iLife '09
© 2009 Apple
This Mac specific bundle, iLife '09, includes significant upgrades to iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand, iDVD and an updated version of iWeb. iPhoto '09 increases its ability to organize photos by adding Faces and Places. You can now search photos not only by when they were taken (Events) but also by who appears in them (Faces) and where they were taken (Places). Each photo is automatically scanned to detect people's faces when you assign a name to them. Once names are assigned, you have one click access to Facebook or Flickr. Photos published to Facebook include assigned names, and name tags added on Facebook sync back to iPhotos. iMovie's new features are definitely worth a second look, simply because the last version of iMovie had so many quirky controls. Things are getting better. You can also add refinements and special effects to your movies, and a new Precision Editor allows you to skim and click on a magnified filmstrip to view clips up close and fine tune any edit. There's also a new shake removal feature, and a map graphic that lets you illustrate concepts geographically. GarageBand features Basic Lessons, which allows you to learn fundamentals at your own pace with Apple instructors, as well as HD video synchronized to animated instruments and notation. Artist Lessons features original artists including Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat and Sting, who show you not only how to play their songs with finger positions and techniques, but also the story behind the songs. iLife '09 also features iWeb for creating custom websites and iDVD for creating DVDs. The bundle is included with all new Macs and available as an upgrade for $79 for existing users.
$79, Mac OSX
Teaches: music, creativity, pictures