Tag: Bento »

Well-known Mac developer FileMaker (popular for personal database apps, FileMaker and Bento) has just released a new version of its database software for the iPad, Bento 4 for iPad. The new version includes new features to the app related to templates, the new iPad's retina display, and more.

This update seems to rely heavily on how Bento is displayed on the iPad. One major upgrade is a one-tap linking to the Bento Template Exchange. This will give users access to hundreds of free templates to use on their own databases. Keeping up with the template theme, the new version has added design tools to let users customize their own templates, create forms, and organize their information. Since the new iPad has a brilliant, Retina display, this new update also includes 40 different themes that are optimized for the new display. New screen views (Table, Split, and Fullscreen), calculations, encrypted fields, and GPS locations have also been added.

Like previous versions of Bento, Bento 4 for iPad can be synced with Bento 4.1 for the Mac. Until the end of July, Bento 4 for iPad will be available for $4.99. After that it will raise to its regular price of $9.99.

Users of the popular database application FileMaker now have a new way to access important information while away from the office. The freshly launched FileMaker Go app for iPhone and iPad allows businesses and individuals to connect to, view and update a database using a local wireless network or via a Wi-Fi or 3G internet connection.

Databases shown in FileMaker Go are largely identical to their desktop equivalents, with any changes made via the app instantly written to the server. Available on PCs and Macs, a FileMaker database still needs to be created on the desktop but this new application will offer a greater degree of flexibility to users, especially those with remote sales teams. FileMaker databases can also be accessed via email, file sharing services like Dropbox and Box.net and can also be downloaded from the web and launched in FileMaker Go. Databases can also be added via iTunes file sharing on both iPhone and iPad.

As an extension to the existing FileMaker product you would perhaps expect FileMaker Go to be a free application, but the company has other ideas and is likely recouping development costs with a $19.99 price tag for the iPhone version and a hefty $39.99 for the iPad. Of course, the product is primarily aimed at business users who will likely foot the bill for the improved functionality offered. For the consumer, FileMaker also offers Bento for Mac, iPhone and iPad which is probably the best bet for non-business users.