Apple To Host September 25th Special Event (Photokina)

[exactjack]

New Aperture, Plus New Photoshop Competitor

curious about that myself. historically, have there been "special events" like this without a stevenote? (or a philnote, for that matter)

i think that just aperture would not justify a stevenote, but more than just aperture might (tho aperture would be the primary subject)

Yep. April 2004 NAB in Las Vegas. No Steve in the building, but his subordinates handily launched Motion, FCP Pro HD, DVD Stidio Pro HD, Shake v3.5, and Xsan. All software. All related to the theme of the convention. I expect the same at this special event prior to Photokina... all software, and no Steve.

I frankly wouldn't be surprised to see a direct competitor, with a unique Apple twist, to Photoshop launched out of the blue here... It would complete Apple's photo related app lineup, get a major Universal Binary omission fixed, and create more buzz than a herd of high-revving chain saws in the industry. And, if it's a strong app (as no doubt it will be from Apple), it will be amazing to see the growing flow of photo pros abandoning Photoshop in the years ahead.

 

[sth]

Q. What's a 100% expected feature in a cell phone these days?
A. A built in camera.
Q2. What's this special event a part of?
A. Photokina
therefore, Photokina == iPhone
QED.

Unless it features a miniaturized SLR camera (which it won't) Photokina is the wrong event for that.

Mobile phone cams have advanced quickly but so did professional digital cameras. Photokina is primarily aimed at professional and semi-professional users.



My predictions:

- Apple will update MBPs pretty soon.
- MacBooks and Minis will use Core Duo a bit longer but may get updated later this year.
- MacWorld Expo in Q1 next year will feature the 6th-gen iPod, iTV (whatever it is called then), the iPhone, iLife and iWork '07 and of course Leopard (pretty much for one event if you ask me, even without new Mac Hardware).

 

[gugy]

I frankly wouldn't be surprised to see a direct competitor, with a unique Apple twist, to Photoshop launched out of the blue here... It would complete Apple's photo related app lineup, get a major Universal Binary omission fixed, and create more buzz than a herd of high-revving chain saws in the industry. And, if it's a strong app (as no doubt it will be from Apple), it will be amazing to see the growing flow of photo pros abandoning Photoshop in the years ahead.

well, that will be a hard thing to happen.
I like competition, but I have to say Photoshop user base is huge plus is a awesome program.
Apple to surpass all of this on version 1.0 seems like a huge task.
I know the FCP story, but that was a different circumstances. Premiere was not that popular. As for Photoshop that's a whole different ballgame.

I don't know, I rather see Apple focusing on apps that need better improvement. The Adobe trio Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects seems very strong to beat.

 

[exactjack]

well, that will be a hard thing to happen.
I like competition, but I have to say Photoshop user base is huge plus is a awesome program.
Apple to surpass all of this on version 1.0 seems like a huge task.
I know the FCP story, but that was a different circumstances. Premiere was not that popular. As for Photoshop that's a whole different ballgame.

I don't know, I rather see Apple focusing on apps that need better improvement. The Adobe trio Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects seems very strong to beat.

Funny, but my gut's telling me that Apple's penchant for coming at old problems from an entirely fresh perspective might result in a surprisingly strong contender for the new standard in photo editing software. Photoshop's a multiply-extended iteration of a 16-year old paradigm. I betcha if Apple's had a ongoing project running for a few years aimed at a next-gen approach, the resulting app could be pretty mind-boggling.

 

[Reach]

Photoshop is beatable, it just seems unbeatable beacuse it's all most of us know. Just get colorhandling down 100% and work from there, Apple has some great ideas that could surpass an ancient application with incremental updating.
I don't really think it'll happen now, but I do think it COULD happen, of course Apple won't do it in version 1.0, nobody could, but it could be doable.

Anyway, I just want my MBP for now.

 

[gugy]

I understand what you guys are saying but I have to say I have a huge reservation seeing Apple fighting against Adobe.
Photoshop plus other apps from Adobe are very well integrate with each other providing a very good workflow. If Apple decides to compete with Photoshop that could bring a huge problem for the whole creative community that depends so much on Adobe and Apple.

