Yes, it was the dullest presentation, but it's important for Apple going forward.
They can only do much to liven up an office suite presentation. You can only say "super fast", "super smooth" and "super cool" so many times and they didn't want to waste those phrases on a set of office programs.
I think Apple should open these programs up to everyone, not just owners of Apple devices. It's the only way this suite will blunt the advance of Google Docs. You can't do group collaboration if it's "for Apple people only" and that's one of the big benefits of having packages like this on the web. It's so incredibly handy to be able to make a Google document and share it around saying "OK everybody enter your information."
I think this is their way of opening it up to all platforms. Isn't that why it is used via browser?
I think this is their way of opening it up to all platforms. Isn't that why it is used via browser?
Yes, they have opened it up to all platforms, but you still need an iCloud account to use iWork, and you need to own at least one Apple device in order to open an iCloud account. In other words, as an owner of Apple devices, I can now edit my documents on any computer that has access to the internet, and I can also collaborate on documents with other Apple device owners who also have iCloud accounts. Still, this is a long way from Google Docs where all you need to do is a gmail address.
Can someone explain me how this would be useful? I can see how improved iCloud version control between OSX and iOS would be helpful, but why work on files via browser?
Native versions are so inexpensive, why would someone need to use a browser? I can see how Google Apps in the cloud are good to share a document between users but the demo focused on a user using the browser to work on their file. Can't see why.
It could be really handy for editing your documents anywhere. For example, you were working on a layout, but are on vacation without your laptop when inspiration strikes. You can go to an internet cafe or a friends house (who doesn't have a mac) and do some editing. It could also be useful for PC users who own iPads or iPhones, but do not own Macs. They can now seamlessly use iWork between their PC and their Apple devices.
However, I don't think this will really come into its own until anyone can sign up for an iCloud account regardless of whether they own Apple stuff. If Apple did that, suddenly iWork would be on-par in terms of group-collaboration, with Google Docs. It's so nice when collaborating to not have to worry about whether or not people have some bit of software installed. Everyone has a browser, so everyone has access to the content. Brilliant. Sadly, it looks like Apple is not going to go quite this far just yet.
I don't want to do my work in a web browser. January will be 5 years since the current version of iWork was released.
So what? There is no need for a new version for the sake of a new version.
Unless you want Apple to emulate the M$ feature creep bloatware approach to software engineering, then once the relevant functionality of a (word processor/spreadsheet/presentation) software is implemented it's the end if the line except for minor GUI tweaks and bug fixes until such time that things are ready for a major paradigm shift.
If you can propose such a major shift for these basic productivity software categories, you should start your own software company and someone is certain to buy you out to get their paws on the corresponding patents; if not, then there's no reason to complain about old versions.
I mean how often is any basic software tool upgraded? It's a sign of consumers having their mind trapped by the mindset produced by the ad industry when they clamor for new major versions without having a significant reason in fact to want such a thing.
No, iWork isn't perfect, but what I miss are minor features (e.g. locked cells) or major paradigm shifts that have proven to go over the heads of most users (improv/quantrix-like multi-dimensional spreadsheets).
The latter aren't iWorks target audience, and the former need no major new versions.
Yes, they have opened it up to all platforms, but you still need an iCloud account to use iWork, and you need to own at least one Apple device in order to open an iCloud account. In other words, as an owner of Apple devices, I can now edit my documents on any computer that has access to the internet, and I can also collaborate on documents with other Apple device owners who also have iCloud accounts. Still, this is a long way from Google Docs where all you need to do is a gmail address.
This was the most surprising product announcement, and probably a huge opportunity vs Microsoft's overpriced Office 360 transition. Non-business users will balk at the high monthly fee of Microsoft and look for a cheaper (almost) fully featured alternative
1) the article would be a lot better if it compared iWork in the cloud to iWork on the desktop and iWork on iOS. For instance Pages on iOS doesn't support all the features of Pages on the desktop. Does this support a set of features more similar to the desktop version? Or the iOS version? This article just basically apes all the Apple advertising about iWork and lists a few basic features. It's not really helpful in terms of evaluating it as a product.
