MacWorld 2008: Third-Party and Keynote Predictions

This is part five of a five part series leading up to Macworld.

Third Party and Keynote Predictions:

Microsoft Office 2008: Microsoft Office 2008 packs a punch as the first Intel Native version of Microsoft Office. it also for the first time supports a Mac native interface that looks quite a bit like iWork (make of that what you will.) It still lacks some widely wanted features such as proper exchange support, but overall, Microsoft Office 2008 is a change for the much much better.

Intel’s Silverthorne Chip: This chip will actually be announced at CES, but is expected to be put to use in Apple’s ultra-portable notebooks. The Silverthorne chip will take less power, allowing for good battery life in the sub-notebook.

Boom! Given the nature of the announcements I’m expecting at MacWorld this year, I’m not expecting much in the way of “Boom!”s this year. “Boom!”s usually only happen when there is something speedy happening. This year is going to be all about new products and demos. We will hear a couple of “Wooo!”s, however, as the audience will give loud and long applause for at least one of the products or improvements announced this MacWorld.