The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Buy Leopard, iWork '09, iLife '09 via the Mac Box Sethttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/buy-leopard-iwork-09-ilife-09-via-the-mac-box-set/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/buy-leopard-iwork-09-ilife-09-via-the-mac-box-set/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/buy-leopard-iwork-09-ilife-09-via-the-mac-box-set/#commentsFiled under: Macworld, iLife, Retail, iWork

As mentioned in this morning's keynote, the Mac Box Set lets you purchase Mac OS 10.5.6, iLife '09 and iWork '09 in one tidy package for $169US. Additionally, shoppers can install the Mac Box Set Family Pack on up to five Mac computers in in the same household for $229US. Call us crazy, but we don't remember seeing such a bundle from Apple before.

Before you pull out your credit card, know that this won't ship until iLife '09 ships, which Phil identified as "Late January." However, TUAW reader Lou purchased iLife '09 online today, and his receipt listed "February '09" as the ship date. So, we'll see.

If you happen to visit a store near a store in a major city today, have a look around or ask an employee if January is likely for this product. Let us know what you find. Thanks!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Buy Leopard, iWork '09, iLife '09 via the Mac Box Set originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Buy Leopard, iWork '09, iLife '09 via the Mac Box Set originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>ilifeiworkmac box setMacBoxSetmacworldmacworld09retailDave CaoloTue, 06 Jan 2009 15:45:00 ESTAs expected, Apple releases iWork '09 at Macworld Expohttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/as-expected-apple-releases-iwork-09-at-macworld-expo/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/as-expected-apple-releases-iwork-09-at-macworld-expo/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/as-expected-apple-releases-iwork-09-at-macworld-expo/#commentsFiled under: Software, iWork

During today's Macworld Keynote Phil Schiller announced the immediate release of iWork '09. We previously reported this was fairly likely given the slip-up over at Apple.com. The updated version of iWork is definitely more evolutionary than revolutionary.

Keynote
The first new feature of Keynote are the "Magic Move" transitions. Essentially, you set up your slides and Keynote automatically animates your objects and moves them from slide-to-slide. Additional text and object transitions have been added as well. For example, the text from one slide can morph into the text on the following slide.

The Theme Chooser has been updated as well. It now allows you to easily and quickly view and apply a theme as well. The Theme Chooser also makes it easy to quickly apply a particular slide size. The 3D charts and graphs have been updated as well to include additional textures and new animations.

The killer new feature in Keynote is the introduction of the Keynote Remote application for the iPhone or iPod touch. Using Wi-Fi you can view your slide as well as notes on the slide wirelessly from your iPhone or iPod touch. If you rotate your device into a landscape orientation you can view the current slide as well as the next slide. In true touchscreen form you can swipe your finger across the screen to advance to the next slide.

Click the read link for more information about iWork '09.

For full Macworld Expo coverage, bookmark the TUAW Macworld Expo 2009 landing page. If you missed our liveblog coverage, you can review it here.

Continue reading As expected, Apple releases iWork '09 at Macworld Expo

As expected, Apple releases iWork '09 at Macworld Expo originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

As expected, Apple releases iWork '09 at Macworld Expo originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>iworkiwork 09iwork.comIwork09keynotemacworld 2009macworld expomacworld09Macworld2009MacworldExponumberspagesAron TrimbleTue, 06 Jan 2009 15:15:00 ESTThe cat's out of the bag for iWork '09http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/the-cats-out-of-the-bag-for-iwork-09/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/the-cats-out-of-the-bag-for-iwork-09/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/the-cats-out-of-the-bag-for-iwork-09/#commentsFiled under: Software, iWork

Take a stroll on over to Apple's downloads page and peek at the 5th entry under Top Downloads. What you will find is an entry for iWork '09 -- which has yet to be announced.

We currently don't have any information available as to what changes would be present if iWork or iLife were updated. However, you can bet that if the Philnote features any dazzling effects not previously seen, they are likely a part of the updated suite.

Given that Apple is so secretive this seems like quite the slip up. While not featured in our rumor roundup, we would not be at all surprised for an update to both the iWork and iLife suites to be announced. If you have any hot features you'd love to see in an updated iWork or iLife suite throw them down in the comments.

