Apple iWork - Now in 3D?

MacRumors · 12:25 AM

Apple's iWork suite is a bit overdue for an update. Many expected Apple to update the iWork suite on its usual schedule in January of 2007... but no update arrived.

People then speculated that Apple would release iWork (and iLife) updates alongside Leopard, but Steve Jobs made no comment about the productivity suites during the WWDC keynote.

A new job posting posted by Apple on June 13th 2007 reveals that Apple is seeking software engineers for the "next generation of iWork". Specifically, they are looking for a programmer to work on 3D specific features with experience in "openGL and other 3d technologies".

Apple's iWork suite currently consists of Pages and Keynote but there have been persistent rumors of a spreadsheet application in the works.

raggedjimmi · Jun 15, 2007, 10:31 PM

3D? In an office application? Hmm. Does this mean we are going to get some beautiful looking pie charts?

Rocketman · Jun 15, 2007, 10:35 PM

I want to do a 3D image (printed B/W w/85 line halftone or better), of data I have collected on rocket trajectory vs. launch angle. It resembles a "bunt cake" in shape. I have the text file for data vs mass.

Rocketman

Wayfarer · Jun 15, 2007, 10:36 PM

This prospect sounds... fancy.

Let the speculation begin.

kainjow · Jun 15, 2007, 10:36 PM

My guess is they are looking for better transition effects for Keynote. Where else would they use 3D visuals effectively in iWork?

Genghis Khan · Jun 15, 2007, 10:38 PM

lmfao...iWork is ancient...if they only hiring a software engineer now, it won't be out for ageeeesssss

macintel4me · Jun 15, 2007, 10:39 PM

The main difference in user experience between a desktop app and a web app is 3d/animated graphics. I believe Apple is really going to push CoreAnimation as the next big thing to differiantiate OS X from Safari.

iPoodOverZune · Jun 15, 2007, 10:43 PM

O Lord Job, when will you bring out new iLife? Get a break from your iPhone and get a iLife.

I have a very old version of iLife and am holding from last november to wait for Macworld, then for WWDC to get a new version. Hell Steve B. Jobs, take the wraps off from iLife, will ya?

SeaFox · Jun 15, 2007, 10:45 PM

I'd like to think they are looking to add basic 3D modeling to iWork, but I'm sure the idea to to add more pretty transitions to Keynote and more "pie"-like pie charts.

More eye candy to distract the audience from the fact the presenter is BS-ing them.

dswoodley · Jun 15, 2007, 10:51 PM

a new take on layering maybe?

darwen · Jun 15, 2007, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaFox

More eye candy to distract the audience from the fact the presenter is BS-ing them.

My thoughts exactly. Who really needs more 3D effects in charts? Are we gonna need to hand out glasses at the beginning of our presentations?

WillJS · Jun 15, 2007, 11:02 PM

So if they are just now starting on it, can we assume a more likely Jan. 2008 release rather then a Leopard/October release?

flopticalcube · Jun 15, 2007, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macrumors

A new job posting posted by Apple on June 13th 2007 reveals that Apple is seeking software engineers for the "next generation of iWork". Specifically, they are looking for a programmer to work on 3D specific features with experience "openGL and other 3d technologies".

They are starting to look for a software engineer now? Sounds like this is for iWork '08 or '09.

dwater · Jun 15, 2007, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macrumors

Specifically, they are looking for a programmer to work on 3D specific features with experience "openGL and other 3d technologies".

SGI had such software back in the '90s. IRIS Showcase it was called. Decades ahead of it's time...

kcroy · Jun 15, 2007, 11:12 PM

I need a new iWeb app right away. I love the simplicity, but I need this puppy to do more. (HTML, shopping cart, etc.) I know a lot of people make fun of iwebbers like me, but the simplicity of creating webpages is really great for non-programmer like myself. Please, please, Steve update iweb.

ajhaji · Jun 15, 2007, 11:15 PM

Generally when Apple does something, it does it right. Given that Microsoft is the leader in productivity software for the desktop, I can totally see Apple upstaging Microsoft with a completely rethought and reworked office suite that blows Microsoft Office out of the water. Apple can do it. It just needs the motivation. :-P

Rocketman · Jun 15, 2007, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flopticalcube

They are starting to look for a software engineer now? Sounds like this is for iWork '08 or '09.

