Katie Marsal
Without explanation, the beta iCloud.com Photos application is no longer available to access via the website, as a vague "early 2015" launch date for a new Photos for OS X app also looms.
The iCloud Photos app had been available in beta form since last October, when it first debuted. In the following weeks, Apple had gradually added features, such as the ability to manually upload photos to the cloud.
But now, Photos for iCloud.com is no longer available to access. Manually entering the URL for the app returns the error: "Can't load Photos. There was a problem loading the application."
While it may be a temporary glitch, the disappearance of iCloud.com Photos at the start of 2015 comes as users are still awaiting the launch of the new Photos app for OS X Yosemite. Apple has said the new application will become available in early 2015, but has not provided a more specific launch window.
Apple officially ceased development of both Aperture and iPhoto in favor of "Photos for OS X" last summer. The replacement Photos app will feature image search, editing, effects, and third-party extensibility, or plugins.
Photos for OS X is expected to be an in-between product, blurring the line between consumer and professional-grade image editing and management software. For example, while image adjustments like saturation, temperature and contrast exist in iPhoto, the Photos app will have a higher level of control akin to Aperture.
Whether the disappearance of the iCloud.com Photos beta is related to Photos for OS X is unknown.
iCloud Photos, known as iCloud Photo Library on iOS 8, lets users automatically upload photos and video from their Camera Roll for storage and cross-device syncing and download. The feature is similar to Photo Stream in iOS 7, but with support for full-resolution content and edit syncing.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
59 Comments
As an Aperture users I am disappointed Apple will no longer support the app. I know many people are talking about the new Photos app as being an "in-between" app. I am hopeful Apple will actually release a very capable app that will keep both camps happy... although I am sure some will not be happy no matter what Apple releases. I guess we can do nothing but continue waiting to see.
[quote name="AppleInsider" url="/t/184125/icloud-com-photos-beta-disappears-as-users-continue-to-await-os-x-iphoto-replacement#post_2656896"] Whether the disappearance of the iCloud.com Photos beta is related to Photos for OS X is unknown.[/quote] One can dream, right? I really hope this is the reason, I'm not 'having the best of times' with LR, and Aperture has its own flaws. But that may be due to the synching with my iPhone; the photo projects aren't in alphabetical order on my phone.
[quote name="eckergus" url="/t/184125/icloud-com-photos-beta-disappears-as-users-continue-to-await-os-x-iphoto-replacement#post_2656905"]As an Aperture users I am disappointed Apple will no longer support the app. I know many people are talking about the new Photos app as being an "in-between" app. I am hopeful Apple will actually release a very capable app that will keep both camps happy... although I am sure some will not be happy no matter what Apple releases. I guess we can do nothing but continue waiting to see.[/quote] Same sentiment here. Let's hope Apple hits home with [I]Photos[/I], and features we currently enjoy in Aperture will be filled in by 3rd party plug-ins.
I'm waiting to see if Apple can fix the camera roll ordeal! Why create a photo album with a double on the camera roll. I only have an iPad minis & iPhone since my Mac book went down I don't have access to iTunes to pull photos or separate to organize. It's a big mess if you don't have the whole Applesphere going on. Music I can't add. Lack of compatibility is starting to kill my taste for Apple products.
Based on what happened with the iWork suite I wouldn't get my hopes up that this new app will be anything more than an improved iPhoto app. My guess is it will be more geared towards the masses and not the pros.