02/06, 10:30pm
Helps identify, overcome bottlenecks in code
FileMaker-based solution developers have often debugged and optimized their products mainly by intuition -- looking at a bit of code and trying out alternative ways to accomplish the same thing until it works better, particularly when they are revising solutions that have been developed for clients over several years. A new product by 24U called FM Bench promises to introduce optimization through code analysis and bottleneck identification, saving time.
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02/01, 2:40pm
MediaDevil to launch keyboard covers
On February 14 FileMaker will be hosting a web seminar designed to teach participants how to use their current database in a mobile setting. The session will focus on both user interaction and system architecture, and will show how screen design, lightweight schema and hybrid development techniques can be used to improve productivity. Two one hour sessions have been scheduled, the first will take place at 11am EDT and the second at 2pm EDT. Registration is open for both and can be completed online.
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01/24, 1:00pm
AFC gains new color options
MonkeyBread Software has launched a new version of MBS FileMaker Plugin, its collection of tools for FileMaker Pro. Version 2.5 now contains 765 different functions, including new CURL functions to enhance upload and download capabilities. Additionally, the update includes new CUPS functions for querying printers and print jobs, canceling print jobs, and sending data to a printer. A free trial can be downloaded from the company's website, while licenses start at $150.
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01/18, 8:15pm
Virtual Programming seeks beta game testers
Until March 22nd, customers who purchase FileMaker Go for the iPhone or iPad will qualify for a 50 percent discount on the retail price of FileMaker Pro. To receive the discount, customers must complete an online proof of purchase form within 30 days of downloading FileMaker Go. The promotion is limited to one discounted purchase, and only applies to a full download license of FileMaker 11. FileMaker Go for the iPhone and iPad can be purchased through the App Store for $20 and $40 respectively.
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01/03, 1:05pm
Software on sale since 2008
Apple-owned FileMaker is announcing that Bento, one of its database apps, has topped 1 million in sales. The figure represents a combined tally for all three editions of the software, including the Mac, iPhone, and iPad releases. The first version of Bento was launched for the Mac in January 2008.
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12/01, 12:55pm
MacPractice software adds Lion support
FileMaker has release The Bento Christmas Kit, a free tool for organizing Christmas plans. Included in the kit is a 30-day trial of Bento 4, as well as Cards and Labels, Party Planning and Gift List templates. Together the templates allow users to organize a number of items, including mailing addresses, gift budgeting, party lists, and more. In addition, the three templates provide full support for both iPhone and iPad versions of the Bento databasing software.
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11/01, 12:45pm
Alien Skin outs Blow Up 3
FileMaker is currently running a special two for one promotion on all purchases of FileMaker Pro 11. The offer will remain available until December 15th and applies to Full, Education and Non-Profit versions of the software. The promotion is also being extended to retail purchases, allowing customers to receive a free second license by filling out a mail-in rebate. A free trial can be download through the company's website, while a full license retails for $300.
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07/20, 10:00pm
Fixed unexpected server-close errors, more
Stellar Data Recovery is expanding their lineup of data-recovery tools with the Stellar Phoenix FileMaker Recovery repair utility, a program for Macs that promises to repair and recover otherwise-inaccessible data from corrupted FileMaker databases. The program can recover files corrupted by the unexpected closure of a server, the deletion of auto-enter calculation fields or operating system issues.
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06/03, 1:10pm
Glass extension released for Safari
Comm-Unity Networking Systems has announced the launch of CNS Image 1.5, an updated version of its FileMaker tool for working with images stored in container fields or on a hard drive. The plug-in allows users to perform custom imports and exports, change image formats, apply filters, and more. Version 1.5 is a complete rewrite of the plug-in, which fixes several issues and adds a Server Edition for use with FileMaker Server. The update also removes the plug-ins dependence on QuickTime, and has replaced original convert function with a new one featuring simplified width and height parameters. Version 1.5 is a free update for anyone with a 1.x.x license, while a new single user license for the client versions costs $65. Alternatively, a 10-user license for the server edition can be purchased for $319.
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05/24, 2:50pm
Deal expires with WWDC
Apple's FileMaker division is offering a temporary discount on upgrades to FileMaker Pro 11. Under the terms of the deal, owners of the company's Bento personal database software can upgrade to Pro 11 for $149, or 50 percent off the software's normal price. Pro differs with more control over aspects like appearance, automation and connectivity.
