At the Macworld keynote yesterday, Apple introduced the latest version of its productivity suite of applications, iWork '09. Feature highlights include advanced object transitions, which automatically animate objects using effects, and a new add-on, called Magic Move, which helps users create rich animations.

Keynote ’09
Apple's presentation-focused software introduces a new feature - Magic Move. The function allows users to apply a simple transition to automatically animate the position, Apple says in a report, but also scale, rotate, and set the opacity of any image, graphic, or text that is repeated on consecutive slides. According to the company behind the Mac operating system, 3D charts now include cylinder shapes, beveled-edge pie charts, new textures, and four new 3D build effects, while the Remote side of Keynote '09 (sold separately via the iTunes App Store) lets iPhone and iPod touch users view slides and presenter notes, and ultimately control their presentations by employing the device as a remote.

Pages ’09
In the latest version of Pages, Apple has decided to add Full Screen view, appeasing those who need to focus on their document without any distractions. The same feature helps users see the menus, format bar, and page navigator only when they need to, while an Outline Mode includes templates that help them build the framework for their document, the same report shows. They can then collapse, expand, and rearrange elements, even inline graphics, Apple says. MathType 6 support and EndNote X2 integration are also included with Pages '09, which additionally comprises 40 new Apple-designed templates.

Numbers ’09
Apple's Numbers '09 makes formula writing dramatically easier, the company reveals. Using an enhanced function browser (which includes built-in help for over 250 functions), and visual placeholders with tool tips that explain each variable in a formula, the Mac manufacturer promises the fastest and easiest formula view, transition, expansion, and chart updating ever.

Lastly, Apple has announced the introduction of an iWork.com public beta. According to the company headquartered in Cupertino, California, the new service is aimed at sharing iWork '09 documents online. Users are offered an online list of all their shared documents, on which they can also read comments from their viewers.

“Millions of Mac users have fallen in love with iWork,” Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, remarks. “With iWork '09, Apple continues to demonstrate that innovation is possible in office productivity software, and that creating impressive presentations, documents, and spreadsheets doesn’t need to be complicated.”

iWork '09 costs $79 (US), and is available for immediate purchase. To buy the suite, try it out in trial mode, or use the link below to access the iWork.com public beta (account setup and activation are required).

iWork '09 (Buy / Trial / Access Beta)