In todayis MACWORLD NY Keynote, Apple introduced a number of changes to the iTools service weive been familiar with for some years now. Along with several new features and a name change, the new .Mac service has been switched to a pay-service. According to Appleis press release shortly after the Keynote:
Available immediately, .Mac’s powerful set of sharing, protection and communication tools include:
- Mac.com email, a robust email service that includes 15MB of IMAP/POP mail storage, secure access to mail, virus protection and a brand new web-based interface;
- iDisk, 100MB of Internet storage that is built into the Mac OS X Finder and also accessible from Windows or Linux machines;
- HomePage, Apple’s easy-to-use web site creation tool that allows users to publish an elegant web site in minutes;
- McAfeeis award-winning Virex anti-virus software to help users minimize the risk of viruses; and
- Backup, a personal back-up solution that allows users to archive data to their iDisk, CD or DVD.
Along with Jaguar, .Mac users will also be able to publish and update schedules and events with iCal, the new calendar and organiser application, as well as Mac Slides, a screensaver that other Jaguar users can access.
.Mac is available as a subscription-based service for $99.95 a year. If you already have iTools , youill have a free trial period of .Mac until September 30th, and are eligible for a reduced subscription of $49.95. You can also sign up for a 60-day free trial from Mac.com.