2) Interesting that we have yet another, different example of the "share" button. I'm starting to wonder which version will eventually win out. (hoping it's not the ugly Windows 8 looking one)
Yes, they have opened it up to all platforms, but you still need an iCloud account to use iWork, and you need to own at least one Apple device in order to open an iCloud account. In other words, as an owner of Apple devices, I can now edit my documents on any computer that has access to the internet, and I can also collaborate on documents with other Apple device owners who also have iCloud accounts. Still, this is a long way from Google Docs where all you need to do is a gmail address.
Isn't this a bit of a silly thing to say?
To use Google Docs "all you need is an email address." How is this substantially different from iCloud where "all you need is an Apple ID" (which is 99.9% of the time … an email address). You're making a false distinction.
Both services are "sticky" to the point that Google will do every trick in the book to suck you into Google+ land, and Apple will try to get you to buy more of their stuff.
They aren't the same, but they aren't that different either.
Does it work offline, or without using compromised, government-visible cloud storage?
You know... basically is it worth a damn?
For the record, Apple's iCloud is more secure and access to your files is less likely to be given to the government than Google's stuff. But it's a very fine distinction, and when you live in a police state, you got to expect this sort of thing.
I don't see how the **** people like you don't get banned. The fact that you take the time to click on this article, type a one word response like that, and post is, is evidence enough for your intentions here- as are all your previous posts. Get a life.
Can someone explain me how this would be useful? I can see how improved iCloud version control between OSX and iOS would be helpful, but why work on files via browser?
Native versions are so inexpensive, why would someone need to use a browser? I can see how Google Apps in the cloud are good to share a document between users but the demo focused on a user using the browser to work on their file. Can't see why.
Uh, when you need to create/edit/access your documents, and you don't happen to have a Mac? This adds more value to ANYONE who owns or uses iWork, as it makes the suite more flexible, more powerful, and more accessible, basically from any web browser. And you'll still have the offline app.
This was the most surprising product announcement, and probably a huge opportunity vs Microsoft's overpriced Office 360 transition. Non-business users will balk at the high monthly fee of Microsoft and look for a cheaper (almost) fully featured alternative
Yes Office 365 has a monthly subscription but the online Office apps are free to use by anyone with a Skydrive account. Online Office is pretty good but other sites like Thinkfree and Zoho offer better functionality and interface.
To use Google Docs "all you need is an email address." How is this substantially different from iCloud where "all you need is an Apple ID" (which is 99.9% of the time … an email address). You're making a false distinction.
Both services are "sticky" to the point that Google will do every trick in the book to suck you into Google+ land, and Apple will try to get you to buy more of their stuff.
They aren't the same, but they aren't that different either.
They really are. A Google account does not require you to have bought Google hardware to set it up on. Google docs does not have native software versions on said hardware. How different could the situations be, and yet still be comparable.
This is only useful if you work or create on a PC, which is a damn shame for anyone with any Apple device.
If this takes over from a native version, it will be ridiculous. For starters, most of us have iWork already. I can't see any significant improvements over a native app. Other than perhaps price, which would be stupid.
To use Google Docs "all you need is an email address." How is this substantially different from iCloud where "all you need is an Apple ID" (which is 99.9% of the time … an email address). You're making a false distinction.
No, as TimmyDax pointed out, you need to own an Apple device. You can't just open up a free iCloud account and start editing documents. This is a significant impediment to iWorks becoming an open standard for collaboration in the way the Google Docs is.
Originally Posted by anonymouse
So? What's your point?
My point is that iWorks will still not be good for open collaboration, because it will only function for people who own Apple devices. So, Apple still does not have the ubiquity of MS Office, and it doesn't have the "it works everywhere for free" aspect of Google Docs, and so iWorks is still not going to gain any significant penetration. It's fine for those who use it, but, most people won't.
As a long time Apple watcher, I've seen this over and over again. Apple makes a big deal out of some software package (HyperCard, AppleWorks etc), then a few years later it lets it slide. Then the package is forgotten and all the users are SOL. Apple is not a software or a services company. Apple is a hardware company in that it's business model is designed around making money from selling hardware. Apple ultimately does not care if you get annoyed with them because some application package they sold you isn't being updated or is missing features. As long as you keep buying their hardware, you can complain all you like. In this way, their software only needs to be good enough to keep you buying their hardware. I think the one case where this is not true is the OS. Apple does view the OS and the hardware as being almost one-in-the-same. They make great operating systems. Don't use their applications if you can avoid it.
