MacFamilyTree and MobileFamilyTree bring family history alive on Mac and iOS

Synium Software has released MacFamilyTree 7.0 and MobileFamilyTree 7.0, brand new versions of its acclaimed family history software for Mac, iPhone and iPad. Both MacFamilyTree and MobileFamilyTree are built from the same architecture, sharing the majority of features as well as a practically identical user interface.

Both versions gain significant new features and improvements in version 7.0, including redesigned user interface, improved source management tools and iCloud integration for keeping research backed up and in sync between computers and mobiles. In addition, MacFamilyTree 7.0 gains high-definition maps for the first time with an improved Virtual Globe chart.

The user interface has been overhauled in both apps, transformed into a more user-friendly affair. This has been joined by a completely redesigned Edit Mode in order to speed up navigation. Other improved editing features include a new Associated Persons option, improved source management and a redeveloped (and more robust) person merge. In addition, MacFamilyTree 7 gains a global search and replace function for quick and easy corrections of misspellings.

Online features have also been beefed up, with iCloud integration added for the first time as a means of conveniently keeping data both backed up and in sync across Mac and iOS. Mac users also get the option of storing their data in a Dropbox folder instead for backup purposes. Both apps also take advantage of the new FamilySearch.org search and share tools -- unlike competing packages, FamilySearch.org is completely free to use.

New charts include Virtual Globe 2.0 in MacFamilyTree, which provides users with access to high-definition maps on a global scale, linked to the entries in the user’s Places database. The Virtual Tree navigation view has also been rewritten from scratch, offering better reliability and performance. Other improvements include a new Name Distribution chart and the ability to apply the interactive chart view across all charts.

A new Plausibility Report helps point users to potential problems and errors in their tree, while users can now navigate directly to a person’s edit screen simply by clicking their name in a report.

Other improvements in version 7 include the ability to import media more quickly without any loss of quality, a built-in Backup Manager tool (MacFamilyTree only), better overall performance and improved lookup for map co-ordinates along with better GEDCOM import and export options.

MacFamilyTree 7.0 is available as a function-limited demo for Macs running OS X 10.7 (Lion) or later. The full version retails for $59.99, but until July 31 all users can purchase it for the upgrade price of $29.99. MobileFamilyTree 7.0 has a MSRP of $14.99, but the same upgrade offer applies, with users able to purchase the app for $7.99 until July 31.