Apple refreshes iCloud beta with new Web apps

Apple has apparently cooked up Web-based versions of its Notes and Reminders apps, as seen in the latest iCloud beta.Accessible via iCloud from a PC or Mac, the new apps seem similar to their mobile iOS and Mountain Lion counterparts, according to a review by 9to5Mac.The Web-based Notes app lets you enter and organize notes and then e-mail them using the iCloud e-mail. The Reminders app allows you to add reminders, attach notes to them, and schedule the date and time for you to be alerted.Related storiesBeta version of iCloud.com hints at Notes, Reminders Web appsApple testing iOS-like notifications on iCloud.comApple overhaul of iTunes to focus on iCloud, music sharing?iWork.com users have one month before Apple shuts it downOther online surprises are in store for iCloud users.The latest beta includes a new Find my iPhone app that taps into the Lost Mode feature. New to iOS 6, Lost Mode lets you send a phone number to your lost iPhone where hopefully an honest citizen can find it and call you back.The Web-version of Find my iPhone also displays a battery status icon, according to MacRumors, providing a countdown on how much juice your iPhone has left until it conks out.Currently available only for registered developers, the new iCloud Web apps could pop up when iOS 6 debuts early this fall.

Apple rechargeables smarter than average AAs

The Apple Battery Charger has a power-management system that cuts the power when AA batteries are fully charged to nearly eliminate the vampire draw. The charger draws 30 milliwatts once batteries are full, compared with 315 milliwatts for other nickel-metal hydride rechargeables, Apple said.The charger kit costs $29 and includes six Apple batteries, which Apple says will last hundreds of charges and up to 10 years. The charger can work in other countries and with other rechargeable batteries, too. Powering peripherals, such as the mouse or newly introduced Magic Trackpad, directly from a PC's energy supply could very well be more energy-efficient. But clearly, using rechargeable batteries is far more environmentally sound and cost-efficient than buying fresh AA batteries every few months and tossing out the depleted ones. On top of it, the Apple Battery Charger is built for long use, which is the best way to design consumer goods.