Company also brings Photo Booth and FaceTime

Apple has previewed new iPad versions of several iOS apps, including iLife titles iMovie and GarageBand, along with several apps that take advantage of the dual-camera configuration of the iPad 2. FaceTime for iPad will provide the same basic functionality as the iPhone edition, enabling video calls with easy switching between the primary and front-facing camera sensors. Photo Booth is geared for self portraits and snapshots, which can be tweaked with a variety of unique effects.

The upcoming iMovie release represents a universal app for all iOS devices, but with a unique layout when viewed on the iPad. Users will be able to access the 'Precision Editor' by pinching any transition directly from the timeline, while audio waveforms can be viewed for every clip in the project. The app also takes advantage of AirPlay streaming directly to Apple TV, along with direct connection from the iPad 2 via Apple's AV adapter.

GarageBand also works as a scaled-down version of the desktop variant, allowing users to play virtual instruments such as guitars, drums, bass, pianos and organs. Other content includes virtual amps, more than 250 loops, and dynamic controls for aspects such as vibrato and hit placement on a cymbal.

The iPad release provides an editor for trimming and arranging content, with support for up to eight tracks. Songs can be e-mailed in AAC format, or put into an iTunes library for further development using the desktop software.

iMovie and GarageBand will both be available on the App Store for $5 each, while FaceTime and Photo Booth are free apps included with the iPad 2.

by MacNN Staff