Apple has released a new update for its iWork Suite across all supported platforms, including OS X, iOS and iCloud. The new update addresses a number of complaints and common requests made by users. Improvements include a built-in remote feature on iOS, which replaces the standalone application. Furthermore, users can now customize the alignment guides and a vertical ruler on the Mac, which was one of the most asked for a request.
Probably, the most important aspect of the update is the ability for users to use iWork from iCloud instead of turning to Microsoft Word Web Apps, or Google Docs web-based document editing apps. With iWork on iCloud, users can collaborate, edit, and password protect their files. In addition, the ability to share iWork documents, presentations, and spreadsheets is also a possibility.
We view the ability to protect documents as a huge step forward for iWork, especially for persons who want to use the suite or professional grade editing, and the ability to share presentations and documents with clients with a degree of surety that no one else will be able to gain access without the required password. Users can now share documents via iCloud with user-assigned passwords using either Pages on iOS, or iWork for iCloud beta. Furthermore, thanks to a new list view of all spreadsheets and documents, it's now easier to review shared content on the Web.
The Keynote app got a few decent updates itself. For example, there's improved compatibility with Microsoft PowerPoint 2013, along with stability and bug fixes. For those who have not yet purchased the Keynote app, it is available at $19.99 for OS X and $9.99 for iOS.
When it comes down to Pages, it brings more to the table than a vertical ruler and the ability to collaborate on documents with others. iWork now features an all new character count tool, along with the ability to export password protected documents to the Microsoft Docx format. Additionally, Pages now have improved support for ePub export, bidirectional text, and compatibility with Microsoft Word 2013 documents.
The Pages 2.1 app will cost users $19.99 for OS X and $9.99 for iOS.
The new iWork update should be good enough to keep both Microsoft and Google on their toes as Apple is bringing increased competition in the word editing and collaboration in the cloud, that is only expected to expand in the near future.
