Table of Contents
Cloud Device
A cloud device is any device or computing resource that operates through or is accessed via cloud infrastructure rather than being entirely local. The term encompasses multiple meanings depending on context:
- Cloud-hosted devices (most relevant to Multilogin):
Physical devices (smartphones, computers) hosted in data centers and accessed remotely through internet connections. Users control real hardware without physical possession — particularly relevant for cloud phones (real Android/iOS devices in data centers for mobile operations). - Cloud-connected devices (IoT):
Physical devices at user locations that connect to cloud services for data processing, storage, or management — such as smart home devices, wearables, and connected appliances. - Cloud storage devices:
Network-attached storage (NAS) or personal cloud devices that provide local storage with cloud-like access and synchronization capabilities. - Cloud access devices:
Thin clients or terminals that primarily access cloud services, running minimal local processing (Chromebooks, cloud gaming devices, virtual desktop clients).
This glossary focuses primarily on cloud-hosted devices (especially cloud phones) as they’re most relevant for multi-account management, mobile operations, and app testing.
Key characteristics of cloud-hosted devices:
- Real physical hardware in professional data centers
- Remote access via internet connection
- Desktop or browser-based control interface
- Professional infrastructure (power, cooling, network)
- Scalable on-demand provisioning
Critical distinction: Cloud phones are real Android/iOS devices remotely accessible, not emulators or virtual devices. They pass all security checks and provide genuine device identities.
Cloud device types and contexts
Cloud-hosted devices (remote real hardware):
Cloud phones (Android/iOS)
- Real smartphones in data centers
- Accessible via desktop application or browser
- Genuine device identities (IMEI, Android ID, MAC)
- Used for: multi-account management, mobile app testing, production operations
- Providers: Multilogin, testing platforms
Cloud desktops (VDI)
- Desktop computers running in data centers
- Accessed via thin clients or local devices
- Full OS environment remotely accessible
- Used for: remote work, enterprise applications, secure computing
Cloud testing devices
- Real devices for automated testing
- Access via testing platforms
- Session-based or persistent
- Used for: app QA, compatibility testing, CI/CD
Cloud storage devices:
Personal cloud devices (NAS)
- Physical storage devices at home/office
- Create private cloud accessible remotely
- Examples: Western Digital My Cloud, Synology NAS, Seagate Personal Cloud
- Used for: personal file storage, media streaming, backups
Hybrid cloud storage
- Local storage with cloud synchronization
- Combines local speed with cloud accessibility
- Automatic backup to cloud services
Cloud-connected devices (IoT):
Smart home devices
- Thermostats, cameras, lights, locks
- Connect to cloud for remote control
- Data processing and storage in cloud
- Examples: Nest, Ring, Philips Hue
Wearables
- Smartwatches, fitness trackers
- Sync data to cloud services
- Remote monitoring and analysis
Cloud access devices:
Thin clients
- Minimal local computing
- Primarily cloud service access
- Virtual desktop connections
Chromebooks
- Browser-centric computing
- Cloud storage integration
- Web app focused
Cloud gaming devices
- Controllers or thin clients for cloud gaming
- Games run on cloud servers
- Streaming to local device
Learn more about cloud-hosted mobile devices: cloud phones.
Use real cloud phones for production operations
If you’re exploring cloud devices for mobile operations, testing, or multi-account management, understand the distinction: testing platforms provide temporary access; cloud phones provide persistent real devices for production use.
Testing platforms work for QA. Production operations require persistent devices with authentic identities that platforms trust.
Multilogin Cloud Phones provide real Android devices designed for operational use:
🔹 Real Android hardware — Samsung, Google, OPPO, OnePlus with manufacturer-assigned IDs
🔹 ~30 device models available — choose exact devices for your operations
🔹 Persistent sessions — apps stay installed, state saves between uses
🔹 Desktop management interface — control all cloud phones from dashboard
🔹 Built-in residential proxies — 30M+ IPs, 195+ countries, mobile-grade networks
🔹 Team collaboration — share access, set permissions, track usage
🔹 Zero detection risk — pass SafetyNet/Play Integrity, 100% app compatibility
🔹 Professional infrastructure — 24/7 availability, automatic hardware maintenance
🔹 Unlimited scaling — add 50 devices instantly without hardware constraints
🔹 Usage-based pricing — €0.009/minute, plans start at €5.85/month
Whether you’re managing social media accounts, running e-commerce operations, testing apps requiring real devices, or operating at agency scale, cloud phones deliver genuine device authenticity for production workloads.
Get started with Multilogin Cloud Phones — real Android devices in the cloud with professional features for scaled operations.
Key Takeaways
✅ Cloud device = hardware or resource accessed via cloud infrastructure — includes hosted devices, storage, IoT, and access devices
✅ Cloud phones = real Android/iOS devices in data centers — accessible remotely with genuine hardware identities
✅ Real device cloud testing uses actual hardware — not emulators, passes security checks, provides authentic test results
✅ Personal cloud storage devices are local NAS — not cloud storage services, you own hardware, remote access capability
✅ Cloud MDM enables remote device management — no on-premise infrastructure, subscription model, full remote capabilities
✅ Cloud vs on-premise depends on use case — cloud wins for scalability, on-premise for specific control requirements
✅ Security varies by implementation — professional cloud hosting often more secure than average local setups
✅ Cost models differ by type — usage-based (cloud phones), subscription (MDM), one-time (personal cloud NAS)
People Also Ask
Cloud-based mobile device management is MDM software delivered as cloud service (SaaS) for managing smartphones and tablets remotely. Unlike traditional on-premise MDM (requiring local servers), cloud MDM provides: web-based admin console, automatic software updates, no infrastructure investment, subscription pricing, remote device enrollment, policy enforcement, app management, security monitoring. Platforms include Microsoft Intune, Google Workspace (Android Enterprise), VMware Workspace ONE, and Jamf. Ideal for distributed workforces and BYOD programs.
Depends on implementation. Professional cloud hosting often provides better security: 24/7 monitoring, physical data center security, redundancy, security teams, compliance certifications. However, consumer cloud devices vary in security quality. Well-configured local devices can be very secure; poorly configured cloud devices can be vulnerable. For most users and businesses, professional cloud providers offer better security than average local setups due to dedicated security resources and expertise.
A personal cloud storage device is a network-attached storage (NAS) device at home/office that creates private cloud-like storage. Examples: Western Digital My Cloud, Synology NAS, Seagate Personal Cloud. It stores data locally (not in the cloud) but provides remote access via internet. Advantages: one-time purchase, complete data control, unlimited storage, no monthly fees. Disadvantages: requires setup/maintenance, vulnerable if not secured, limited by internet upload speed for remote access.
Cloud phones are real Android/iOS devices in data centers with genuine manufacturer IDs (IMEI, Android ID, MAC), passing all security checks, with 100% app compatibility and persistent state between sessions. Emulators are software simulations that fail security checks, have ~85-95% app compatibility, and get detected by banking/payment apps. Cloud phones work for production operations and multi-account management; emulators only for development/testing. Both are remotely accessible but fundamentally different technology.
Related Topics
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