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iLife apps get major updates, out today
Today at Apple's event in San Francisco, we got a glimpse at the iOS 7-minded updates to the company's popular iLife apps. These refreshed versions will be available today in the App Store. First up was iPhoto, which has been redesigned for iPhone and iPad in the same ultra-modern style of iOS 7. The layout is much cleaner and the photos appear larger than before. Apple is also adding the ability to construct a photo album on your iDevice and then order a physical copy directly from Apple. iMovie receives a similar treatment, with much less clutter and larger icons. Browsing and sharing have also been simplified, and users can now select clips and tap to share them. New features for moviemaking include the ability to add picture-in-picture to clips and also speed up or slow down segments. Using iCloud, clips can be synced over all your devices as well as Apple TV. GarageBand is now more capable, now allowing up to 16 tracks across all devices and a whopping 32 tracks on 64-bit devices. A new "Drummer" feature adds a controllable drum beat that can be manipulated to fit your tunes. Additional drummer "personalities" will be able to be downloaded via in-app purchases. iLife is now free on all new iOS and Mac devices.
Daily Update for October 21, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
GarageBand for iOS to go free, more new iLife and iWork app icons
For a period of about half an hour last night, Apple's Built-in Apps page previewed new iOS 7-inspired icons for the iLife and iWork apps. The icons aren't surprising as a few of them were leaked last week, but this change is: GarageBand will be a free download for all iOS 7-compatible devices: GarageBand is free on the App Store for all iOS 7 compatible devices; additional GarageBand instruments and sounds are available with an in-app purchase. iPhoto, iMovie, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are free on the App Store for qualifying iOS 7 compatible devices activated on or after September 1, 2013. As the text notes, the free GarageBand is slightly different than the free iPhoto, iMovie, Pages, Numbers and Keynote, as those app require you to purchase a new iOS 7 device. GarageBand will be free on any device -- even old ones -- that can run iOS 7. It will also offer in-app purchases, unlike Apple's other iLife and iWork apps. It's highly likely that the new iWork and iLife apps will become available shortly after Apple's event tomorrow.
GarageBand could go free on iOS 7
GarageBand could be the next built-in app to go free on new iOS devices. Apple recently updated the icons for its iLife and iWork apps, and according to MacRumors the update page also notes that Apple's music making suite will become a complimentary download. However, to flesh out the application you'll have to pony up for individual instruments and sounds via in-app purchases. This possible price change should let almost anyone live out their music-production dreams, but we hope it doesn't cost more than the app's current $5 price to get the full experience. If Tim Cook and friends follow tradition, we should know more later this week.
Apple leaks new iLife for iOS icons, suggesting updates soon
New icons for iPhoto and GarageBand for iOS have been spotted in the iCloud Storage Management settings of iOS 7's Settings app, notes 9to5Mac. The new icons appear radically different than the old ones, with a much flatter, iOS 7-like design. As the iCloud Storage Management icons are handled over the air, it's likely that the iPhoto and GarageBand icons were accidentally released ahead of schedule. Given that they were, however, it seems likely the two apps -- along with iMovie, which has not had a new icon leaked -- may see updates shortly after Apple's event next Tuesday. Besides the iLife iOS apps, Apple still needs to update a number of apps for iOS 7, including iBooks, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Remote and more.
Apple updates iLife for iOS apps
Apple has released updates to the iLife apps for iOS. The company says the updates to iPhoto and iMovie address compatibility issues, while the update to GarageBand addresses minor issues related to general performance and stability. The "compatibility issues" may or may not relate to iOS 7, which is expected to be released to the public in the next several weeks. However, since the updated iLife apps don't feature any new iOS 7-inspired icons, it's likely that Apple will push out further updates to them once iOS 7 ships. iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand for iOS are available in the App Store for US$4.99 each.
GarageBand for iOS updated, adds AudioBus support
Apple has pushed out an update for GarageBand for iOS. The version 1.4 update brings a number of enhancements to GarageBand for iOS, most notably support for playing and recording audio routed through the third-party app AudioBus. AudioBus is an iOS app that allows users to route various music apps through it. The makers of AudioBus liken it to a "virtual cable" that connects separate audio apps together. The full list of enhancements to GarageBand in this update include: • Play and record music apps supported by Audiobus directly into GarageBand* • Turn off grid snapping to get finer control over region and note editing • Fixes an issue that resulted in feedback while connecting third-party audio accessories into the headphone / microphone jack * Requires iPhone 4S, iPod touch (fifth generation), iPad 2 or later. Audiobus requires a separate purchase. GarageBand for iOS is US$4.99. AudioBus is US$9.99.
