Need Input for iOS App

[nickkohrn]

Hey everyone,

 

I am working on an iOS app to help me track water parameters. It will have a lot of other useful features, but I need some input on a decision.

 

I can use iCloud to store the data, or I can save the data to your device.

 

The difference is that if it is saved to iCloud, then it will require a cellular data connection to access the data, but if anything happens to your device (smash, water damage, lost), then you will be able to still access that data when you get another iOS device and install the app.

 

If I use the device itself to store the data, then only the most recent data from the most recent backup of your device over iCloud or a computer will be available. So if you destroy or lose your phone, then the only data you will have for the app will be the data that was uploaded to iCloud or your computer when you backed it up last. Note, if you have iCloud Backup turned on, then your device will automatically backed up when plugged into power, on WiFi, and then screen is locked. Otherwise, you can manually initiate a backup in your iCloud settings in Settings.

 

For those of you that would be interested in using an app to track your systems, what would be your preference and why?

 

Thanks for your input!!

[smiz]

I don't really see a downside to using icloud to save it. You wouldn't necessarily need to be able to access things outside of your home wifi constantly, but the added backup would be worth the data usage in my eyes.

[fishfreak0114]

My preference would be saved onto the device itself simply because I never set up iCloud.

[MainelyReefer]

Device

[smeagol108]

Device. All our iPhones backup etc. I would prefer to not have to rely on cloud. You could also store local and have it sync to iCloud.

[Clown79]

I don't use Cloud nor ever will.

 

I prefer all my personal documents saved on my own devices.

[smiz]

when you refer to icloud i was more thinking that the app itself would store to a icloud type server. if this is the case it seems like the best option. if the icloud option is you have to set one up your self and link it i think device would be best bet.

[nickkohrn]

Thanks everyone! I have been doing some research into using iCloud and then syncing that with locally-stored data on the device, but there isn't really a great way of doing so. Until then, I will probably stick with on-device storage. It seems much simpler for now, and it will not require a network connection.

 

With that said, for those of you that do not use iCloud, how do you feel about the thought of losing your data if something happens to your device and you lose that data without a backup to iCloud or your computer? Does it matter if you lose the historical data associated with your system?

 

Thanks for your input! I'm really trying to find a good solution for everyone, and it definitely comes with caveats so I want to make certain that I am getting a good grasp of the workflows that you use when dealing with your data.

[Clown79]

I've never had the issue of losing or damaging any device so its not a concern for me.

 

I have all my stuff backed up.

[fishfreak0114]

it would definitely suck to lose the data, but I've never broke/lost any of my devices so it's not a huge worry for me.