Reviews » Software » Apple Software

The iPad isn't just a big toy, dig? Yes, it's an amazing e-reader and rocks for watching videos, but it's very possible to get some work done with the iPad too. Apple's iWork productivity suite has been redesigned for the iPad, with Keynote, Pages, and Numbers available in the App Store for $9.99 each. These apps let you create documents that can be synced to your Macs and shared via iWork.com, although if you're familiar with the Mac versions of these apps, there are constraints you're bound to hit quickly.

iPhone OS 4.0 Reaction Round-Up

Posted 04/08/2010 at 7:21pm | by J Keirn-Swanson

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Well, that was quite an iPhone OS presentation, huh? A number of things announced today about OS 4.0 had already been out there in the rumor mill (multitasking and some sort of something with iAd), but nothing is quite like seeing the real thing.

If you noticed a sluggishness on the web today, that's because everyone was glued to the presentation, refreshing and refreshing their favorite live blogging and opining away on Twitter. As always when there's big news, come here first. Mac|Life knows what you're after.

iBooks

Posted 04/05/2010 at 10:15am | by Paul Curthoys

5

E-reading is one of the cornerstones of the iPad, and iBooks handles that pressure with style. This beautifully designed app is a pleasure to use on almost every level, and it quickly earned a starring role in our dock.

Apple Aperture 3

Posted 03/30/2010 at 2:02pm | by Zack Stern

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Last year, photographers interested in Apple’s software had to choose between Aperture, a pro-level image organizer and editor, and its farm-club counterpart, iPhoto ’09. It was a tough decision because power users needed the editing tools in Aperture but were tempted by Faces, Places, and other iPhoto-only tricks. Aperture 3 rebalances the roster, adding those iPhoto functions while also juicing up with high-end tools like Brushes. It’s an impressive update, and Aperture’s streamlined, iPhoto-esque interface welcomes intermediates while meeting the demands of power users.

Apple Logic Studio

Posted 12/03/2009 at 2:21am | by jamor

Apple threw a fastball to the chin of third-party software publishers when it introduced the Logic Studio bundle a few years ago. This pro-level music-creation package offers a be-all/end-all combination of MIDI and audio recording tools, with a cool side helping of MainStage, which brings Logic to live performances. Our last review of Logic Studio pointed out that the guitar-processing capabilities were a bit on the weak side, but Apple has made improvements in the newest incarnation of Logic Studio. The latest package includes new features that immediately made our “must-have” list, and our guitar fetish has been amply satiated with rather stunning new amp and effects emulations.

Apple Motion 4

Posted 11/23/2009 at 5:51am | by jamor

Motion 4 isn’t a standalone product--it ships with latest version of Final Cut Studio. Yes, this video effects program might be a mere “component” of a larger software suite, but because it competes with standalone applications, we decided to distinguish it with its own review. And we went all “deep focus” on it, because Motion 4 has come a long way since the days when Apple was selling it as solo software.

Apple Soundtrack Pro 3

Posted 11/09/2009 at 10:37am | by jamor

Soundtrack Pro is a multitrack audio editor intended to be used as part of a video workflow, though it’s equally adept at standalone audio projects. It was once sold separately, but for the last few years, it’s been available exclusively as part of the Final Cut Studio and Logic Studio bundles. The latest incarnation, version 3, offers a wide range of fine-tuned interface tweaks and a few new tricks that will make anyone who produces pro audio take notice.

MacHeist Gives Away Free Software

Posted 11/07/2009 at 8:36pm | by Arvind Srinivasan

4

We really like free stuff. Any time we go to the mall, we spend half our time at the Apple store, and the other half sitting in the free massage chairs at Brookstone. However, you don't often get expensive things for free on the internet (those "free ipod" scams don't count). MacHeist would like that to change.

Apple iTunes LP

Posted 11/05/2009 at 2:59pm | by Ray Aguilera

In 1993, Billy Idol released a concept album called Cyberpunk, which shipped to rock critics with a floppy disk of interactive artwork. We can’t recall a single track from the album, but we do remember being sure that this was the future of music. iTunes LP reminds us of that--and of years spent pouring over liner notes before there was Google search.

Aperture X (3.0) on the horizon?

Posted 10/26/2009 at 10:41am | by Andrew Villa

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A new book added to Amazon.com for preorder implies that Aperture 3.0 could be just around the corner coming in Spring 2010.