GarageBand for iOS gets Audiobus support, plays nicely with other apps
Still haven't found the sound you're looking for in Apple's iOS GarageBand offering? The newly released version 1.4 broadens the music app's horizons, thanks to Audiobus compatibility, letting it work alongside titles like Animoog, ThumbJam, Samplr and pretty much all of Korg's iPhone offerings. Sounds created on those apps can now record directly into GarageBand -- assuming, of course you're using it on an iPhone 4S, 5th-gen iPod touch, iPad 2 or later. You can pick up the latest version of the app in the source link below.
Samsung receives patent for music player that lets you add your own riffs
Though patents often never amount to anything, we sincerely hope this wacky one from Samsung does. It's an approved idea for a portable music player that also contains keys and motion detectors to let it function as a "musical instrument," too. While listening to that epic jam, you could play along by pressing keys on the side of the device as if you were fingering a guitar's fretboard. You'd be able to change position on the "guitar neck" by moving the player back and forth, and a motion detector on the side would sense the fingers on your other hand as you strum chords or pluck out a solo. Your GarageBand-style noodling, along with the original music would all blare through a speaker and amp combo on the device, to the amusement / horror of your friends. That's assuming Samsung ever builds one, of course -- but if not, our John Q. Engadget will be the first name on a petition to get it to market.
Fender unveils Squier USB Stratocaster that talks to iOS, lends cred to iPad jam sessions (video)
There's no shortage of instruments and peripherals to make GarageBand sing on iOS gear. Anyone jonesing for well-known instruments has had few options, however, which makes Fender's launch of a USB-capable Squier Stratocaster something of a watershed moment. While it can plug into any quarter-inch jack or a computer's full USB port, the extremely familiar electric guitar will strum its notes directly into any older iPad, iPhone or iPod touch through a pre-supplied 30-pin cable; yes, you'll need a pricey adapter to rock out on an iPad mini. All the familiar controls and outputs you'd anticipate are present, including a 3.5mm headphone jack for some quiet practice in the den. Fender's $200 price puts the USB Squier well within reach of mobile musicians -- we just wish other guitar makers would follow suit.
Apple updates nearly every app for iOS 6, sneaks in key GarageBand, iPhoto and Podcasts updates
If you didn't already know that iOS 6 was out in the wild, Apple just delivered a torrent of mobile app updates to make it perfectly clear. Virtually every app that isn't preloaded now has explicit iOS 6 support to keep it running smoothly, and some of the upgrades are thankfully more than just skin-deep compatibility tweaks. Among the highlights are Podcasts' new subscription list syncing through iCloud, ringtone creation with GarageBand and iPhoto support for 36.5-megapixel image editing on the latest devices -- you know, for that moment you need to tweak Nikon D800 photos on an iPhone 5. We're including direct links to a few of the juicier updates, but we'd recommend checking AppleInsider's comprehensive list to see everything that you're missing.
Apple announces iPhone 5-compatible updates for iPhoto, iMovie, Keynote and more
At its press event today, Apple announced the new iPhone 5 with a 4-inch, Retina display. For customers, the larger screen means there's extra room for apps to display their content. The most noticeable difference will be the homescreen, which will now display five rows of icons. This extra screen real estate allows built-in apps like the calendar to display the full five-day work week. Other apps like iPhoto, iMovie, Keynote, GarageBand, Pages and Numbers will also be updated to support the new screen.
Focusrite launches iTrack Solo, a two channel interface for iOS and desktops (video)
There's a stack of different plugs, cables and connectors aimed at piping sound into your iPad, but when studio-stalwart Focusrite makes one, we pay attention. The iTrack Solo is a two channel interface compatible with the iPad, as well as your Mac or PC, offering mobile recording all the way up to 24-bit / 96kHz. The onboard preamp is the same as used in the brand's flagship Liquid Saffire 56 interface, and there's phantom power for microphones. As well as the mic-in there's a quarter-inch input for guitars etc., as well as a chunky volume control for monitoring. Front "halo" indicators change from green to red if your recording levels go too high, and the aluminum casing should prevent it from getting damaged at the bottom of any gig bag. Once you've created a masterpiece in Garageband (or other recording app), you can use the line-level phono outputs to run it through your sound system of choice. Sound like something you can get down to? You'll be able to get your hands on the iTrack Solo starting next month, and it'll set you back $160 at your local dealer -- in the meantime, you can jam on the PR after the break.