Comments
They can only do much to liven up an office suite presentation. You can only say "super fast", "super smooth" and "super cool" so many times and they didn't want to waste those phrases on a set of office programs.
I think this is their way of opening it up to all platforms. Isn't that why it is used via browser?
Quote:
Originally Posted by iSteelers
I think this is their way of opening it up to all platforms. Isn't that why it is used via browser?
Yes, they have opened it up to all platforms, but you still need an iCloud account to use iWork, and you need to own at least one Apple device in order to open an iCloud account. In other words, as an owner of Apple devices, I can now edit my documents on any computer that has access to the internet, and I can also collaborate on documents with other Apple device owners who also have iCloud accounts. Still, this is a long way from Google Docs where all you need to do is a gmail address.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jhart376
Can someone explain me how this would be useful? I can see how improved iCloud version control between OSX and iOS would be helpful, but why work on files via browser?
Native versions are so inexpensive, why would someone need to use a browser? I can see how Google Apps in the cloud are good to share a document between users but the demo focused on a user using the browser to work on their file. Can't see why.
It could be really handy for editing your documents anywhere. For example, you were working on a layout, but are on vacation without your laptop when inspiration strikes. You can go to an internet cafe or a friends house (who doesn't have a mac) and do some editing. It could also be useful for PC users who own iPads or iPhones, but do not own Macs. They can now seamlessly use iWork between their PC and their Apple devices.
However, I don't think this will really come into its own until anyone can sign up for an iCloud account regardless of whether they own Apple stuff. If Apple did that, suddenly iWork would be on-par in terms of group-collaboration, with Google Docs. It's so nice when collaborating to not have to worry about whether or not people have some bit of software installed. Everyone has a browser, so everyone has access to the content. Brilliant. Sadly, it looks like Apple is not going to go quite this far just yet.
So what? There is no need for a new version for the sake of a new version.
Unless you want Apple to emulate the M$ feature creep bloatware approach to software engineering, then once the relevant functionality of a (word processor/spreadsheet/presentation) software is implemented it's the end if the line except for minor GUI tweaks and bug fixes until such time that things are ready for a major paradigm shift.
If you can propose such a major shift for these basic productivity software categories, you should start your own software company and someone is certain to buy you out to get their paws on the corresponding patents; if not, then there's no reason to complain about old versions.
I mean how often is any basic software tool upgraded? It's a sign of consumers having their mind trapped by the mindset produced by the ad industry when they clamor for new major versions without having a significant reason in fact to want such a thing.
No, iWork isn't perfect, but what I miss are minor features (e.g. locked cells) or major paradigm shifts that have proven to go over the heads of most users (improv/quantrix-like multi-dimensional spreadsheets).
The latter aren't iWorks target audience, and the former need no major new versions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by graxspoo
Yes, they have opened it up to all platforms, but you still need an iCloud account to use iWork, and you need to own at least one Apple device in order to open an iCloud account. In other words, as an owner of Apple devices, I can now edit my documents on any computer that has access to the internet, and I can also collaborate on documents with other Apple device owners who also have iCloud accounts. Still, this is a long way from Google Docs where all you need to do is a gmail address.
So? What's your point?
I was a little surprised that Maps didn't make it into the iCloud suite of apps this time around.
I think it's great that it'll be available as a Mac app, but, if there's one app that ought to be available through iCloud, it's definitely Maps.
Particularly with how awesome it looks.
Zoom out far enough with the satellite data turned on, and you get a live look at the day/night cycle.
Two things:
1) the article would be a lot better if it compared iWork in the cloud to iWork on the desktop and iWork on iOS. For instance Pages on iOS doesn't support all the features of Pages on the desktop. Does this support a set of features more similar to the desktop version? Or the iOS version? This article just basically apes all the Apple advertising about iWork and lists a few basic features. It's not really helpful in terms of evaluating it as a product.
2) Interesting that we have yet another, different example of the "share" button. I'm starting to wonder which version will eventually win out. (hoping it's not the ugly Windows 8 looking one)
Quote:
Originally Posted by graxspoo
Yes, they have opened it up to all platforms, but you still need an iCloud account to use iWork, and you need to own at least one Apple device in order to open an iCloud account. In other words, as an owner of Apple devices, I can now edit my documents on any computer that has access to the internet, and I can also collaborate on documents with other Apple device owners who also have iCloud accounts. Still, this is a long way from Google Docs where all you need to do is a gmail address.
