iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand see upgrades

Apple today revealed iLife '11, a new version of the software suite pre-installed on every Mac. Three core apps have been updated, beginning with iPhoto '11, which has gained new fullscreen views for Faces, Places, Albums and photobooks, in areas using iPad-style interfaces with iOS-like buttons located along the bottom. Facebook sharing lets people view responses to posted images, and a special e-mail sharing tool lets people auto-arrange photos into an attractive layout. Some other changes include new slideshow templates, and a Project view with a bookshelf similar to iBooks.

iMovie '11 has been given new audio editing tools, including a waveform display, and live editing of volume and fading; sound effects can be layered on top. One-step visual effects let people apply several edits at once, and the new People Finder can be used to pick out individuals in clips, as well as close-up versus wide shots. Framerate is newly selectable, and trailers can be created using 15 templates incorporating titles, credits and symphonic soundtracks.

The updated GarageBand includes two tools for manipulating and fixing recordings. The first is Groove Matching, which uses a selected "groove track" to anchor the rhythm of all other instrument layers. Flex Time meanwhile stretches out waveforms, an option to correction note durations. Like iPhoto, a new fullscreen Lessons view takes after the iPad; related to this is the additional "How Did I Play?" mode, which rates and records a person's musical skill in playing various pieces. Extra piano and guitar lessons have been implemented, along with more guitar amps and effects.

The combined suite is free on all new Macs, and a $49 upgrade from earlier editions. Sales begin today.

by MacNN Staff