Zoom Q2HD Handy Video Recorder lets you stream and record on the move, we go hands-on
Zoom is known for making audio recorders, but its latest product, the Q2HD, brings video to the recording party -- HD video, no less. Sure, there are many ways to shoot and share our lives these days, and it's a wonder that services like Ustream aren't just full of videos of people unboxing cameras, checking in and uploading pictures to Pinterest (while also watching Ustream). Zoom, however, evidently believes that though the method might evolve, the medium largely remains the same -- voice and video. As such, the Q2HD Handy Video Recorder (to give it its full name) promises to play, capture and stream, all in "HD audio and video." Paraphrasing of the box aside, we got our hands on one and took it for a spin. Want to know how it fared? Let's reset the levels, then head past the break for the mixdown.%Gallery-160201%
Griffin's MIDIConnect now available at $80 to make beautiful music with your iDevice (video)
Inspiration can strike from anywhere, and now you can use a proper musical instrument to channel it with MIDIConnect, available from Griffin Technology for $80. The unit allows you to twang, pluck or tickle a MIDI instrument on the go directly into GarageBand and other iOS music apps, and also reverses the flow -- allowing your Cupertino device to send a MIDI signal and become keys, drums or a guitar itself. For hygiene's sake, however, we probably wouldn't take our portable composing quite as far as the video below the break shows.
Apple may acquire Italian digital audio editing software firm Redmatica
Speaking at the recent D10 conference, Tim Cook said Apple is still in the business of buying companies, but he doesn't want to announce these accusations acquisitions unless necessary. According to a recent Tech Crunch report, Italian startup Redmatica may be the target of one of these quiet buyouts. The source of this acquisition information is Italian blog Fanpage, which found a paper trail in the Italian Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom). Redmatica specializes in music-editing software for the Mac. Its website lists several apps including the flagship Keymap Pro 2.3, a sampled instrument editor. Though the details are not known, it's possible that Apple is purchasing this company to improve its music offerings like Logic Pro and GarageBand. [Via TechCrunch]
Apple updates iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand for iOS
Apple just pushed a series of updates for its iLife iOS apps. The iPhoto 1.0.1 update doesn't add any new features, but does offer a number of stability improvements including when publishing a journal to iCloud, the URL of the journal can now be copied using a Copy Link button. It also addresses an issue that could cause duplicate photos to appear in Photos view. iPhoto for iOS was first released at the beginning of March and in only 10 days hit one million downloads. GarageBand 1.2.1 fixes an issue that could lead to crashing or missing songs when sharing to iCloud, resolves an error when logging into SoundCloud using a Facebook account, and addresses minor issues related to performance and stability. iMovie 1.3.1 squashes a number of bugs, including problems accessing Help on iPad. There's also a new feature too: now you can easily send a song from GarageBand to iMovie. Apple also pushed another update to its Cards app. The 1.1.2 update doesn't address any noted issues that weren't already listed in the previous two updates to the app in April. iPhoto, GarageBand, and iMovie are $4.99 each and Cards is a free download.
Apple's March 7th event roundup: the new iPad, Apple TV refresh and everything else
Weren't able to keep up with all the news from the unveiling of Apple's new iPad today? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Whether you're looking for more info about its Retina Display and LTE-connectivity, the refreshed Apple TV or related bits, we've listed links to our coverage of everything "new and noteworthy" after the break. Happy perusing! Oh, and be sure to check back to our the archive of our liveblog and pre- and post-event broadcasts for a few extra doses of "amazing."
Apple releases Mac updates for iPhoto, iTunes, GarageBand and Xcode
Apple has issued updates to the Mac versions of iPhoto, iTunes, GarageBand and Xcode. iPhoto is now up to version 9.2.2, which lets users delete images from Photo Stream. Hooray! iTunes 10.6, as we mentioned earlier, adds the ability to play 1080p HD movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store. According to Apple, the new version of GarageBand, 6.0.5, "...supports general compatibility and addresses overall stability and performance, including the following: Updates compatibility with GarageBand for iOS projects Fixes a playback issue with the GarageBand Lesson preview videos Corrects issues with some software instruments triggering incorrect or stuck notes" Finally, Xcode 4.3.1 "...is now distributed as an application," Apple says, "rather than as an installer. This change enables Xcode to be updated directly from the Mac App Store." Other changes include a new code signing workflow which supports signing OS X apps with Developer ID and the addition of command-line tools to the Downloads preference pane. They're all available now, so have at it.
Apple announces updates to iWork, GarageBand, iMovie apps for iPad
Apple has updated the iWork apps, GarageBand and iMovie for iOS to go along with today's announcement of the new iPad. GarageBand now has a Smart Strings feature, a note editor and the ability to push songs through iCloud. The iMovie update has added storyboards and new editing tools, going along with the higher-quality video capture of the new iPad. The updates will be available from the App Store today, but do not appear to be available yet. For those who are buying for the first time, the iWork apps are $9.99 each while GarageBand and iMovie are each $4.99.
