iWork '09 intros multitude of changes
updated 01:30 pm EST, Tue January 6, 2009
iWork '09 at MW09
Complementing its iLife '09 debut, Apple has announced iWork '09, an upgraded productivity suite. The suite's presentation app, Keynote '09, has been enhanced with a new Magic Move feature, which lets users pick the start- and endpoints of objects, and in turn generate transitions automatically; some new transitions include text types such as swings and shimmering, and chart types like slides and rotations. New themes have been added, and users can now manage Keynote presentations from an iPhone or iPod touch. The Keynote Remote app is selling for 99 cents at the App Store.
Pages '09 has been improved with a full-screen view that removes distractions, and a dynamic outline component, which lets users tweak graphics and font sizes in addition to the overall structure of a document. Users can perform mail merges incorporating Numbers and Address Book data, and the software is also being bundled with 40 new templates as well as MathType and EndNote support.
Lastly, Numbers '09 has been upgraded with table categories, more complex chart options (such as mixed types), and easier formula writing, which lets users search for functions and paste them in. Charts can be crosslinked with Pages documents for automatic updating, and a collection of chart templates are now provided by default.
The iWork '09 suite is now shipping through the online Apple Store at a standard cost of $79 for individuals, or $99 for families. The software is being discounted to $49 with the purchase of a new Mac.
Apple is also introducing a new Mac Box Set for $169 that includes Mac OS X Leopard, iLife '09 and iWork '09 in one package.



Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2001
99 cents?
Really, Apple? You couldn't just give it away free?