Since the iPhone first became available to consumers in 2007 we’ve only had one way to sync our information: using the 30-pin Dock to USB cable that’s included in the box. The same process is used for updating to the latest version of iOS, making back-ups of content and settings and managing media. There are only a few steps involved in performing all of these things, but what’s the one thing that would make it that much better? Cutting the wire.
Apple’s two latest operating systems, Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and iOS 5, are due out in July and this Fall respectively. They are both going to bring a tremendous amount of content and features to Apple’s desktop, notebook, and mobile product line-ups. For now, I’ll focus on two specific features: Wi-Fi Sync and Over-the-air updates.
With Wi-Fi Sync we will no longer have to worry about physically connecting our devices to our computers. As long as both are on the same wireless network and your iPhone is connected to a power source (say, a dock in your bedroom where it charges overnight), the iPhone will automatically sync and back up new content to iTunes. No longer will you have to worry about syncing it at night or in the morning before work and scrambling for the cable that’s up in your room.
Along with Wi-Fi Sync comes Over-the-air updates. Want the great new features that Apple just rolled out with iOS 5.1 (hypothetically speaking) but don’t want to wait until you get home from school or work? Now, with Over-the-air updates, Apple will be able to push these changes directly to your phone wirelessly so you don’t have to think about a thing.
In a growing world of devices and technology, the last thing we need is more cable clutter. Sure, we’ll need them for certain things here and there, but the more we can do without, the better.