This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Syncing with iCloud
Reminders and Notes can be used as standalone apps on your Mac. However, activating iCloud functionality in conjunction with these apps serves two main purposes. A backup of all your data is automatically stored (safely) in the cloud. Plus, your app-specific data can then be automatically synced with the other Macs and iDevices linked to the same iCloud account.
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Using any computer (such as a PC or Mac) or any Internet-enabled mobile device, once your Reminders/Notes data is being synced with iCloud, you can also access it by visiting the iCloud.com website. To do this using any web browser, visit www.iCloud.com and log in using your Apple ID and password. Then, click the Reminders or Notes icon to use an online-based version of the Reminders or Notes app, which will be populated with all of your up-to-date data.
To set up Reminders/Notes to sync with iCloud, launch System Preferences and select iCloud. From the iCloud window, make sure your Mac is currently linked with your iCloud account, and then select the Calendars and Reminders option on the right side of the window to turn on iCloud functionality in conjunction with the Reminders app. (In the future, Reminders may be given its own check box within the iCloud window.)
To activate iCloud functionality for Notes, check the Notes check box on the right side of the iCloud window (shown in Figure 6.14).
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Figure 6.14. Set up the Notes app to sync app-specific data with iCloud from within System Preferences.
Once you exit out of System Preferences, the Reminders/Notes apps will sync your app-specific data with iCloud automatically and in the background, as long as your computer is connected to the Internet. As you make changes to any list or items within a list when using Reminders or alter any notes using the Notes app, those updates are reflected online (and synced with your other Macs and iDevices) almost instantly.
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You can also set up Reminders/Notes to sync with other compatible accounts online or on a network, such as Microsoft Exchange, Yahoo!, or Google. To do this, launch System Preferences and select the Mail, Contacts & Calendars. Click an account type and provide your account information as prompted.
Next, click the Calendars & Reminders or Notes option as you’re setting up that account. For example, if you set up a Yahoo! account, as shown in Figure 6.15, from within the Mail, Contacts & Calendars window, be sure to check the Calendars and Reminders check box to sync Reminders data. Check the Notes check box to sync your notes with your Yahoo! account. Also check the Contacts check box to sync your contacts.
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Figure 6.15. From System Preferences, you can set up Reminders and Notes to sync your app-specific data with Microsoft Exchange, Yahoo!, or your Google accounts.
Because your Reminders app-specific data syncs and updates in real-time with other Macs and iDevices via iCloud, your spouse can create or update a list on your Mac at home, and the updated information will appear on your iPhone or iPad almost instantly, wherever you happen to be.
So, if you’re working from a shopping list created using Reminders, and you’re at the grocery store, your spouse at home can add items to the list in real time, as long as the computer or mobile device he or she is using is linked to your iCloud account. On your iOS device, items will be displayed in the order they’re added.