Apple iWork News: Free Updates to Apps, Including iCloud Features

During the Apple press event on Oct. 22, the company revealed a new iPad and Macbook Pro, as well as a new operating system for Macs and new details about iWork and iLife apps. With the launch of OS X Mavericks, the iWork and iLife apps will be updated both for the new operating system and the latest mobile operating system, iOS 7. These updates help the apps adjust to the new technology afforded by the new operating systems, and Macworld has detailed the differences this update will bring to the apps.

One of the biggest upgrades to the iWork apps is that now the apps will be 64-bit and fully compatible with the various Macs, iPhones, iPads and iPods. In addition, PC users can use the apps by activating the iWork for iCloud service to bring the apps to other types of tech.

iWork and iCloud can also send files from OS X Mavericks devices such as the new Macbook Pro as well as iOS devices like the newly announced iPad Air to users who do not have iWork apps or an iCloud account on their electronics. The files will be sent and received on whatever browser the user has, but it is possible that users who will want to edit these files will have to sign up for an iCloud account.

Pages, the iWork word processor program, will also have some new features added to it. The program will have smart text and object recognition that will replace Inspector. These features will change as users select different words or objects to highlight. In a similar vein, the spreadsheet app Numbers will be getting an aesthetic overhaul as well as interactive chart options. Finally, Keynote will receive an update that will add new effects and animations.

One big change that is coming to all the iWork apps that has been made possible with the iCloud technology is live collaboration. This will allow multiple users on different devices to create and edit projects together. An example of this was seen in the Oct. 22 press event when Apple senior vice president of Internet software and services Eddy Cue and Apple vice president of productivity applications Roger Rosner worked together on stage to create a poster. This will make group projects much easier on iOS and OS X devices and allow Apple to match similar programs such as Google Drive.