Apple announces iLife '05: Will ship with all new Macs

Apple has announced and detailed iLife '05, a US$79 package that will replace the components of iLife '04 with dramatically enhanced versions. Among them:

iPhoto 5 includes an intuitive way ever to straighten photos, support for uncompressed RAW photos (a format used by high-end digital cameras), a new slideshow builder which allows users to apply effects, transitions and durations to each individual slide, and direct ordering of hardcover and softcover photo books and prints priced from US$.19 per 4X6 photo print.

iMovie HD, as the name implies, allows users to capture and edit High Definition Video (HDV) from the new generation of HDV camcorders. It also includes "Magic iMovie," which automatically imports your video into separate clips, and adds titles, transitions and music. iMovie HD imports video from HDV and standard DV camcorders, and from video cameras that generate MPEG-4 video.

iDVD 5 sports 15 new themes featuring moving drop zones that can display video clips or photos in motion across DVD menus. It also features OneStep DVD, which lets users create DVDs by plugging in a DV camcorder and clicking a button. iDVD 5 also now supports all single-sided DVD formats including -R, R, -RW and RW with a compatible Apple SuperDrive.

GarageBand 2 adds 8-track recording, plus pitch and timing correction. The most interesting feature, however, displays and edits musical notation in real time. There is also a new Jam Pack: Symphony Orchestra.

iLife '05 also includes the freely downloadable iTunes 4.7.1, which includes new enhancements for the iPod Shuffle.

iLife '05 will be available on January 22nd in the US for $79. Worldwide availability is scheduled for January 29th.

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