Filemaker 12 Release

Filemaker has just issued a huge new release, Filemaker 12.  Aside from the slew of typical upgrade improvements in speed and functions, FM12 focuses heavily on the user interface and its already standard-setting iOS integration.

 On the UI end of things, FM12 takes a great big leap towards matching typical web interation graphics, and even offer a very respectable set of free templates and themes to show off the design options. If you hate ugly databases, then you've got to check out FM12.

The other big improvement is FM12's much tighter integration with Apple's iOS platform, used on all iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads. Not only do the layouts and functions hold up perfectly, but FM12 now also takes advantage of common iOS tools such as cameras, geolocation, and more -- allowing users to 'grab' device data on the fly.

Those two upgrades, plus some very nice work on the Container fields (for images, audio, files, etc.) and long overdue Charting improvements, and it's clear that FM12 is a must-have upgrade for existing Filemaker users.

However, keep in mind that FM12 is not backwards compatible, so don't upgrade your current client licenses until you've also converted your current solution too. (Easy to do, just don't forget.)

You can go grab (buy) your copy here. Upgrade price for the normal client license (Mac or PC) is $179. Full license $299. The iOS licenses however are now absolutely free, so now there's no excuse at all to not share your Filemaker database on any or al of your devices at the same time.

New iPhone & iPad Database Resource.. on Facebook.

Filemaker set up a handy new online resource for all of its iPad and iPhone database developers, pro and amateur alike. Instead of putting it on their own site though, they started up a Facebook page instead. Odd, but perhaps just a sign of the times. Handy probably come to think of it, since most people are checking their FB feeds more than anything else.

Anyhoo, it looks pretty useful. Packed with demos of how developers are creating Filemaker solutions for the iPhone/iPad combo, tips, videos, links, and of course, updates.

Go check it out by following this link, and if you're so inclined, you too can be a Filemaker Facebook Friend.

Filemaker Go in the real world: Acorn Car Rentals

Filemaker Go is increasingly becoming the little app that could. Although Filemaker Go is technically nothing more than just another thin-client version of Filemaker Pro, its iPad and iPhone 'platforms' are making all the difference. Pushing full fledged Filemaker solutions onto a set of hugely popular mobile devices is proving to be a real game changer in Filemaker's reach.

This is more and more obvious every day. Every single Filemaker user we know is moving their solutions over to their iPads, or at least thinking about it seriously.

Filemaker Go works anywhere, even Down Under

Here's a good case in point, Acorn Car Rentals. An Australian firm that arranges for rental cars after an auto accident. As soon as Filemaker Go came out, they dropped their costly bug-ridden mobile system, and replaced it with their already proven Filemaker ERP, but now accessing it anywhere in the field via Filemaker Go and their iPads. Click here to find out more.

iPad2 Announced - Faster, lighter, thinner

As expected, Apple announced its second generation iPad earlier today in San Francisco. Poor health notwithstanding, Steve Jobs made an appearance to weave his well-known reality distortion field, and hype about all things Apple and iPad. Fortunately, the good news was not just an illusion. The iPad2 is more than just an upgrade. Redesigned from the ground up, it is (as advertised) considerably faster, slightly lighter, and a third thinner than its predecessor. All the while, keeping its 10-hour battery life.



There are too many new or improved features to cover here, and besides, Apple explains it all better, complete with photos and videos. Go check it all out here.

The new iPad2 also sports a colorful array of Apple-designed iPad covers, custom built to work in tandem with the new iPad2 design. Simple, clever, and a good idea for anyone who detests smudges or scratches.

The new iPad2 is available in its original black and silver (go Raiders!), or entirely clad in white. US buyers can get their early adopter fix for as little as $499 starting March 11th. The rest of the globe can partake towards the end of March.

Although the iPad2 got all the coverage, of perhaps more import to the millions of existing iPad and iPhone users is the pending iOS 4.3 software update. The nice thing about the iOS updates, is that they're free, but you still feel like you've got a new toy.