Thanks Nick for sending this in!

The cat's out of the bag for iWork '09 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The cat's out of the bag for iWork '09 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>iwork 09Iwork09macworldmacworld 2009macworld expomacworld09Macworld2009MacworldExpophil schillerPhilSchillerAron TrimbleTue, 06 Jan 2009 10:30:00 ESTApple to take iWork '09 online?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/apple-to-take-iwork-09-online/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/apple-to-take-iwork-09-online/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/apple-to-take-iwork-09-online/#commentsFiled under: Rumors, iWork

With just under a week left before Macworld 2009, the rumor mill is turning out many rumors. One new rumor, proposed by 9to5 Mac, suggests that Apple may be taking their iWork suite of software online. iWork is Apple's answer to an office suite, and combines a word processor (Pages), presentation software (Keynote), and spreadsheet app (Numbers).

Just as Apple took mail, calendars, and contacts online with MobileMe, 9to5 believes they might do the same with Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. Apple definitely wouldn't be the first company to take office applications into the "cloud," but they might be the first to make web apps that tie into MobileMe.

Google Docs (formerly Writely), Zoho Office, and Microsoft are just a few of the companies currently offering web-based solutions for office products.

[via MacRumors]

View Poll

Apple to take iWork '09 online? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple to take iWork '09 online? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cloud computingCloudComputingiWorkiWork 09Iwork09onlinerumorsCory BohonWed, 31 Dec 2008 17:00:00 ESTiLife and iWork '09 announcements on 10/14?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/13/ilife-and-iwork-09-announcements-on-10-14/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/13/ilife-and-iwork-09-announcements-on-10-14/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/13/ilife-and-iwork-09-announcements-on-10-14/#commentsFiled under: iLife, Rumors, Software, iWork

iLife and iWork

A TUAW tipster pointed us to a unsubstantiated, but intriguing post on Mac Soda noting that iLife and iWork '09 could be announced at the October 14th notebook event.

The current versions of iLife and iWork were announced on August 7, 2007 at the same event where the aluminum iMacs debuted, and previous iLife/iWork introductions have also been touted as "one more thing" at hardware-oriented product announcements.

The post doesn't provide any details of enhancements for the applications. In terms of speculating about what could change, iMovie could use some major enhancements to usability after last year's complete rewrite, and iWeb could benefit from better capabilities for publishing to non-MobileMe servers and iPhone-specific templates. The Numbers spreadsheet package could use a lot of new functionality, including macros, while Pages needs new templates.

TUAW readers -- what would you like to see in an iLife or iWork update? Leave a comment.

Thanks to Johannes for the link

iLife and iWork '09 announcements on 10/14? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iLife and iWork '09 announcements on 10/14? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>ilifeiworkrumorSteven SandeMon, 13 Oct 2008 14:00:00 ESTFreeware Find: Karelia iMedia Browser 1.1.1http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/13/freeware-find-karelia-imedia-browser-1-1-1/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/13/freeware-find-karelia-imedia-browser-1-1-1/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/13/freeware-find-karelia-imedia-browser-1-1-1/#commentsFiled under: iLife, Multimedia, Software, Odds and ends, Freeware, iWork

It's easy to get spoiled using Apple's Media Browser, that little tool that pops up in many of the iLife and iWork applications and provides access to photos, music, graphics, and movies. But what about those cases where you want to use Media Browser and the application you're in doesn't support it?

Karelia Software, makers of the popular website creation tool Sandvox, has just shipped an update to iMedia Browser. iMedia Browser 1.1.1 works with Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and 10.5 (Leopard). It provides all of the functionality of Media Browser, but for just about any application on your Mac. This update adds international support and new media sources.

iMedia Browser now supports the following media (information from Karelia's website):

Browse Photos: iPhoto / Aperture / Lightroom library, Pictures folder, and other predefined folders.
Browse Music: iTunes library, GarageBand songs, Music folder, etc.
Browse Movies: iTunes and iPhoto libraries, Movies folder, etc.
Browse Links: Bookmarks from Safari, Camino, OmniWeb, etc.
Drag and drop any folder into the source list to add to your library.

