Wuala brings online backup to iOS devices

Swiss online backup provider Wuala, which is part-owned by hard-drive manufacturer LaCie, has released a new iOS app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Wuala for iPhone/iPad is a free download from the Apps store and gives Wuala users remote access to their backed up or synchronised files from their iOS device.

Wuala is an online backup service that runs on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X, allowing users to keep their files backed up in a remote location. The Pro version also supports synchronizing folders between an unlimited number of computers as well as file-sharing and file versioning. In addition to accessing their files through an iOS device, Wuala users can also gain access through their web browser (Java is required for this function to work).

Wuala offers a similar feature set to rival services like Dropbox and SpiderOak. However, Wuala does offer a more varied pricing structure, with cheaper options for those who don't need much storage space -- 1GB is free, while 10GB a year costs $29, and 25GB a year costs $49.

Wuala is also unique in offering a free upgrade to the Pro version in return for trading spare unused capacity on the user's hard drive. The user's computer must be on and connected for a minimum of four hours a day, at which point Wuala will offer to trade space.

The iPhone app allows Wuala users to browse their backed up files through navigating the same folder tree as found in the main desktop application. Selecting a file downloads it to your iOS device for previewing, at which point the user can opt to save the file permanently to their iOS device for offline viewing, plus share it with others. Files can also be opened or sent to other apps.

Wuala for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is available now and is free. You'll need a Wuala account to use it.