It’s been a while since we’ve seen a major update concerning iLife, which makes it that much easier to believe this new rumor that it’s coming in August. Not just that, but it’s also said to have a brand new application. The rumor also declares the death of the iDVD, improvements to iPhoto Faces and Places, a totally renewed iWeb, and more. Jump past the break for details (and our thoughts, of course).

Apple today released an update to iMovie, their video editing program that’s part of the iLife suite of applications. The new version fixes a problem where attempting to open projects with a file size of 0KB would cause iMovie to quit unexpectedly at launch. Version 8.0.2 also addresses a problem where full-screen mode could not be accessed on some systems.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, so why not get creative with your Valentine’s gift? With iLife there are so many possibilities for you, but we’ve got one other idea, too. Skip the sappy card and over-priced chocolate, and create something your Valentine will never forget.

One of iPhoto ’09′s key features is Faces, which uses face detection and recognition to organize photo albums by face. This may not be the highest on people’s “want” lists for iPhoto ’09, but it certainly is a cool idea. You want to look at photos of John? Just click on his snapshot on the corkboard. Personally, though, I’m having trouble finding it useful in most practical situations.

When Phil Schiller unveiled the new Faces features in iLife ’09 at the Macworld Expo 2009 keynote, my first thought was of my wife. “It’s going to confuse her with the wrong person,” I thought, “and I’ll have to hear about it for the next three weeks.” Well, that wasn’t the case. iPhoto ’09 seemed to understand the problems it could cause and decided to err on the side of caution when seeking her face in my iPhoto library. But is it easier to identify door knobs than my wife’s face?

Having issues with GarageBand ’09? Then you’ll be happy to hear that Apple issued an update for it today. Nothing too major, but any issues users may have experienced in relation to downloading lessons should be fixed now. In order to get the update, just run Software Update from the Apple system menu and follow the prompts, or get it directly from Apple’s support site.

GarageBand ’09 is one of the three apps that received major updates in iLife ’09. This year, Apple has set its sights on music teachers with Learn to Play and the Lesson Store. Now with GarageBand’s help, you might finally learn how to play the guitar.

Today, Apple officially released iLife ’09, which includes iMovie ’09. They also pulled their free download of iMovie HD for iLife ’08 users. I guess it’s time to move on. The last time Apple updated iMovie, they were met with much opposition from users over the radical redesign of the video editing tool. To keep more »

We reported yesterday that iLife ’09 orders have been prepared for shipment. Apple has now officially announced that the program suite will be shipping January 27. Those who have purchased a new mac since January 6th qualify for the iLife ’09 Hardware Up-to-Date Program, allowing them the opportunity to upgrade to iLife ’09 for $9.95 + tax.

Just a quick heads up to anyone who ordered iLife ’09. Depending upon when you placed your order, it may already be on it’s way to you. Apple promised late January, and it couldn’t get a whole lot later. Let’s just be thankful it’s on time.