Primary Learning Technologies Network

There are several enhancements to each software within iLife ‘09, and many of the new features were those long requested by uses.

iMovie 09′

Thank goodness, Apple has got it right, well at least almost.
I have basically outlined some of the new features in iMovie ‘09 – but if you ever come up against any problems using this software here is a fantastic blog that has the answer to any question about iMovie ‘09  http://www.unlockingimovie.com/

This is the beauty of blogging, the author of the blog introduces himself as follows:

Precision editor
This lets you “zoom in” on your video clips, magnifying the transition between the selected video clip and the one preceding it. A greyed-out area will show where the clips overlap in transition, which will give you better control over the spot you want to cut.

Video stabilisation
Shaky video footage is often a problem – particularly when children are videoing!  iMovie ‘09 now has a video stabilisation feature, you select “Analyze for Stabilization” and iMovie will do its best to analyse every pixel to correct any jerky movements.It also indictaes by use of a red squiggly line throughout the clip, the footage that would be best deleted.

Themes and transitions
Themes are back in iMovie ‘09. iMovie ‘09 has six different themes: Photo Album, Bulletin Board, Comic Book, Scrapbook, Filmstrip and plain.

Other video effects include Cartoon, Aged Film, Film Grain, Vignette and more.  There are also more than 32 title animations, like Lens Flare and Pixie Dust. It also features picture-in picture effect and a green screen effects. Finally you can speed up or slow down a clip with the speed change slider.

Maps are a big feature of iMovie ‘09 as well. You can choose from a variety of animated maps to show your location, or if you’re shooting a travel video, you can create a map that animates your journey and make your own mini travel documentary.

iWeb ‘09

The iWeb application added better drag-and-drop Web design capabilities and several dynamic widgets to include on your Web site. Improved features included easier page management and publishing options as well as fun additions like the ability to notify your Facebook friends when your site has been updated.

iPhoto ‘09

Iphoto has some really significant improvements which will make finding and using your photos even easier.

The two biggest changes are faces and places.

Faces

Faces — a new feature that allows you to organise your photos based on who’s in them. iPhoto uses face recognition technology to find similar faces and group them together.

This means iPhoto can help you find the people your looking for.

Places

Places – This feature uses data from GPS-enabled cameras to categorise photos by location and convert GPS location tags to common, user-friendly names. This means that you can see where photos were taken on a map, search via locations and browse by state or country.

There are some other great updates like new themed slideshows, online sharing and new editing options. You can watch a guided tour to learn more about iPhoto ‘09

GarageBand

GarageBand has a range of new great options, something for every budding musican.

Basic Lessons- An easy way to learn how to play Piano and Guitar. Follow along at your own pace with interactive lessons that teach you the fundamentals through HD video instruction, synchronized notation, and animated onscreen instruments.

Artists Lessons – If you already know how to play, artists lessons will allow the original artist to teach you how to play their song. So Ben Folds can teach you how to play the piano from “Brick” Good Luck with that!

Magic GarageBand Jam – When it’s time to focus on jamming, turn your Mac into a full-screen stage with Magic GarageBand Jam. Assign instruments and styles to your “Backing Band” and when your ready record your part straight into Magic GarageBand.