They are hiring after they "finally" have the tools. Tool development is time-consuming, expensive, and risky.

Rocketman

flopticalcube · Jun 15, 2007, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocketman

They are hiring after they "finally" have the tools. Tool development is time-consuming, expensive, and risky.

Rocketman

Even if they find someone tomorrow, they would still have to train, code, test. We are talking many months.

JPyre · 11:31 PM

CoreImage/Video in keynote would be nice, so would scrolling through multi-page docs in 3D. Maybe they just need someone to add coverflow

to the open/save dialog, but thats a leopard feature and they wouldn't add that because Tiger couldn't use it, would they?

[Update] I guess iTunes has it but not in the open/save, does Leopard extend coverflow into it? I was assuming that it did.

TheAnswer · Jun 15, 2007, 11:25 PM

It will probably be limited to keynote transitions, although I think certain datasets would certainly benefit from some sort of data/graph fly-throughs inside of presentations.

Rocketman · Jun 15, 2007, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flopticalcube

Even if they find someone tomorrow, they would still have to train, code, test. We are talking many months.

The main problem/feature with Steve is he does things at the "bleeding edge" of technology.

He gets many kudos for that. He also sucks at times for that. Sometimes he gets screwed by suppliers (Motorola, IBM) or technology ramp claims (Adobe, Microsoft). Other times he has supplier agreements with massive upside (flash, Seagate, assemblers, memory). Sometimes he sucks hard by releasing known crippleware (USB 1.1, unused IR).

Rocketman

flopticalcube · Jun 15, 2007, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocketman

The main problem/feature with Steve is he does things at the "bleeding edge" of technology.

He gets many kudos for that. He also sucks at times for that. Sometimes he gets screwed by suppliers (Motorola, IBM) or technology ramp claims (Adobe, Microsoft). Other times he has supplier agreements with massive upside (flash, Seagate, assemblers, memory). Sometimes he sucks hard by releasing known crippleware (USB 1.1, unused IR).

Rocketman

Well, I personally experienced that with Safari for Windows. I wouldn't want to rely on productivity software that wasn't carefully tested and reliable.

iMeowbot · Jun 15, 2007, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raggedjimmi

3D? In an office application? Hmm. Does this mean we are going to get some beautiful looking pie charts?

What if the "other 3D technologies" include replicators? Pie charts could be made of actual pie, and if it was really yummy pie you wouldn't even need to have relevant facts and figures to win over the audience.

SiliconAddict · Jun 15, 2007, 11:47 PM

Which basicly means this feature won't be happening anytime soon if they are looking for people NOW. *shrugs* Maybe 08.

JPyre · Jun 16, 2007, 12:00 AM

Yeah i'm thinking spring '08 for the next iWork, soooo they are actually on track.

Jun 15, 2007, 10:28 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Apple iWork - Now in 3D? Apple's iWork suite is a bit overdue for an update. Many expected Apple to update the iWork suite on its usual schedule in January of 2007... but no update arrived. People then speculated that Apple would release iWork (and iLife) updates alongside Leopard, but Steve Jobs made no comment about the productivity suites during the WWDC keynote. A new job posting posted by Apple on June 13th 2007 reveals that Apple is seeking software engineers for the "next generation of iWork". Specifically, they are looking for a programmer to work on 3D specific features with experience in "openGL and other 3d technologies". Apple's iWork suite currently consists of Pages and Keynote but there have been persistent rumors of a spreadsheet application in the works. Last edited by Doctor Q : Jun 16, 2007 at 12:25 AM.

Jun 15, 2007, 10:31 PM	#2
raggedjimmi macrumors 604 Join Date: Jan 2005	3D? In an office application? Hmm. Does this mean we are going to get some beautiful looking pie charts? __________________ www.bossbaddie.com

Jun 15, 2007, 10:35 PM	#3
Rocketman macrumors 68020 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Claremont, CA	I want to do a 3D image (printed B/W w/85 line halftone or better), of data I have collected on rocket trajectory vs. launch angle. It resembles a "bunt cake" in shape. I have the text file for data vs mass. Rocketman __________________ Think Different-ly! Looking for an iPhone dev with way too much time on her hands for BASIC programs I have.