•Adobe, could just say forget it about developing for the Mac and leaving us on the dust with an inferior app from Apple.
•Even if Apple provides a breakthrough app, it will take time to bring all the folks that are so loyal to Adobe into Apple apps. Including me.
• Learning curve for a new app.
• Plus a lot of other apps are so well connect with Photoshop, like I said before, after Effects, Illustrator and now Flash and the whole suite.

Just imagine Adobe giving up to develop for the Mac platform. That will be a huge disaster.

I rather have Apple focusing on make better computers and improving apps that could compete with Microsoft Office and others. IMHO leave Adobe alone.
I think Adobe is doing a good job updating and creating nice features. The whole Adobe universal apps transition delay thing is not their only fault, Apple should be blamed for that as well.

 

[BWhaler]

My prediction:

Definiantly:
MacBook Pro:
2 15" and 1 17" model with 2.16 and 2.33 GHz Merom
1 GB RAM standdard, up to 3 or 4 GB
100 and 120 GB HDD's, up to 160 GB
8x DVD+/-RW DL drives for all
X1600 Pro in low-end 15" and X1800 Pro/XT in hi-end 15" and 17"
FW800 on all models
Magnetic latch (no integrated keyboard)
Expresscard/54 slot on all models
$1899 - $2299 - $2499

Boy, do I hope you are right.

My 17" PowerBook is less than a year old, so I thought I could wait for the move to Intel.

I was wrong. The speed difference is just too drastic of a leap, and that's too important to a guy who uses his laptop 12-18 hours a day for work.

I am waiting for the upgrade at this point. For me, what I care about is:

- 160gig HD
- Better GPU
- No quality/heat issues.

I was hoping to have the new computer before my trip. But if it can be waiting for me when I return in a month, that's great too.

I just hope the update is announced soon with the specs I need. Knowing I will be able to buy it is a lot better than wondering if and when Apple is going to update the line.

 

[generik]

Q. What's a 100% expected feature in a cell phone these days?

A. A built in camera.

Q2. What's this special event a part of?

A. Photokina

therefore, Photokina == iPhone

QED.

Lol, this is so funny I don't even know how to begin. If you think a phone produces better images than a 5 year old camera, think again.

 

[EagerDragon]

I can just imagine the uproar if Apple introduces C2D MacBooks before C2D MacBook Pros. If that happens, I'm staying well away from Macrumors until after the 25th to avoid the falling debris and collateral damage.

At first, I expected this, as well, but now I have a small grain of doubt in my mind about updated displays. Initially, I had thought that the new iMacs displays were brighter and had more contrast than the Cinema Displays, but I subsequently discovered that the specs for the iMac 24" monitor were identical to those of the 23" Cinema Display, with the exception of the 1" size difference. On the other hand, the price drop does suggest an attempt to clear inventory, and the Cinema Displays have frequently had better specs than the iMac displays (they are the pro models, after all). I guess I would have to list new Cinema Displays as a "probable" for release in the next month, and this pre-Photokina event would be as good a time as any to introduce them.

I wear glasses (getting old) and that extra inch made the fonts very readable for me since the image was a little bigger. I loved it when I tried the 24" iMac at the store.

 

[generik]

Somehow I have this funny feeling that the launch of the new MBPs will coincide with 10.4.8, possible?

Wonder what changes they could have made to require such an update though

 

[Reach]

I understand what you guys are saying but I have to say I have a huge reservation seeing Apple fighting against Adobe.
Photoshop plus other apps from Adobe are very well integrate with each other providing a very good workflow. If Apple decides to compete with Photoshop that could bring a huge problem for the whole creative community that depends so much on Adobe and Apple.

