iCloud is still not a fully reliable cloud storage solution. One feature from the Kindle would help users avoid the biggest drawback.
Apple introduced iCloud, a cloud storage solution for Mac and iOS devices, back in 2011. It’s constantly improving, but one of its components from time to time drives iPad or iPhone users crazy.
I’m talking about iCloud Drive. It’s a file hosting and syncing service that lets users access their files across all connected devices, not only iPad, iPhone or Mac, but practically any operating system with an internet browser.
In theory, when a user edits a file stored in a folder inside iCloud Drive, this file should be automatically saved, so that you can access the latest available version on any other device.
At the beginning, syncing via iCloud Drive was a nightmare. It’s much better now, but from my experience syncing the last-edited state works in 90%, not 100% of cases.
That 10% makes a huge difference, especially when you face losing your entire work because of sync not being pushed.
Imagine you write a new blog post or an essay on a note-taking app that syncs via iCloud, such as iA Writer, Bear Notes, or Paper. You spend a few hours writing and polishing the text on your iPad. You expect the last-edited state of the file to be synced to your Mac, so that you can continue working with the text.
And then you see that the file has not been updated with your iPad work!
I have experienced iCloud Drive sync issues recently, so I have decided to find a way to manually force iCloud sync. The most reliable method is this: you open the Files app on a device you edit the file to send the latest version to the cloud.
The only question is: why should I use a turnaround if I could use a feature that’s built into the system? Apple would simply provide a way for app developers to use a push-sync button or setting in their apps. At least such an option would be added to the Files app. Obviously, it would mean admitting that the perfect Apple world is no so perfect.
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On the other side, the not so perfect Amazon does not have a problem with helping users sync their devices manually.
I can sync the content of the Kindle e-reader by simply tapping the gear icon on the top of a screen, and choosing the sync icon. It will send a trigger to the server to update last-read positions, highlights, and notes (it will also check the status of your Kindle Unlimited books, too – if you have canceled the subscription recently, all KU books will be removed from your Kindle).
The manual sync button is also available in free Kindle apps. You can go to “More” section and tap “Sync” on a list of settings. That’s it.
iCloud Drive sync is supposed to be automatic, so that users can focus on work and don’t bother about technicalities. It is still not a reliable solution. Even if it works in 99% cases, Apple should give users an option to sync iCloud Drive files manually.
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