01/06/2009, 12:55pm, EST
Tuesday, January 6th
Apple unveils iLife '09 at Macworld 2009
In opening up its Macworld 2009 keynote, Apple today revealed iLife '09, an update to its core application package for Macs. Changes to the suite begin with iPhoto '09, whose new Faces feature lets users sort images by the people. After running face detection, the app lets users assign names to each of the people involved, and sort photo collections accordingly. Places, meanwhile, now lets users filter photos through geotagging, and can pull information directly from cameras such as Nikon's Coolpix series or that of the iPhone. Smart albums can be generated to include particular people and locations.
iPhoto has additionally been upgraded with Flickr and Facebook integration, as well as Slideshow Themes, which present collections with dramatic visual effects such as shattering or sliding panels. Slideshows can be exported to iTunes and synced with Apple handhelds, or else printed through an improved process, which includes more themes as well as the ability to incorporate related maps.
iMovie '09 has been enhanced with an expanded timeline view, displaying both audio and video tracks; as users drag clips into the timeline, context sensitive menus are provided. The app now provides animated travel maps, dynamic themes, and a video stabilization feature which compensates for camera shake.
GarageBand has been improved with a single new feature, Learn to Play. The function lets people learn guitar or keyboards, and presents instructor videos alongside a display of the instrument; students can adjust the rate at which the software progresses, and whether or not to view notation. Some lessons include celebrity artists teaching songs, such as John Fogerty, Norah Jones and Sarah McLachlan. While some lessons are included by default, others must be downloaded at a cost of $4.99 each.
The iLife '09 suite will be free with all new Macs, and cost $79 as a single-user upgrade or $99 in a five-computer family pack. It should ship in late January.
Filed under: software, Apple
Other story tags: Macworld, Macworld Expo, iLife, MW09
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ilife
requires leopard...
iLife and...
Everything now almost requires Leopard that is coming out.
I'm sitting at the expo right now
:-)
Underwhelming...
Phil spends an HOUR talking about iLife to fill in the time since there was really NOTHING groundbreaking to report. New 17" MBP? Big deal, that was a no-brainer.
NO new iMacs, NO NEW Mac Mini (that is a complete insult), no new displays.
Yet ANOTHER u n d e r w h e l m i n g MacWorld. Instead of going out with a BANG for their last MacWorld, they go out with a WHIMPER.
At least it was funny to see the MacRumors liveblog get HACKED by Windows folks. That was the ONLY highlight of the keynote.
First hour
I didn't realize it started at 9, thought it was 10. And it turns out the first hour covered iPhoto (I guess we know why Google released Picassa yesterday).
Re: Underwhelming
So, a Mac mini would have been great, but a new 17" MacBook Pro is "underwhelming."
OK. Guess which Mac sells more: hint - it isn't the Mac mini.
I'm upset
that what has not been reported anywhere is WHEN IT WILL SHIP. It looks not to ship until February, and I found that out by placing an order online at Apple. I just cancelled it because I'll just swing by and pick it up at the Apple Store. Still, Disappointing.
Hold on...
When a company clearly is intentionally disappointing its users and Wall Street, that means it is trying to let itself down gently, a bit at a time. I suspect a lot more bad news is on its way. The whole country is self-destructing; why should Apple be immune?
Not Ready???
If DELL can put a quad in their systems, why can't the all mighty Apple??
Very disappointed. I was hoping for a new Mini also, but a quad iMac with updated nVidia graphics is much needed!
Steve, buy a Dell and learn how its done!!!
Not Ready???
If DELL can put a quad in their systems, why can't the all mighty Apple??
Very disappointed. I was hoping for a new Mini also, but a quad iMac with updated nVidia graphics is much needed!
Steve, buy a Dell and learn how its done!!!
Not Ready???
If DELL can put a quad in their systems, why can't the all mighty Apple??
Very disappointed. I was hoping for a new Mini also, but a quad iMac with updated nVidia graphics is much needed!
Steve, buy a Dell and learn how its done!!!