iCloud website gets a seamless, more effective beta redesign

Apple managed to stuff at least one more release into an already packed October. a beta redesign The web-based interface of iCloud makes it more customizable and visually appealing. It’s worth bookmarking, especially if you occasionally use a mix of Apple-made hardware and other computers.

The big difference is the customization. Present iCloud web portalWhen you log in, it presents you with a grid of large buttons that you cannot move or change. It’s a mild annoyance if you don’t use some of these services or want to quickly create a new note, calendar appointment, or other item without having to head into the app. The beta version, which can be accessed at beta.icloud.com (or through a link on the existing iCloud website), lets you choose which iCloud items deserve their own widgets and how to arrange them and gives you a “+” button to quickly create new ones, both in widgets and in upper right corner.

Of course, Apple hasn’t given up its inertia completely. Widgets can be two columns wide when viewed in a wider browser, but only one per row, alternating left/right alignment down the page. Most people won’t use iCloud’s web interface as their primary interface, but it can be convenient to access your data when you’re on non-Apple devices or not signed in. The applications have the same interfaces and capabilities as before.

There’s no indication that the beta version might become the default, so if you use iCloud on the web more than “When I remember it’s there,” it’s probably worth bookmarking the version that’s most useful.