Apple Stands Behind iMovie 08

Apple's updates to existing software are usually evolutionary and improve by building on the foundation that was laid out when initially designing the application. However, every once in a while Apple has a revolutionary update such as iMovie 08, which has been very controversial.

Not everyone is happy with the latest version of iMovie, because it takes the program into a very different direction, which has little in common with the old version. The overall reaction to the software has been mixed; with some saying it is finally what the software was supposed to be, while other say it has taken a step back. Apple now finds itself in an unusual position for the Company… defending its choice in the face of customers.

The company is standing its ground, and insists that the new direction the software is heading in had to be taken. "The consumer video-editing industry is dying," says Rob Schoeben, Apple's vice president of applications and product marketing. "It got crushed by digital photography."

While the vast majority of digital photographers will use software such as iPhoto to manage and make slight modifications to their photos, camcorder owners don't do the same with applications such as iMovie. According to Schoeben Apple had a choice to make so that customers can enjoy managing their movies as easily as they do their digital photos. Novices and casual users will find the new iMovie far better suited to their needs, and the program will have served its purpose. "This may be controversial at first, but long term ... we'll be fine."

Apple has done a good job of redefining iMovie, and the latest version is truly on the entry level, with the previous version being next, followed by Final Cut Express and Final Cut. Although initially there was quite an uproar, Apple is not providing the previous version of iMovie at no charge to customers who buy the latest version of iLife.