Brief Hands-On Report--Apple iLife '08 Updates

Apple released five updates for its iLife '08 applications. They are available via Software Update if one has iLife '08 installed. They are also available as stand-alone updaters from the Apple Web pages linked below. If one uses the stand-alone updaters, iLife Support 8.1 should be installed first as noted by Apple in the following note that accompanies the individual application updates:

Note
In order to install this update you will need to download the iLife Support 8.1 update first. The iLife update supports system software components used by all iLife application(sic), improves overall stability, addresses a number of other minor issues and supports general compatibility issues.

Here are the stand-alone updates:

iLife Support 8.1--This update supports system software components shared by all iLife ’08 applications, improves overall stability, addresses a number of other minor issues, and supports general compatibility issues. It is recommended for all users of iLife ’08.

GarageBand Update 4.1--This update addresses isolated graphic display issues, compatibility with 3rd party audio software, fixes minor problems with Magic GarageBand, and supports general compatibility issues.

iDVD Update 7.0.1--This update improves overall stability, supports general compatibility issues, and addresses a number of other minor issues.

iMovie Update 7.1--This update addresses several areas including video and audio editing capabilities, and performance associated with opening and switching iMovie Events and Projects. This update also supports general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues.

iMovie 7.1 features include:

• Multiple Clip Selection--Select multiple clips in order to assign keywords, paste adjustments or reorganize clips in your project faster than ever.
• Fine Tuning--Quickly refine the start or end frame for any clip without leaving the Project view.
• Still Frame Creation--Freeze the action for creating a dramatic ending or applying the "Ken Burns" effect on any frame of your video clip.
• Frame-by-Frame trimming--Adjust each clip to the perfect start or end frame using frame-by-frame precision trimming.
• Audio Ducking level control--Dip music tracks and background tracks to the perfect level as voice over or other audio comes in and out of your movie.
• Manual Audio Fades--Make smoother sounding audio transitions by manually adjusting the fade duration.
• Performance Improvements--Enjoy you video more quickly by switching between any of your Events.
• Set Duration for Transitions and Stills--Change the duration of photos or length of your transitions without accessing Preferences.
• Show Current Playhead Time--Get duration or timing information at a glance as you skim through your Events or movie.

iPhoto Update 7.1--This update addresses issues encountered when moving photos between Events, plus new greeting card themes, including holiday card designs. It also supports general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues.

We downloaded and installed all five updates via Software Update on several Macs, including a MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo (LED), aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo and white iMac Core 2 Duo. No problems were encountered during installation no with brief use of each updated application. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]