iWork '11 may send Keynote slides to Apple TV

iWork '11 and possibly the mobile suite may have a way of sending Keynote presentations out to the Apple TV, an e-mail message reputedly from Steve Jobs said this weekend. A fan asking if he could send Keynote presentations to the media hub from an iOS device or a Mac was told that it could all be released in the near future. "It's all coming soon," Jobs said in the message obtained by TUAW. "Stay tuned."

The message implies that AirPlay is likely involved and may explain why iWork wasn't unveiled at the same time as iLife '11 at the "Back to the Mac" event last month. Using the feature would require iOS 4.2 on mobile devices and possibly more Mac OS X components as well, both of which would have prevented a same-day release like that for iLife. Wireless presentations through the Apple TV would be unique in the industry; wireless video is possible through technologies like Intel's WiDi but doesn't actually send the content to a remote device or currently work with a handheld. Other Apple TV rivals like the Boxee Box or Roku Internet Players don't support any similar feature.

If accurate, Apple could release a mobile iWork update as soon as iOS 4.2 is ready, though iWork '11's timing in the desktop isn't as clear. Rumors have circulated that Apple has been waiting on the availability of the Mac App Store to sell iWork. As the portal was only due to arrive within 90 days of the "Back to the Mac" event, Apple may not have it in stores until early next year.

By Electronista Staff