MobileFamilyTree for iPhone and iPad sports new user interface, AirPlay support
Synium Software has released a major update to its Apple mobile family history app with the release of MobileFamilyTree 7.1. Aside from gaining an iOS 7-inspired facelift, the app also adds AirPlay video support, rebuilds the interactive tree from scratch and includes a number of other major and minor tweaks and improvements.
Despite the major changes, the app remains free to all existing users, while new users can take advantage of a special 50 percent off promotion and purchase the app for $6.99 before March 31st.
MobileFamilyTree 7.1 debuts with a brand new, completely redesigned interface that mimics the flat iOS 7 look. The redesign affects every single view, and Synium promises that all list views are now more readable and easy to navigate. Another navigation improvement makes moving between functions simpler thanks to a single continuous list.
Version 7.1 also introduces AirPlay support, which allows users to display their interactive and virtual trees, as well as any charts and reports via projector or TV. This feature requires an AppleTV or software AirPlay receiver capable of supporting AirPlay mirroring.
The program’s main navigation tool -- the Interactive Tree -- has been rebuilt from scratch, promising improved navigation, in-place data entry (simply tap an individual to select them, then tap the Edit button) and the ability to zoom into and out of the tree using the pinch gesture.
A new Statistics Maps feature allow users to see where ancestors lived the longest or married earliest, while a new slideshow feature lets users see their ancestors' living places worldwide using detailed physical or satellite maps.
Data entry has also been enhanced through a cleaner layout and improved keyboard navigation, while users can now mark individual people, events, families or sources as private, which can then be excluded from charts, reports and exported GEDCOM files, which are configurable as of version 7.1.
MobileFamilyTree’s FamilySearch integration has been improved, gaining TreeShare certification in the process and revamping the FamilySearch user interface. It also comes with the promise of improved performance when using the FamilySearch compare view to match ancestors in the user’s tree with potential matches on the FamilySearch website.
Other tweaks include an improved database browser and startup screen, the ability to have narrative reports read using the Text-to-Speech function, improved help and documentation as well as unspecified performance improvements.
MobileFamilyTree 7.1 is available now for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch running iOS 5.1 or later. Its MSRP is $13.99, but can be purchased for just $6.99 -- a saving of 50 percent -- before March 31st.