MobileMe has had an interesting evolution. Originally launched in 2000 as iTools, the service was initially a free portfolio of online services and software, moving to a pay-model in 2002, when it was renamed .Mac.
The third iteration of the service, launched in 2008, was designed for users of Mac OS X, when it was renamed MobileMe and extended to all Apple desktop and mobile device users, including the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch series.
Although Apple is reportedly refusing to comment on MobileMe's extension into secure cloud territory, various Apple forums are busy discussing the fourth iteration of iTools/.Mac/MobileMe, which will reportedly support public and private files in the cloud, similar to how rival Dropbox's service operates.
According to Macworld UK, the aim of the secure cloud service is twofold: to protect files from unauthorised access and to protect files from loss due to failure of a storage device.
Macworld reporter Ben Camm-Jones asserts that "files stored in the system will be encrypted and... Apple is thinking of adding creaky door noises when you first open the safe deposit box app and a slamming sound when close the app."
"Putting a file into secure storage will be a simple case of dragging and dropping, whereas accessing files will require a user to click on the safe deposit box icon and verify their identity", he says in his report.
"Files stored in the safe deposit box could be subject to a 'timeout monitor' that limits the amount of time that they can be accessed for", he adds.
Infosecurity understands that Apple has filed a series of patents, starting in Q3 of 2009, details of which became public knowledge last week, since when rumours have been swirling around.
The most interesting rumour of all is that MobileMe could become a free service at its most basic tier, in order to compete with the likes of Dropbox and others.