Apple gives away Snow Leopard to boost iCloud migration

Apple has a plan to nudge more MobileMe users on to iCloud.The cloud-based storage service will replace MobileMe in June, but only users running OS X Lion (version 10.7) will have access to iCloud. Apple has realized that many MobileMe users are probably running an older OS and may be left behind by the cost of upgrading their systems.So Apple is giving users of older operating systems a gentle push by making the first step toward upgrading easy: the company is giving away Snow Leopard -- the 10.6 version of OS X -- to MobileMe users, which will allow them to upgrade to Lion from the Mac App Store for $30. MacGasm reports that Apple has begun notifying MobileMe holdouts that they can receive a free Snow Leopard DVD, but they have only until June 15 to take advantage of the offer.Apple has also set up a page where MobileMe users can request their free copy of Snow Leopard. Those who don't upgrade will be out of luck on June 30, the official end of life for Mobile Me.

Apple gets patent for solar-powered gear

It specifically deals with converting the power from a solar panel to meet the power requirements of electronics. The system includes a voltage converter that ensures the available solar power can be converted and used to recharge batteries.The solar panel could either be embedded in the device or be removable, according to the patent.Although Apple has not yet released any solar-powered gadgets, it's clear that the company is interested in letting people use sunlight to charge when they can't get to an AC outlet. It's the fourth patent that Apple has received related to solar power, according to Patently Apple. There are already a number of third-party solar chargers designed for Apple equipment. Solar charger makers say that Apple products are particularly demanding in terms of the quality of power needed to effectively use solar panels.Apple has taken a number of steps to make its product more environmentally friendly by phasing out toxic chemicals and using recyclable aluminum in its products. Last year, it also released a line of rechargeable batteries that it says will last longer and are more energy efficient than others.