As the really old song says, "the best things in life are free", and iMedia Browser is no exception. Download it and start enjoying your media in almost every application you use.

Freeware Find: Karelia iMedia Browser 1.1.1 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Freeware Find: Karelia iMedia Browser 1.1.1 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>freewareilife 08Ilife08iwork 08Iwork08mediaSteven SandeWed, 13 Aug 2008 18:00:00 ESTNew Keynote Motion Themes from iPresenteehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/07/new-keynote-motion-themes-from-ipresentee/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/07/new-keynote-motion-themes-from-ipresentee/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/07/new-keynote-motion-themes-from-ipresentee/#commentsFiled under: Multimedia, Software, Odds and ends, iWork, Graphic Design

Keynote Motion Themes from iPresentee

If you're bored silly with the typical theme backgrounds in Keynote, pop on over to iPresentee's website and check out Keynote Motion Themes 2.0. These themes, which were released today (7/7/08), add five more motion themes to iPresentee's product line.

All of these themes provide moving backgrounds to catch the eyes of your audience. The five themes -- Money, Curtain, Rain, Story, and Exercise Book -- include 14 or more master slide layouts each.

Motion Themes 2.0 is available online for $25, or you can purchase individual motion themes for $10 each. And by the way, the free Keynote Objects icons are still available on the iPresentee site.

[via prMac]

New Keynote Motion Themes from iPresentee originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

New Keynote Motion Themes from iPresentee originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>keynotemotionthemeSteven SandeMon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00:00 ESTFree Stuff: Keynote Objectshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/23/free-stuff-keynote-objects/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/23/free-stuff-keynote-objects/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/23/free-stuff-keynote-objects/#commentsFiled under: Software, Odds and ends, Freeware, iWork, Graphic Design

Keynote Objects

iPresentee, a small company providing themes and objects for Apple's iLife and iWeb software suites, is offering a free download of Keynote Objects.

Keynote Objects is a package of 100 attractive icon-like objects that can be used not only with Keynote, but also with Microsoft PowerPoint and Word. All of the objects have a transparent background, and are easily resized, rotated, made more or less transparent, or shadowed.

I'm actually going to use several of the objects as icons for a new web site that I'm designing, simply because they offer an attractive and cohesive set of art objects. What will you use your free Keynote Objects for?

Free Stuff: Keynote Objects originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Free Stuff: Keynote Objects originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>freewareilifeiworkkeynotepowerpointsoftwarewordSteven SandeMon, 23 Jun 2008 18:00:00 ESTTUAW Tip: How to disable automatic hyperlinks in Pages '08http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/23/tuaw-tip-how-to-disable-automatic-hyperlinks-in-pages-08/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/23/tuaw-tip-how-to-disable-automatic-hyperlinks-in-pages-08/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/23/tuaw-tip-how-to-disable-automatic-hyperlinks-in-pages-08/#commentsFiled under: iWork, TUAW Tips

Do you find it annoying when you go to type in an e-mail address or hyperlink into Pages and it automatically thinks you want the text turned into a hyperlink? Well, you can easily change this setting in the preferences.

Just open Page's Preferences (Pages > Preferences, or use command + , (comma) to open preferences). Once there, select the "Auto-Correction" tab and un-check the box labeled "Automatically detect email and web addresses." Now when you start typing a link or e-mail address inside of Pages it will appear as text.

[via New Mac User]

TUAW Tip: How to disable automatic hyperlinks in Pages '08 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW Tip: How to disable automatic hyperlinks in Pages '08 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>addressese-mailhyperlinkiWorkiWork 08Iwork08PagesTUAW TipTuawTipCory BohonMon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 ESTApple Camp '08 schedule postedhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/06/apple-camp-08-schedule-posted/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/06/apple-camp-08-schedule-posted/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/06/apple-camp-08-schedule-posted/#commentsFiled under: iLife, Retail, Education, iTunes, iWork, Apple

Today Apple posted the schedule for Apple Camp. Apple Camp is held at Apple retail stores for kids 8-12 to go learn about creative things like: making presentations with Keynote, taking and managing photos with iPhoto, creating music with GarageBand, and making movies with iMovie.

