Apple Computer has just released an updated version of its 'digital lifestyle' product, iLife.
The iLife '04 package includes iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD, and a new application labelled GarageBand. Apple claims the software will make it easier for people to organise music, make movies and DVDs, set up a photo album and create music.
Each application is extremely well designed and delivers what it claims. With iMovie, almost anybody can put together a home movie with music, text, and good-looking transitions. Perhaps best of all, you can create a movie and download straight to a mobile phone. No need to worry about the size because the software will automatically take care of that.
The big change in iPhoto is that it can now handle 25,000 photos. Scrolling and searching can be done far more quickly, and you can organise slide shows more easily as well. A photo's orientation - portrait or landscape - can be changed during a slide show.
With iDVD, the tool for creating DVDs, Apple has added 20 new Hollywood-style themes. This helps the beginner put a disc together with considerable ease. You can have movies, slide shows, multiple musical backgrounds and a range of transitions. Most of this is pretty basic, but it does make it fun if you have never done it before.
The iTunes application is the same as the recent upgrade, and it remains the application for organising music and downloading to an iPod.
GarageBand, the new addition to iLife, is an extraordinary piece of software. It is one of those rare applications that can appeal to the beginner and the sophisticated professional. Put simply: it helps you make music, regardless of your ability.