Apple has launched updated versions of the apps formerly known as the "iLife" and "iWork" suites for OS X and iOS 7. On the Mac, iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband get makeovers, with major changes seen in Garageband to bring it much more in line with Apple's existing "Pro" audio app, Logic Pro. For iOS, the three programs have been updated for the iOS 7 look, with iPhoto for iOS gaining the ability to make photo books. The iWork apps have received new templates and design overhauls, but are otherwise only lightly changed.
A big point made about the iWork update for iOS and OS X is that the program now offers "full file compatability" across all current Apple devices as well as Windows PCs (through the iCloud aka "web app" versions). The redesign is smarter about putting just the controls a user needs for the operations they are doing on screen, reducing clutter. Keynote has received fresh new effects and animations, and the iCloud versions of the apps now offer collaboration with others.
Garageband, in addition to picking up a Logic-like look and controls, introduced a similar "virtual drummer" for adding drum tracks. The feature "jams" along with the users' playing, modelled after actual session drummers, and different styles can be switched out until the user feels the drumming and other instruments match. Charts can now be interactive in Numbers, a much-requested feature.
All the new apps for OS X and iOS are free for buyers of new iOS or Mac machines. Users upgrading to Mavericks and iOS 7 will also get the apps for free.
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