January 2nd, 2009
Rumor: iWork to migrate to the Web for Macworld Expo
A rumor making the rounds (originatng from 9To5Mac.com) claims that Apple may use Macworld Expo – which starts next week in San Francisco – to launch a Web-based version of iWork.
iWork ‘08 currently comprises three apps: Kenote (presentations), Numbers (spreadsheet), and Pages (word processor) and is current available as a boxed, retail software package from Apple’s online and retail stores ($79) and from Amazon.com ($70). It would be a coup if Apple added a fourth, database application to the mix, but that’s just wishful thinking at this point.
($70). It would be a coup if Apple added a fourth, database application to the mix, but that’s just wishful thinking at this point.
It’s certainly due for an update. iWork ‘08 was was last updated on 07 August 2007 which is 512 days (one year, 5 months) from the Macworld Expo keynote address next Tuesday. iWork ‘06 was released 575 days (one year, seven months) prior and iWork’05 a year before that.
A jump to the cloud? That’s a big jump. Although Apple made huge strides with its MobileMe’s Web apps (email and calendar) but it may be a little gun shy after the MobileMe syncing fiasco that ensued when Apple tried to launch its most aggressive online venture ever – while simultaneously releasing the brand new iPhone 3G. Not the best idea hatched out of Cupertino.
If Apple re-brands Google Docs and Spreadsheets (Eric Schmidt is on the Apple board, Hello!) I’m all for it. Google’s Web office apps are mature, stable and I’m fluent with them. Apple shouldn’t re-invent the wheel on this one because Google’s already done all of the heavy lifting. But if the new Web apps have the ability to read and edit spreadsheets and word processing documents on the iPhone and iPod touch, they’ll be an unmitigated success. You can’t do that currently without third-party software.
Which they’re at it, Apple should use some of their war chest to acquire SUMO Paint, a Web-based image editor is almost a complete clone of Photoshop – try it, I’m serious.
Jason D. O'Grady is the editor of PowerPage.org, which has been publishing daily mobile technology news since December 1995. For disclosures on Jason's industry affiliations, click here or to view Jason's full profile click here.
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