Isn't this a bit of a silly thing to say?
To use Google Docs "all you need is an email address." How is this substantially different from iCloud where "all you need is an Apple ID" (which is 99.9% of the time … an email address). You're making a false distinction.
Both services are "sticky" to the point that Google will do every trick in the book to suck you into Google+ land, and Apple will try to get you to buy more of their stuff.
They aren't the same, but they aren't that different either.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jhart376
Can someone explain me how this would be useful? ...
Apple will never say it, but this is basically "iWork for Windows" without having to support Windows. That's really the point.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bwik
Does it work offline, or without using compromised, government-visible cloud storage?
You know... basically is it worth a damn?
For the record, Apple's iCloud is more secure and access to your files is less likely to be given to the government than Google's stuff. But it's a very fine distinction, and when you live in a police state, you got to expect this sort of thing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by japm
yawn
I don't see how the **** people like you don't get banned. The fact that you take the time to click on this article, type a one word response like that, and post is, is evidence enough for your intentions here- as are all your previous posts. Get a life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jhart376
Can someone explain me how this would be useful? I can see how improved iCloud version control between OSX and iOS would be helpful, but why work on files via browser?
Native versions are so inexpensive, why would someone need to use a browser? I can see how Google Apps in the cloud are good to share a document between users but the demo focused on a user using the browser to work on their file. Can't see why.
Uh, when you need to create/edit/access your documents, and you don't happen to have a Mac? This adds more value to ANYONE who owns or uses iWork, as it makes the suite more flexible, more powerful, and more accessible, basically from any web browser. And you'll still have the offline app.
Yes Office 365 has a monthly subscription but the online Office apps are free to use by anyone with a Skydrive account. Online Office is pretty good but other sites like Thinkfree and Zoho offer better functionality and interface.
They really are. A Google account does not require you to have bought Google hardware to set it up on. Google docs does not have native software versions on said hardware. How different could the situations be, and yet still be comparable.
This is only useful if you work or create on a PC, which is a damn shame for anyone with any Apple device.
If this takes over from a native version, it will be ridiculous. For starters, most of us have iWork already. I can't see any significant improvements over a native app. Other than perhaps price, which would be stupid.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GTR
The crowd was certainly blown away at WWDC.
/s
I was impressed though.
It's more of an 'end user' thing than a 'developer' thing, but they want the devs to test it.
The presentation wasn't the most exciting though, but it got the points across.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TimmyDax
Um maybe a new local version since iWork '09 would be good first!?!
It was announced in the keynote. New versions for Mac and iOS later this year.
Originally Posted by Gazoobee
Isn't this a bit of a silly thing to say?
To use Google Docs "all you need is an email address." How is this substantially different from iCloud where "all you need is an Apple ID" (which is 99.9% of the time … an email address). You're making a false distinction.
No, as TimmyDax pointed out, you need to own an Apple device. You can't just open up a free iCloud account and start editing documents. This is a significant impediment to iWorks becoming an open standard for collaboration in the way the Google Docs is.
Originally Posted by anonymouse
So? What's your point?
My point is that iWorks will still not be good for open collaboration, because it will only function for people who own Apple devices. So, Apple still does not have the ubiquity of MS Office, and it doesn't have the "it works everywhere for free" aspect of Google Docs, and so iWorks is still not going to gain any significant penetration. It's fine for those who use it, but, most people won't.
As a long time Apple watcher, I've seen this over and over again. Apple makes a big deal out of some software package (HyperCard, AppleWorks etc), then a few years later it lets it slide. Then the package is forgotten and all the users are SOL. Apple is not a software or a services company. Apple is a hardware company in that it's business model is designed around making money from selling hardware. Apple ultimately does not care if you get annoyed with them because some application package they sold you isn't being updated or is missing features. As long as you keep buying their hardware, you can complain all you like. In this way, their software only needs to be good enough to keep you buying their hardware. I think the one case where this is not true is the OS. Apple does view the OS and the hardware as being almost one-in-the-same. They make great operating systems. Don't use their applications if you can avoid it.