Each sessions lasts about 3 hours and is available at all Apple retail locations. Kids attending will receive a DVD or CD with their creations on it, field guide, t-shirt, and will be able to get other giveaways. Best of all, Apple Camp is free though registration is required.

Kids under 13 must have a parent/guardian present; otherwise, you'll have to bring an Apple permission slip (PDF link). You can now register on Apple's Camp registration website.

Apple Camp '08 schedule posted originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple Camp '08 schedule posted originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Apple CampApple retailAppleCampAppleRetailChildrenGarageBandiMovieiPhotoKeynotekidsstorest-shirttweet-thisCory BohonFri, 06 Jun 2008 17:30:00 ESTApple iWork for Business online seminarhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/03/apple-iwork-for-business-online-seminar/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/03/apple-iwork-for-business-online-seminar/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/03/apple-iwork-for-business-online-seminar/#commentsFiled under: iWork, Found Footage

Apple has posted a online seminar on using iWork '08 in a business environment. Presented together with Rebecca Breitenkamp, the CFO of a biotech company that uses iWork internally, the half-hour video goes over some of the basic ways that Pages, Numbers, and Keynote can be used in a corporate setting. It not really a step-by-step tutorial, but more of a series of examples of how well iWork functions on what many folks think of as Microsoft Office's turf.

To watch the video you will need need to complete a free registration.

[via MacVolPlace]

Apple iWork for Business online seminar originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple iWork for Business online seminar originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>iWorktutorialMat LuTue, 03 Jun 2008 16:00:00 ESTKeynote 4.0.3 updatehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/03/keynote-4-0-3-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/03/keynote-4-0-3-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/03/keynote-4-0-3-update/#commentsFiled under: iWork, Software Update

Today, Apple posted an update to the Keynote presentation app (part of iWork '08). This update, version 4.0.3, says that it "addresses performance and stability issues when working with large documents."

You can download this update by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software update) or by downloading the installer package from the Apple support downloads site.

Please note: Users must have Keynote 4.0.2 installed on their computer to install this update.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Keynote 4.0.3 update originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Keynote 4.0.3 update originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>iWorkKeynoteSoftware updateSoftwareUpdateCory BohonThu, 03 Apr 2008 22:00:00 ESTTUAW Tip: hiding Keynote presentationshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/26/tuaw-tip-hiding-keynote-presentations/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/26/tuaw-tip-hiding-keynote-presentations/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/26/tuaw-tip-hiding-keynote-presentations/#commentsFiled under: iWork, TUAW Tips

If you give many presentations on the Mac, chances are you're using Apple's Keynote presentation software. One cool feature in Keynote is the ability to demo something on your Mac without giving away your next slide or notes. When you're in the middle of a presentation, just hit the "h" key on your keyboard. This will hide the entire Keynote application and show your desktop.

When you press the h key, the Keynote icon in the dock will change and include a play button. When you want to resume your presentation, just click the Keynote icon in the dock.

TUAW Tip: hiding Keynote presentations originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW Tip: hiding Keynote presentations originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>iWorkKeynoteCory BohonSat, 26 Jan 2008 20:30:00 ESTKeynote, Pages and Numbers updates availablehttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/09/27/keynote-pages-and-numbers-updates-available/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/09/27/keynote-pages-and-numbers-updates-available/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/09/27/keynote-pages-and-numbers-updates-available/#commentsFiled under: Software, iWork

Apple keeps the updates coming with new versions of Keynote (version 4.0.1), Pages (version 3.0.1) and Numbers (1.0.1). The description of each is typically cryptic. According to Apple...

The Keynote update primarily addresses issues with builds and performance.
The Pages update primarily addresses issues with change tracking and performance.
The Numbers update primarily addresses issues with tables and performance.

Sound good? If you've purchased iWork '08, launch software update.

