Filip Novotny There has been speculation on the Internet for a long time that Apple could come up with a new version of the iWork suite. While we were expecting a serial update along the lines of Microsoft Office, Apple released a completely new product. It's called iWork for iCloud, and it's the online version of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.
The iWork suite has its roots in Mac computers, where it has been competing with Microsoft with its Office for some time. When the technology world began to enter the so-called post-PC phase, Apple responded by releasing iWork for iOS. It is thus possible to edit documents with high quality even on a tablet or even a mobile phone. However, with the advent of various types of mobile devices and operating systems, applications that run directly in the browser are becoming more and more popular. And that's why Apple introduced iWork for iCloud at this year's WWDC.
At first glance, it may seem like it's just a copy of Google Docs or Office 365. Yes, we edit documents in the browser and save them "in the cloud". Whether it's Google Drive, SkyDrive or iCloud. According to the information so far, however, the solution from Apple should offer much more. iWork for iCloud is not just a cut-down version, as is often the case with browser applications. It offers a solution that any desktop competitor would not be ashamed of.
iWork for iCloud includes all three apps – Pages, Numbers and Keynote. Their interface is very similar to the one we know from OS X. Similar windows, fonts and editing options. There is also such a practical function as automatic snapping to the center of the document or other logical location. It is also possible to change the formatting of text or entire paragraphs in detail, use advanced table functions, create impressive 3D animations and so on. There is even drag-and-drop support. It is possible to take an external image directly from the desktop and drag it into the document.
At the same time, web applications can deal not only with native iWork formats, but also with the much-expanded Microsoft Office files. Because iWork for iCloud is built to serve users across devices and platforms, it can also be used on Windows computers. As we saw for ourselves at the product presentation, web iWork can handle Safari, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome browsers.
iWork for iCloud is available in developer beta today, and will be available to the general public "later this year," according to Apple. It will be free, all you need is an iCloud account. It can be created by all users of any iOS or OS X product.
Apple has also confirmed the release of a new version of iWork for OS X and iOS in the second half of this year.
This worked. It is still less important than the iOS7 icons, but it is a great thing that they have done in ordinary browsers and, in addition, it is also possible in windows. This could be the next small step for the transition