The first impression of iWork for iCloud: works super-fast
Makradar Technologies / / December 19, 2019
The other day, Apple quietly expanded the number of beta testers, even those who are not waiting in some random opening access to beta.icloud.com. Among the lucky ones was also the author of the blog "Yabblogolik" Jonny Evans, who took advantage of this opportunity and shared your impressions: what kind of iWork for iCloud already crystallized the positive side, and where Apple developers still standing Prestressing.
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Positive
When you first start any of the applications you will have a set of templates (including a blank document) - just like in the desktop version of iWork. All three programs run faster. Move around the page any objects and text in almost real time will flow around objects and pictures; almost instantly to blocks of text apply formatting, styles and even the font substitution (in Pages I counted 47 fonts).
Performance is impressive, although it should wait until the program will be available to a greater number of users then it will be clear for sure that Apple's servers to cope with the influx of applications and provide good work, regardless of the number of connected users. This is an extremely important point for the success of the package, considering how many times the stability of iCloud is questionable.
The application is very simplified, but their capacity is enough to work on the existing project or to create reports, presentations or charts when you're somewhere far away, and your computer outside reach. Frankly, I like that kind of simplicity. I am a long time supporter of the workers to applications sold on a modular basis, which would allow users pay extra some small amount for access to the functions that are in the process they are needed.
The problem for most productive software is that their developers to stimulate sales of new version by adding new features. This leads to the so-called "cult of functions", sometimes to the detriment of performance. But do not be deterred so simple - it does not take away your usual tools. You can drag in the image in the document and the full set of design tools: edging, fills, transparency effects, indentation guides, etc... You can also add and configure frames, masks and shadows.
What is missing
One of the key points, which still lacks service - it means working together. If the user can open Google Docs access to two or more people, iWork for iCloud it can be done.
Given that the means for document collaboration are implemented in Microsoft and Google, this is an obvious direction in which Apple could improve its web service. In fairness it should be noted that as long as we are dealing with a beta version of the product, so the developers in the first place, you must ensure that applications run without any glitches, before adding them to the tools for collaboration work.
Perhaps this tool could come in and support FaceTime in iWork for iCloud applications. Agree, cool it would be in the same browser window, with a colleague to discuss any project that you are both working at this very moment. Even Apple could introduce a means of remote access to the "cloud" in the user files that others can run simultaneously in the same environment. After all, the company has all the necessary means to realize these opportunities.
A cursory examination Keynote I noticed at least one missing piece: in the already established presentation of the transition effect Revolve (rotation) iCloud-version of the application to replace the Dissolve effect (dissolution). Perhaps this is a sign that the functionality of the iWork for iCloud and will remain to some extent curtailed to keep the service performance at the proper level.
Numbers that before, here, I think, the main drawback - the inability to edit diagrams. But again the same, it is still a beta version of the product, so too early to judge strictly. Especially, Apple itself promises to add this feature soon.
Separate paragraph: Supported browsers Safari, Chrome and Internet Explorer. Firefox - long past.
Another thought about
The Network has emerged, and other publications on the subject, mostly at a reputable website Electronista:
"Undisputed advantage of Keynote for iCloud is how a web application works with transitions between slides. Like the desktop version, there are a number of effects that can be customized to your liking. For each transition, you can specify its duration, as well as to establish, it must be carried out automatically or by user command. Particularly pleased that the transitions look and work exactly the same way as if they were made in the desktop version of Keynote. You can view the entire slide pack and, if necessary, make further changes. As with Pages for iCloud, the app is compatible with MS Office: how files can be imported into the format of the "office" applications, and export them to the "apple" format. "
«Pages for iCloud may be the first text web application that will tempt inveterate fans of desktop products. This is the most complete embodiment of a web product that we've ever seen. " — Electronista.
preliminary findings
iWork for iCloud impressed me. Quick at work and in response to user commands, even in the frame of a pleasant and intuitive interface - if it is the future of web applications and the first Apple move towards cross-platform "cloud" tool, I think we can state with full responsibility that we are still moved into the post-computer era.
The fact that all your projects are stored in iCloud, it means that you can now work with them on a variety of devices: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Macs and Windows-based computers - using the program or the Web. I'm pretty sure that in the future, Apple will add these applications and collaboration tools - to the company it already has a number of key technologies.
— Jonny Evans, "Yabblogolika Blog»
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I'd add that iWork for iCloud program really work very quickly. The implementation of the interface - is beyond praise. Even forget that it all happens in a web browser window. While from a functional point of view, all three programs still leave much to be desired. Ideally I would call a situation where iWork would have the same set of tools on a Mac, iOS-devices and Ayoblake - personally I have not I was able to understand how you can work effectively over some documents, spreadsheets or presentations, constantly switching between Mac and IPads. Constantly interfere restrictions iOS-versions. But as far as possible to bring the functionality of the package on all three platforms, only time will tell. — AJ