August 2007 Archives

Apple has released another bug fix update for the iPhone (v1.0.2). As we would expect from Apple no specific bugs were outlined in a change log.

This release appears minor enough that we almost skipped this post. Has anyone found anything worth noting in this release?

A popular DVD converting application HandBrake received a major update recently. The changelog for v0.9.0 includes features like speed improvements, more advanced settings, new presets (including iPhone), and an updated interface. While I am not an expert with video stuff, I do love a good software update!

Download the update here.

On August 7th Apple announced the release of iWork '08. While it can not replace 100% of the Office suite, it gets pretty darn close for most users. Also, the $79 price makes this an even more attractive option.

Keynote is an easy to use presentation program that provides similar functionality to PowerPoint.

The build transitions used to move, modify opacity, rotate, and scale elements are amazing and very easy to use. Just select an element from the slide, change a few properties, and boom! You have a custom A to B animation sequence.

Theme integration with the page elements is also very impressive. For example, shapes like arrows and boxes are automatically updated when changing themes (though tables are not).

This release includes new text effects and transitions, voice over recording, new themes, and instant alpha.

While playing with this application I couldn't help but think about creating a presentation so I could make use of it. Unfortunately, I haven't had any luck talking people into listening to my presentations so this application is going to be a toy for now.

Apple announced yesterday the immediate release of the new iLife '08 suite of applications. They have posted a guided tour that covers the latest enhancements at a high level.

Anyone who maintains a large collection of photographs will appreciate the new 'Events' feature in '08. Users will now enjoy automatic library organization (based on the date the photo was taken). Events that span multiple days can be merged. Days with multiple events can be split apart. I am hoping for improvements to keyword management.

I have created short movies using the pre-'08 version of iMovie application with rather disappointing results. The '08 release appears to be a complete re-write of this application -- which is great! The skimming feature (fast movie previews) and exporting features are amazing. I really hope this application works as it appears in the videos on apple.com!

The good news, Apple released an iPhone update! The bad news, it didn't include any of the major items many had hoped for (Flash, massive bug fixes, another row of applications).

There were a few items on our bug list that appear to be resolved, though they did not make it on an official change log.

What do you think are the most critical things Apple needs to address in the next update? New applications like a to-do list or audio recorder? Improvements to existing applications like colored iCal events or multiple recipient SMS? Better integration with PC's/Mac's such as Note syncing?