Background Noise: This is the Last Time, Keane
Last website visited: :) apple, baby
Mood: relieved
Right now i want... time for me to weigh in on the keynote

First of all:

Final Cut Express HD... and not only because i work on it :) now everyone together: HDv! App Integration! DCD! a Better Browser! and because i'm very proud of this app, i'm going to waste your precious pixels with a screenshot:



Final Cut Express HD along with the new iMovie HD signal Apple's dedication to having the most beautiful content possible for it's users, and i have to tell you, this stuff is truely beautiful. I've been working with it (and on it) now for several months, and i'm blown away by the quality. Alot about this release was lost among the many other wonderful announcements yesterday, but have a strong feeling that it's actual impact will be understood once people can get their hands on it. You can send your flowers and congratulations then ;)

Now for the rest of my reactions. The iPod Shuffle is a great little device, but i want to focus on the 3.5 announcements (available in the next 10 days that is) that will most rock my computing world (and i believe yours too).

1) Pages
Text with Graphics that actually work for you instead of fighting you (hi, Microsoft). Table of Contents pages that update automatically. HTML Export that doesn't suck and actually produces standard compliant html. Templates that make me drool -- and almost wish i was still in school just so i could turn in reports that look that beautiful with no added work. Oh well, my senior friends and siblings can enjoy that one. I'll enjoy the resume templates. Oh, did i mention? iApp integration: a media browser that doesn't take an eternity to load or update (Adobe, i'm talking to you). This is one of those applications that you truely only understand once you've started to use them: so on January 22nd find your closest Apple Store and go play.



2) The Mac Mini
There were so many rumors about this one before Macworld. After the announcements people were disappointed that we didn't release a home media device. I beg to differ: while the Mini Mac is supposedly intended for switchers, i don't think they will be the biggest market for this little powerhouse. This is an ideal media server - especially if you add airport and bluetooth. Linux users will love it; Mac power users will love it; Parents will love it; Students will love it; Anyone who travels will love it.

Want a set-top box? Use your tv as a monitor. Get a TV Tuner card. Add bluetooth and run the machine from your couch, or set it up to run Remote Desktop and control it with your laptop or other desktop computer.

Need another Internet terminal for your family to use? Done.

Want a new computer but annoyed that you just spent $1k+ last year on a flat panel display and you don't want to have to spring for a new one? This is your dream box.

Going on Vacation for a week with 6 friends to a house in, say, Park City, Utah? Don't want to loose connectivity? Pack this lil guy and an Airport Express and that condo you rented is now fully wired and ready to roll.

Don't have a laptop but need to give a presentation? Make your presentation a start-up item, take the Mini with you and plug it right into the projector. Add bluetooth and you can control the presentation with a remote.

Want a central location for all of your music and photos? want something to connect to your TV occasionally to show off those pictures from your trip to Europe? Say Hello to your new Media server, and save that precious space on your laptop.

I could continue, but my coffee break is almost done. Needless to say, this little powerhouse should not be underestimated.



3) iPhoto
Ok, if all that the iPhoto team did was add more book templates and more options when you bought said books (size, hardcover v. softcover, double-sided printing), i would be over the moon with this update. But, of course, that's only the beginning. More Ken Burns effects, significantly improved performance, smart folders, hierarchical folder support, a calendar sort that actually works, RAW support, better editing options... the list of improments are stellar, and go far beyond the common sneers of "mearly an update" that have been flying around about this release.



Picture this: you write a beautiful report for a presentation (including color, graphics, text) and you need this printed; preferably bound. the thought of fighting Kinkos and giving them way too much money is killing you. But don't fret, my favorite new apps are here to help. Might i suggest a workflow for you (or Automator in Tiger?):

• Print your report to a .pdf file
• Open the .pdf in Preview and Export as a high resolution .jpeg file
• Import that/those .jpeg files into iPhoto and have it auto-generate a book in whatever format you wish
• Send the book to Kodak to print in a beautiful softcover volume
• Fedex delivers your report to your door the next morning after you've had a relaxing (and Kinkos free) evening
• Turn in your report and blow everyone else out of the water

isn't Technology wonderful when it works for you instead of against you? :)

3.5) Platform wide HD support: iMovie HD, Final Cut Express HD, Final Cut Pro HD

It's sad that i have to sit here and tell you why this is such an amazing achievement. In fact, i'm not going to bother at the moment, this post is long enough. Besides, you're all smart: i'm sure you'll figure it out.

Oh, and in case you haven't heard, we just announced earnings for the last quarter: Apple shipped 1,046,000 Macintosh® units and 4,580,000 iPods during the quarter, representing a 26 percent increase in CPU units and a 525 percent increase in iPods over the year-ago quarter. “We are thrilled to report the highest quarterly revenue and net income in Apple’s history,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’ve sold over 10 million iPods to date and are kicking off the new year with a slate of innovative new products including iPod shuffle, Mac mini and iLife ’05.”

... our stock has jumped $7 in the last 2 hours. Rock on, Apple, Rock on. I'm so proud to work here.