Mac World 2009

The Mac World Conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco took place this January 5th-9th despite the ominous tone reflected in the global economy for 2009. Reports from Apple representatives stated that this year's conference will be the last for Apple as they have record numbers attending the classes offered in-house at the Apple Retail Stores. In addition, Steve Jobs was not able to give his usual keynote speech because of illness so other Apple representatives fulfilled this ritual in his place.

In addition to a series of free lectures offered by Apple that showcased the new iWork and iLife 09' applications, there were also wonderful classes on digital imaging and music applications offered through Digital Media Academy and the John Lennon Bus tour. My favorite classes were on Final Cut Pro, the video editing software, however getting a seat for a computer for the hands-on portion was not an easy feat.

The conference attendees this year seemed primarily composed of media companies selling the hardware and software for the computer as a conduit for TV such as eyetv and Slingbox. These systems allow the user to connect a box to the computer that will not only serve as an antenna, but also serve as a Tivo like recorder where users can capture and even edit out commercials on TV shows if they so please. There were also a lot of computer and iPhone cases as well as a plethora of innovative iApplications for the iPhone.The iApps that caught my attention are the following: Zeptopad, a whiteboard using the touch feature of the iPhone to create visual messages that can be downloaded or sent directly to other iPhone users, Telegram by Polar Bear Farm, a voice messaging software that allows the user to record and send audio messages to groups or individual userswhich can be used for voice annotation of student work, iBlue Sky a mind mapping program, TruPhone a VoIP which offers free iPhone to iPhone calls and low international calling rates which work where there is poor Wi-Fi reception, Fuze a visual Hi-Definition meeting tool for the iPhone, Ocarina which turns your iPhone into a flute that can be played in concert with others across the globe, and Sonic Vox a toy that changes the sound of your voice.