Jun 15, 2007, 10:38 PM	#6
Genghis Khan macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia	lmfao...iWork is ancient...if they only hiring a software engineer now, it won't be out for ageeeesssss __________________ Mac Pro 2.8GHz Octo, 10GB RAM, 8800GT, 2 x iPhones + 30 stickers and counting

Jun 15, 2007, 10:43 PM	#8
iPoodOverZune macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2007	O Lord Job, when will you bring out new iLife? Get a break from your iPhone and get a iLife. I have a very old version of iLife and am holding from last november to wait for Macworld, then for WWDC to get a new version. Hell Steve B. Jobs, take the wraps off from iLife, will ya? __________________ I will consider (to) iPo(o)dOverZune anytime Zune Zucks....flop show...then it may be too zoon to say yet

Jun 15, 2007, 10:36 PM	#4
Wayfarer macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2007	This prospect sounds... fancy. Let the speculation begin.

Jun 15, 2007, 10:36 PM	#5
kainjow Demi-God (Moderator) Join Date: Jun 2000	My guess is they are looking for better transition effects for Keynote. Where else would they use 3D visuals effectively in iWork?

Jun 15, 2007, 10:39 PM	#7
macintel4me macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2006	The main difference in user experience between a desktop app and a web app is 3d/animated graphics. I believe Apple is really going to push CoreAnimation as the next big thing to differiantiate OS X from Safari.

Jun 15, 2007, 10:45 PM	#9
SeaFox macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Somewhere Else	I'd like to think they are looking to add basic 3D modeling to iWork, but I'm sure the idea to to add more pretty transitions to Keynote and more "pie"-like pie charts. More eye candy to distract the audience from the fact the presenter is BS-ing them. __________________ "In the room was the last person on Earth. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door..."

Jun 15, 2007, 10:51 PM	#10
dswoodley macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2002	a new take on layering maybe?

Jun 15, 2007, 11:02 PM	#12
WillJS macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: 2,368 miles from that infinte loop.	So if they are just now starting on it, can we assume a more likely Jan. 2008 release rather then a Leopard/October release? __________________ "If broke people are making fun of your financial plan...you're on track!" - Dave Ramsey

Jun 15, 2007, 11:12 PM	#15
kcroy macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ohio	iWeb Please! I need a new iWeb app right away. I love the simplicity, but I need this puppy to do more. (HTML, shopping cart, etc.) I know a lot of people make fun of iwebbers like me, but the simplicity of creating webpages is really great for non-programmer like myself. Please, please, Steve update iweb.

Jun 15, 2007, 11:15 PM	#16
ajhaji macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2006	Generally when Apple does something, it does it right. Given that Microsoft is the leader in productivity software for the desktop, I can totally see Apple upstaging Microsoft with a completely rethought and reworked office suite that blows Microsoft Office out of the water. Apple can do it. It just needs the motivation. :-P

Jun 15, 2007, 11:23 PM	#19
JPyre macrumors 6502 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pistolvania	CoreImage/Video in keynote would be nice, so would scrolling through multi-page docs in 3D. Maybe they just need someone to add coverflow to the open/save dialog, but thats a leopard feature and they wouldn't add that because Tiger couldn't use it, would they? [Update] I guess iTunes has it but not in the open/save, does Leopard extend coverflow into it? I was assuming that it did. Last edited by JPyre : Jun 15, 2007 at 11:31 PM.

Jun 15, 2007, 11:25 PM	#20
TheAnswer macrumors 68020 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Orange County, CA	It will probably be limited to keynote transitions, although I think certain datasets would certainly benefit from some sort of data/graph fly-throughs inside of presentations.

Jun 15, 2007, 11:47 PM	#24
SiliconAddict macrumors 601 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Burnsville, Minnesota, USA	Which basicly means this feature won't be happening anytime soon if they are looking for people NOW. shrugs Maybe 08. __________________ -iPod Video 160GB -MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 2.33Ghz/3GB RAM/250GB -Newton 4700 (a.k.a iPaq 4700) -Dell 2405FPW 24" Widescreen

Jun 16, 2007, 12:00 AM	#25
JPyre macrumors 6502 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pistolvania	Yeah i'm thinking spring '08 for the next iWork, soooo they are actually on track.

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