•Adobe, could just say forget it about developing for the Mac and leaving us on the dust with an inferior app from Apple.
•Even if Apple provides a breakthrough app, it will take time to bring all the folks that are so loyal to Adobe into Apple apps. Including me.
• Learning curve for a new app.
• Plus a lot of other apps are so well connect with Photoshop, like I said before, after Effects, Illustrator and now Flash and the whole suite.

Just imagine Adobe giving up to develop for the Mac platform. That will be a huge disaster.

I rather have Apple focusing on make better computers and improving apps that could compete with Microsoft Office and others. IMHO leave Adobe alone.
I think Adobe is doing a good job updating and creating nice features. The whole Adobe universal apps transition delay thing is not their only fault, Apple should be blamed for that as well.

I'm so glad you didn't have anything to do with Apples descision to destroy Premiere... Final Cut is just great, I'm very glad Apple doesn't "leave adobe alone", and examples like that show that compeition is good.
Just the possibility that Apple might enter the Photoediting-market is great, as Adobe won't just say "forget about macs" and lose a large portion of their customer base, they would have to fight. And fighting is what makes old applictions better, the need to improveto stay ahead. Photoshop has not been forced to improve the same way applications with competitors have, and I truly believe we are worse off for it.

Therefore I welcome competition, especially considering it would be from those that created Final Cut and Aperture, two great programs.

Besides, why would Apple leave Adobe alone? When Aperture was launched Adobe just got dead scared and started pushing Lightroom, that to me is an invitation to battle, and I sure hope APple accepts!

 

[bikertwin]

The kitchen sink

Photoshop is the kitchen sink: photo editor, paint program, print production program, etc.

Apple will come out with an app designed for photo editing. It may not have "painting" tools, per se. It may not do CMYK.

It would be aimed squarely at photographers. And be much easier for photographers to use.

That's what I'm hoping for, anyway.

 

[Erasmus]

Sorry, MBPs are NOT gonna happen at that event...NO WAY. It's only about Aperture 2.0 and nothing else.

My golly gosh! BRLawyer and I actually agree on something.

I don't think Macbooks will get Merom at this media event.

I think it is more likely we will see them in a month or too. I agree with Multimedia when he said about the time of "Thanksgiving" (Clearly I'm not American) whenever it is. Still a month or so off, isn't it?

I think Macbooks will get their Core 2 Duos before the end of November. Leaving plenty of time for Apple to design a Mini Mac Pro for its release at MWSF2007. That, I know, BRLawyer and I do disagree on.

MBP however is completely different. I think there is a very good chance of Merom MBP's with nVIDIA 7300/7600's.

 

[Westside guy]

Photoshop is the kitchen sink: photo editor, paint program, print production program, etc.

Apple will come out with an app designed for photo editing. It may not have "painting" tools, per se. It may not do CMYK.

It would be aimed squarely at photographers. And be much easier for photographers to use.

That's what I'm hoping for, anyway.

Hey, I think you're on to something. And, going out on a limb here... I bet it'll have a name like "Aperture".

 

[Josias]

Because it's not the right venue...the invitation is clear, and refers to Aperture...nothing else.

So, the showtime event referred only to the new iCurtain and iLamps?

As well as the Feb. 28th with the iCal update (it was the Mini/Hi-fi thingy)...

Dude. Why would Apple not release an MBP before/at Photokina?

There is no way anyone would be dumb enough to hold back such a revolutionary machine longer than necessary.

 

[FleurDuMal]

There is no way anyone would be dumb enough to hold back such a revolutionary machine longer than necessary.

I would hardly call a speed bump of 10-15% revolutionary.

If the MBP's are updated, it'll be a silent upgrade I bet. Replacing a processor isn't really very exciting.

 

[50548]

My golly gosh! BRLawyer and I actually agree on something.

I don't think Macbooks will get Merom at this media event.

I think it is more likely we will see them in a month or too. I agree with Multimedia when he said about the time of "Thanksgiving" (Clearly I'm not American) whenever it is. Still a month or so off, isn't it?

