APP WATCH: Apple launches iPhoto for iOS

08 March 2012

Also introduces major updates for iMovie and GarageBand

A big Apple day yesterday in terms of new hardware, but also in terms of software too, with the launch of iPhoto for the iPhone and iPad, as well as major updates for iMovie and GarageBand. Each app takes full advantage of the Retina display on the new iPad for 'sharp and realistic images and video'. The new iPad also features a 5 megapixel iSight camera so you can record, edit and watch 1080p HD video all on the device.

'With the introduction of iPhoto, we’ve brought the entire suite of iLife apps to iOS and users are going to love it,' said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. 'Whether brushing an effect onto a photo, shooting a movie trailer or jamming with friends to record a song, iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand let you make amazing creations on iPad and iPhone.'

iPhoto has been completely reworked for iOS, using intuitive Multi-Touch gestures on either the iPad and iPhone, so you can select and compare photos side by side and flag your best shots. iPhoto also gives you full control over colour, exposure and contrast - just touch the parts of the image you want to change. On top of that, you can enhance pictures by adding Apple-designed effects with just a tap, or apply adjustments exactly where you want them with fingertip brushes.

When you're done, you can post photos to Facebook, Flickr and Twitter, beam photos between your iPhone and iPad, stream photos and slideshows to your Apple TV with AirPlay and use iCloud to publish photo journals to the web. £2.99 secures it.

Not just iPhoto new to the app store, a new version of iMovie is there too, updated to be HD video-friendly. A new Theater view lets you preview and choose from nine templates in a range of genres including Fairy Tale, Superhero and Romance. Trailers feature customisable graphics with soundtracks written by legendary composers such as Academy Award-winner Hans Zimmer and performed by world class musicians like the London Symphony Orchestra. When complete, you can also share your movie trailers to YouTube, Vimeo and Facebook, and use AirPlay to stream them to Apple TV in high definition resolutions up to 1080p.

GarageBand has also been overhauled. With the new Jam Session feature, you can invite up to three of your friends to get together and wirelessly connect your iOS devices to play and record as a group. Jam Session automatically synchronises the tempo, key and chords of your Touch Instruments so everyone sounds 'great'. After jamming, everyone’s tracks are automatically collected on your iOS device for you to edit and mix.

GarageBand also introduces Smart Strings, a new Touch Instrument that allows you to play an entire string orchestra with just one finger, and the new Note Editor allows you to fine tune a Touch Instrument recording instead of replaying it from scratch. Sharing again in this app, with integration with iCloud and the option to share directly to Facebook, YouTube and SoundCloud.

Both of the updated apps also cost £2.99, with updates free for existing users.