ars Technica. That space can be used to store work documents and photos. Users will also be able to sync calendars and mail using the service.

Apple’s effort follows on the heels of Google’s and Amazon’s cloud music services, both of which were announced earlier this year. iCloud will be a little different, because users will have no limit to the amount of music they will be able to upload for a $24.99 yearly fee. Another part of the service, dubbed  iTunes Match, will attempt to recognize music in a customer’s library and provide access to it without his or her having to upload it.

As announced today, developers have access to the application programming interface (API) tools they need to incorporate iCloud services into their software. Johnson noted that the service should be available at the same time as iOS 5, the latest version of the operating system that powers iPod touches, iPhones and iPads, this fall.

Jobs and company also unveiled some of Apple’s plans for iOS 5 today as well. Kent German wrote a wrapup of the announcements over at CNET. Apple plans a number of new features for the operating system, including a new notifications system, a centralized subscription model for magazines similar to the iBookstore called Newsstand and a tight integration with the Twitter microblogging service.

People purchasing new iPads and iPhones will find that unlike in the past, they will be able to get started without syncing their devices to a computer first. German wrote that this PC Free aspect of the operating system means that even iOS updates will arrive directly to the device, ensuring that people who don’t want to link their gadget to a computer don’t have to anymore.

There’s a lot going on in the news this week; WWDC is just getting started, and the Electronics Entertainment Expo will bring a lot of gaming news in the next few days. Keep your eyes peeled, and don’t forget to follow TechStuff on Twitter and Facebook!