Macworld 09
2009
Here I am at Macworld 09 in San Francisco. It does feel odd for a Macworld with no Steve Jobs. I miss his panache, his sense of timing in making key comments and his showmanship in public speaking. Phil Schiller who replaced him as the keynote speaker did not attempt to copy him.He did it his own way which was good.
Walking to the show this morning at 8am, it felt as though fewer people were going to Macworld. Previously, I could see lots of people – I know they’re heading for Macworld because of their badges – heading towards the Moscone Expo centre. This year, there’re no queues and entering the expo hall was a breeze.
When the doors opened at 8.40am, there’s a still a sudden surge to be among the first to get in to grab a good seat. But the hall didn’t fill up immediately until minutes before 9am. I guess the latecomers didn’t bother turning up early because they would be sure to get a seat. About 1000 people fitted into the hall but there’re spots of empty seats here and there.
The new goodies were mostly software and only 1 new hardware was announced: the 17-inch Macbook Pro. Because you can’t feel and touch software, the reception is always muted. The 17-inch notebook isn’t for everyone, since it’s aimed at the high-end power user. Nevertheless, the new features introduced in iLife and iWork are really neat and reiterates Apple’s ability to make it easy for users to use computers.
Phil in his 90-minute keynote address – as long as in previous years – also talked about iTunes especially tiered pricing and the dropping of anti-copying measures. There aren’t many people in Singapore who can buy songs over iTunes but those who can will be happy to know that there is tiered pricing now: US69 cents, US99 cents and US$1.29.
US$1.29? I don’t think I’ll pay that much, it’ll really depend on whether I’ll like the artist and/or song. Older songs may go for US69 cents each but then who wants to buy older songs unless I discover an artist I haven’t heard before.
I buy more TV episodes and rent movies rather than buy music. With the price going up, it won’t affect me but I’ll certainly think twice if albums cost more now.
As for the expo, the usual exhibitors are there. Glaring absence from Belkin, Adobe and Singapore’s own Creative Tech. I hear they’ve gone north to Las Vegas for the CES show. No loss to me. Belkin and Creative Tech sell iPod and iPhone accessories, maybe newer models – how many iPod speakers, skins and covers can one buy? Besides with this recession, people are more careful with their money so while accessories are cheaper, people may hang on to their current stuff longer. Adobe – once you’ve PDF, you don’t need anything else. Besides iPhoto with all its upgrades will do just as well as PHotoshop and Photoshop Elements.
Apple’s last Macworld – it won’t be taking part in the show anymore – ended with two jazz numbers song by Tony Bennett. The crooner fittingly sang The Best Is Yet To Come – is that a veiled hint that more goodies will be launched later this year – and I Left My Heart In San Francisco as a tribute, I guess, to all the attendees who make the annual pilgrimage to Macworld every year.
Certainly I’m sad that my January calendar is suddenly empty. But hey, whenever Apple has new things and calls, the journalists including I would not be able to pack our bags quick enough to head out to wherever they’re announcing their new stuff. That’s the power of Apple.
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