iLife '09 shown at MW09

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.

by MacNN Staff