Keynote, Pages and Numbers updates available originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Keynote, Pages and Numbers updates available originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>iworkkeynotenumberspagesDave CaoloThu, 27 Sep 2007 17:12:00 ESTKeynoteuser releases Galleria theme for Keynote '08http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/28/keynoteuser-releases-galleria-theme-for-keynote-08/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/28/keynoteuser-releases-galleria-theme-for-keynote-08/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/28/keynoteuser-releases-galleria-theme-for-keynote-08/#commentsFiled under: Analysis / Opinion, Multimedia, Software, iWork

Brian, who also told us about that Keynote hack when '08 was first dropped, sends a note about Galleria, a theme he's selling for Keynote that's designed specifically to show off photos. The theme takes advantage of the new "media placeholder" function in Keynote '08 that lets you place photos exactly how you want them, and then replace them with just a click. And any photos you put in can then be resized or cropped right there on the slide.

Galleria also has lots of samples to use, layout choices, and extras like shapes and buttons and picture frames. It might be a little more than you need unless you're putting together a Keynote project that shows off lots of photos, or if you regularly show off photos in Keynote presentations (it's $19.95 for the whole package). But if it fits your bill, Brian definitely knows what he's doing with Keynote-- using his theme could save a lot of time in getting things set up yourself.

Keynoteuser releases Galleria theme for Keynote '08 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Keynoteuser releases Galleria theme for Keynote '08 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>galleriakeynotekeynoteusermediaplaceholderthemeMike SchrammTue, 28 Aug 2007 17:30:00 ESTAnalysis: iWork and Office for Machttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/26/analysis-iwork-and-office-for-mac/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/26/analysis-iwork-and-office-for-mac/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/26/analysis-iwork-and-office-for-mac/#commentsFiled under: Analysis / Opinion, iWork

David Weiss is an employee at Microsoft's MacBU, and while he has makes it clear that he doesn't speak for Microsoft or the MacBU, his recent post about iWork '08 is interesting from a couple of directions. He starts with a little self-congratulatory back-patting for Microsoft's embracing an "open" XML file format and talks a little bit about the challenges involved with "starting from scratch" in writing an office application. Most telling, however, is his conclusion. He writes that the "core value of Office on the Mac" is simple: compatibility. What's interesting about this is about what he doesn't say. He doesn't say that the "core value" of Office is getting your work done efficiently, or producing nice documents, spreadsheets or presentations. Basically what we need the MacBU for is to keep us compatible with Windows. And as I've started to play with iWork '08 I think he's more or less correct. Office for Mac is just about compatibility with Windows, not about giving Mac users the best user experience in document creation. And with Office for Mac dropping support for Windows-compatible macros, it increasingly looks like the MacBU isn't even doing that particularly well.

At this point, and assuming they make their January ship date, we're not going to see an Intel native Office for Mac until two full years after the first Intel Macs were released (two and a half years since the transition was announced). With Numbers, Apple has taken a decisive step. While it's not going to replace Excel for big-time number crunchers, it's absolutely good enough for casual users like myself. Keynote was already well ahead of PowerPoint in terms of beautiful presentations and the new Pages is a significant improvement as well, particularly for straight word-processing. Considering all this, it's getting hard to see what purpose there is in having Office unless you have to deal with cross-platform issues on a constant basis (especially since iWork '08 is already more compatible with Windows Office 2007 formats than Office for Mac 2004 is). I don't think Microsoft Office is going to die anytime soon; it's too entrenched in business for that to happen. But with iWork moving ahead the way it is, I don't really see any reason for non-business Mac users to fork over hundreds of dollars to Microsoft for a sub-standard user experience. I had initially assumed I'd automatically upgrade to Office for Mac 2008 whenever it ships; now I'm quite doubtful. These look like dark days for the MacBU to me. What do you think?

