New database engine keeps files in original format

DEVONtechnologies has released updates to its information manager and note-taking software, launching DEVONthink and DEVONnote 2.0. DEVONthink manages documents, messages, notes and bookmarks, while allowing users to annotate PDFs and cross-references documents to track relationships between them. DEVONnote can be used to write notes in plain or rich text and clip data from documents and web pages. It provides options for searching or finding similar items, while integrating a web browser within the interface.

DEVONthink 2.0 can now import and display Microsoft Office files, while also adding support for OpenOffice and iWork. The software can synchronize databases between local Macs, or any Internet-connected Mac using MobileMe or another WebDAV server. The synchronization module is progressing and expected soon. An iPhone/iPad client is also expected soon, which will allow users to transfer selected parts of DEVON databases to their device, view and search them on-the-go, and add new documents to the databases.

Both updates feature interface upgrades, with new icons for different groups and a new tag view with smart tagging. Advanced Boolean and proximity operators are new, as well as complex search terms, smart groups and unlimited undo/redos. The company has expanded support for common file formats, while a new database engine stores files in their original format.

DEVONthink and DEVONnote 2.0 require Mac OS X 10.5. DEVONthink starts at $50 for the personal edition, while DEVONnote can be purchased for $25.

by MacNN Staff