I think Macbooks will get their Core 2 Duos before the end of November. Leaving plenty of time for Apple to design a Mini Mac Pro for its release at MWSF2007. That, I know, BRLawyer and I do disagree on.

MBP however is completely different. I think there is a very good chance of Merom MBP's with nVIDIA 7300/7600's.

See? You should always believe lawyers...

 

[50548]

in what world are MBP's irrelevant to Aperture? or vice versa? that are totally relevant for reasons i mentioned above.

edit: or are you saying that a C2D MBP is a main course kind of product as opposed to a side dish?

Exactly. MBPs cannot be regarded as side dish...

 

[riciad]

I wear glasses (getting old) and that extra inch made the fonts very readable for me since the image was a little bigger. I loved it when I tried the 24" iMac at the store.

Glad to hear that. I'm just waiting until the end of the month to order a 24" iMac (financial constraints) and I was hoping it would be an ease to my aging eyes.

Even infinitesimal improvements would be a boon to me.

 

[50548]

Glad to hear that. I'm just waiting until the end of the month to order a 24" iMac (financial constraints) and I was hoping it would be an ease to my aging eyes.

Even infinitesimal improvements would be a boon to me.

I saw a 24" one here in Switzerland, too, in an Apple Reseller...truly amazing...i just dont know what to do with my great 17" iMac G5...

 

[bikertwin]

Hey, I think you're on to something. And, going out on a limb here... I bet it'll have a name like "Aperture".

LOL!

Nah, I was thinking more along the lines of a pixel editor, something that Aperture doesn't currently do. You know, like masks and burning & dodging & selections. That sort of thing.

 

[Machead III]

MacBooks?

 

[Josias]

I would hardly call a speed bump of 10-15% revolutionary.

If the MBP's are updated, it'll be a silent upgrade I bet. Replacing a processor isn't really very exciting.

64-bit?
Speedbump of 40-50%?
3 or 4 GB RAM option?
X1800?
Magnetic latch?
Better battery?
Better screens?
802.11n?
1 GB RAM standard?
Expresscard/54?
Lower prices?

They may do a slient announcement, but it will definiantly be noticeable.

 

[gugy]

I'm so glad you didn't have anything to do with Apples descision to destroy Premiere... Final Cut is just great, I'm very glad Apple doesn't "leave adobe alone", and examples like that show that compeition is good.
Just the possibility that Apple might enter the Photoediting-market is great, as Adobe won't just say "forget about macs" and lose a large portion of their customer base, they would have to fight. And fighting is what makes old applictions better, the need to improveto stay ahead. Photoshop has not been forced to improve the same way applications with competitors have, and I truly believe we are worse off for it.

Therefore I welcome competition, especially considering it would be from those that created Final Cut and Aperture, two great programs.

Besides, why would Apple leave Adobe alone? When Aperture was launched Adobe just got dead scared and started pushing Lightroom, that to me is an invitation to battle, and I sure hope APple accepts!

you don't get it.
I welcome competition. I love FCP and Aperture.
But if Adobe drops the Mac platform because Apple decides to create a Photoshop competitor, then it better be as good as Photoshop. If not, then not just me will be whining but thousands of professionals that depend on APPLE AND ADOBE.

Premiere was lame and Adobe dropped the ball and Apple saw a great opportunity to compete specially with Avid folks.
Now, Photoshop is another ballgame.

I think Apple is great of what they did with FCP and Aperture, but look at Motion aimed to in some way be competitor to After Effects. What a joke. Motion is a good app but It can not even close match After Effects.
This is where I think it could become a problem.
I agree, it would take a lot for Adobe to abandon the Mac plataform.

I am basing all my comments above on a hypothetical scenario of Apple releasing an inferior application than Photoshop and Adobe in retaliation dropping the development of their products to the Mac platform. Until then, I think is a pointless discussion to have. Let's see what happens at the Photokina Event.

my 2 cents.

 

[shiv]

Hey, I think you're on to something. And, going out on a limb here... I bet it'll have a name like "Aperture".

Votes for "Shutter Speed" please say Aye! ...