Archive for September 2010

Getting an iLife

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

We’re due for a new revision of iLife as the current version is nearly two years old. What can we expect? My predictions:

iPhoto – I hardly ever use this since switching to Aperture, but there are sure to be some new UI tweaks. Tighter integration with MobileMe would make sense if Apple intends to push their online service. I can’t think of any obvious new features, but I expect Faces and Places will be improved with new views, faster assignment.

iMovie – I think the focus here will be on improved ways to share clips, perhaps allowing remote management of clips analogous to the way you can manage Flickr and Facebook photo albums via iPhoto. Adding geolocation to movies would also make sense.

GarageBand – I would be surprised to see karaoke features using auto-tune as well as improved sharing features.

iWeb – Does anyone use this? I expect it will get the axe or get a serious upgrade with improved MobileMe integration.

iDVD – I say discontinued.

Others? – FaceTime? I bet we’ll see it, either as part of iLife or as a separate app.

Predictions for today’s Apple event

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Lots of rumors surrounding today’s event and some higher expectations because Apple is streaming it themselves. I don’t think there’s any reason for that other than Apple not wanting to cede control to other sites and of course the Wifi debacle during the iPhone 4 launch.

Here are my predictions for today:

  • iPod Touch – New model today with retina display, front and rear facing cameras, and FaceTime support. Wouldn’t be surprised if the rear-facing camera is not as good as the iPhone’s. It may also lack a flash. Could also be renamed “iPod” as I bet the Classic will be discontinued.
  • iPod Nano – New square model today with a touch screen. No camera. No FaceTime.
  • AppleTV/iTV – New model without hard drive but with some flash storage. Model will be streaming content. 99 cent TV rentals. App store with special apps, different from existing iOS apps. Netflix app.

Wildcards: FaceTime for AppleTV. Verizon iPhone. 7 inch iPad. Wireless sync.

The new iPods will require iOS4. They will not ship immediately. New release candidate of iOS 4.1 released to developers today.

Don’t expect any new Mac announcements today.