Apple announces iLife '09, iWork '09 & 17" MacBook Pro
The final keynote address to the attendees of MacWorld was given by Apple VP Phil Schiller this morning, and included updated iLife '09 & iWork '09 suites, and a boxed set that includes both, as well as Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard". Also announced today was the long-awaited update to the 17" MacBook Pro. The new laptop, the final one to be updated to the 'aluminum brick' manufacturing process, is said to have improved battery life, powerful graphics capabilities and environmentally-safe components.
Along with software and hardware announcements, Schiller also described upcoming changes to the iTunes Music Store. Apple will eliminate DRM in the music tracks they sell, as well as adjusting the pricing and the delivery - iPhone users can download tracks directly to their phones from the iTunes Music Store. In a statement, Apple's CEO Steve Jobs said, “We are thrilled to be able to offer our iTunes customers DRM-free iTunes Plus songs in high quality audio and our iPhone 3G customers the ability to download music from iTunes anytime, anywhere over their 3G network at the same price as downloading to your computer or via Wi-Fi, and in April, based on what the music labels charge Apple, songs on iTunes will be available at one of three price points—69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29—with many more songs priced at 69 cents than $1.29.”
Apple has stated that this year will be the last in which they participate in the annual conference.