Analysis: iWork and Office for Mac originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 26 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analysis: iWork and Office for Mac originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 26 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>iWorkMacBUOfficeMat LuSun, 26 Aug 2007 13:00:00 ESTPages '08 opens Word 2007 documentshttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/pages-08-opens-word-2007-documents/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/pages-08-opens-word-2007-documents/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/pages-08-opens-word-2007-documents/#commentsFiled under: iWork, Apple

We reported that Office 2008 for the Mac has been delayed until January 2008, which means you'll have to use the beta file converter before you can open Word 2007 for Windows documents on your Mac (Office 2007 introduced a new file format called Office Open XML which Office 2004 for the Mac doesn't support. The converter dumbs down the file so Office for the Mac can open it).

Sure, you could do that, or you could use the first word processor for the Mac that supports that file format natively: Pages '08. That's right, Apple's little word processor that could can open Word 2007 documents (and earlier). It doesn't just open them either, Apple says that styles, tables, and other parts of the document are intact as well.

That sound you just heard? The MacBU screaming in frustration.

Pages '08 opens Word 2007 documents originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Pages '08 opens Word 2007 documents originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>appleiworkiwork 08Iwork08pagespages 08Pages08Scott McNultyTue, 07 Aug 2007 17:45:00 ESTiWork '08 30 day demo availablehttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/iwork-08-30-day-demo-available/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/iwork-08-30-day-demo-available/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/iwork-08-30-day-demo-available/#commentsFiled under: iWork, Apple

Are you chomping at the bit for iWork '08? Chomp no more (I mean, that can't be good for your teeth)! Apple has just made available a free 30 day trial for download. Take Pages, Keynote, and Numbers for a spin before you plunk down your hard earned cash for it. Now, if only Apple would do the same for iLife '08.

Thanks, Robert.

iWork '08 30 day demo available originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iWork '08 30 day demo available originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>iworkkeynotenumberspagesScott McNultyTue, 07 Aug 2007 17:32:00 ESTEagle-eyed event goers spot possible new iWork iconhttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/eagle-eyed-event-goers-spot-possible-new-iwork-icon/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/eagle-eyed-event-goers-spot-possible-new-iwork-icon/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/eagle-eyed-event-goers-spot-possible-new-iwork-icon/#commentsFiled under: Software, Productivity, Other Events, iWork, .Mac

[Update: Looks like assumptions were right! Steve did indeed debut a new member to the iWork family, Numbers, and Erica has the details in a new iWork '08 post.]

Our hat is tipped to MySkitch user Steve for spotting what appears to be a new iWork icon in Steve Jobs' dock during today's Apple press event. Could this be some sort of iSpreadsheet? Possibly a Quicken-killer? We'll just have to wait and see, as Steve is still singing the praises of the new iLife and .Mac.

Eagle-eyed event goers spot possible new iWork icon originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Eagle-eyed event goers spot possible new iWork icon originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>iworkDavid ChartierTue, 07 Aug 2007 14:02:00 ESTApple profiles iWork@work for small businesseshttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/05/29/apple-profiles-iwork-work-for-small-businesses/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/05/29/apple-profiles-iwork-work-for-small-businesses/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/05/29/apple-profiles-iwork-work-for-small-businesses/#commentsFiled under: Software, iWork

While iWork isn't exactly at the top of everyone's wishlist of Apple software, it still offers a fairly strong set of Apple-esque tools for creating gorgeous presentations and documents. Since the company already has a fairly thorough iWork product page aimed at the general audience, it seems only natural (if a bit long-time coming) that Apple focus on the business customer with a new set of iWork@work Profiles. Through case studies that delve into the daily duties of a photographer, a historian and an architect, Apple highlights how iWork (and iLife, of course) helps them all get the job done.

Naturally, these profiles are filled with quite a bit of Apple fluff, but I think it's interesting to read some of the finer details and features that iWork offers people who are actually running businesses with it. Yes there are plenty of complaints against iWork - it's missing a spreadsheet, it doesn't do this, it messes with that - but these profiles are a nice read if you're willing to set all that stuff aside for a moment and investigate what Apple's productivity suite has to offer.

Apple profiles iWork@work for small businesses originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 29 May 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple profiles iWork@work for small businesses originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 29 May 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>applearchitecturebusinessbusinessescase studiesCaseStudieshistorianiworkphotographyprofilesDavid ChartierTue, 29 May 2007 11:00:00 EST