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05/24, 11:15am
Objectify development tool released
FileMaker has announced that the early bird registration discount for the 2011 FileMaker Developers Conference will end on June 17. The conference, which is set to take place at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel between August 2nd and 5th, will feature more than 60 FileMaker sessions, as well as a new FileMaker Go track. Conference attendees will learn how to build professional databases, extend solutions to the web, and deploy custom solutions for iOS devices. Early Bird registration for the event costs $1,595 for a regular pass, while the Gold Package featuring an all-inclusive 4-day pass runs for $1,949.
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05/05, 2:25am
Task manager, contact statuses, bug fixes
Filemaker-based photography business software Light Blue has announced a free upgrade for existing customers to version 3.1, which features significantly improved handling of calendars and calendar data, contact status flags, a new task manager, custom workflows that can be attached to orders automatically, better exporting, picture thumbnails and improved scheduling intelligence with regards to rescheduling and order invoicing, among other improvements and fixes.
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04/20, 6:00am
Also adds AirPrint, PDF options
Apple-owned FileMaker has released major updates of its FileMaker Go apps for the iPhone and iPad, bringing them up to v1.2. In both cases the apps now support FileMaker charts, which can assume bar, line, area or pie form. Chart data can be pulled from FileMaker Pro, or else through SQL. Reports created with FileMaker Pro 11 can be viewed and edited in Go.
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03/22, 3:00pm
TeleNav hybrid navigation tech
TeleNav has launched a new hybrid navigation technology that can allow users to navigate using either real-time data sent over a wireless network or through data cached on a device. Applications that incorporate this new technology will be capable of automatically switching between the two methods, which will help to ensure users always have access. While over-the-network navigation will provide additional features and real-time data, on-device navigation will still offer turn-by-turn directions to business, local landmarks, and addresses. TeleNav will first be made available through the AT&T Navigator app for the iPhone, with other select applications set to gain the technology in the near future.
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03/16, 10:20am
Geotagging added to field options
FileMaker has announced Bento 4, an update of the company's personal-level database software. Several significant upgrades have been made, most notably the ability to export data alongside templates, meaning that pre-populated databases can finally be loaded by other Bento users. When creating a database, people can now assign geotagging to data through a location field type.
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03/09, 2:00am
Combination personal and financial organizer
SoftTech Solutions UK and Application Systems have announced the release of a North American version of myLifeOrganiser, a Filemaker-based organizational program that combines personal information like an address book and calendar along with basic financial recordkeeping and calculations, medical and health record storage, pet information, vehicle records and a document organizer that handles scanned documents like warranties, insurance records, tax files and other documents, all in one program.
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01/11, 4:35pm
Deal expires in late June
Apple-owned FileMaker has launched a special promotional offer for its database software. Beginning today, people buying FileMaker Go can get FileMaker Pro for $149, roughly half the the latter's normal $299 pricetag. The deal applies equally to the iPhone and iPad versions of Go, which cost $20 and $40 respectively.
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12/14, 10:35pm
Add-on gives Layout Mode a visual design makeover
ISO Productions has released Theme Studio for FileMaker Pro, allowing users and developers a more visual way to design FM layouts, incorporating Filemaker's own options into a design program stocked with common UI elements for Mac, Windows and iPhone layouts. The software is a successor to the company's previous Theme Library and represents both a new approach and new distribution model for additional design resources.
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12/08, 9:25pm
Available for Mac, iPad, iPhone, PC
Geist Interactive have released what they believe to be the first commercial in-app extension to the new FileMaker Go for iOS devices, GoSign. The add-on does not require any internet connection, other application or server to work, capturing signatures using a finger or stylus in any FileMaker Go workflow.
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12/08, 11:45am
Teaches pushing databases to and from Go
Apple's FileMaker division has added FileMaker Go training to the official Technical Resource Kit. The new module teaches people how to optimize FileMaker Pro databases for use and viewing on iOS devices. Some specific topics covered include calculations and scripts, as well as sharing Go data with other mobile apps.
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11/10, 8:30pm
3D and 2D charts, runtime option for FM7 and up
Dacons has released ChartFire, a FileMaker plug-in for Mac and Windows that brings full chart-making capabilities to the database program for the first time. Users can produce 3D and 2D pie, bar and line charts from an unlimited number of data series and adjust charts dynamically. Finished charts are created as PNG or JPEG images which can be stored within a container field or exported.
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11/10, 1:00pm
iOS to be important component
Apple-owned FileMaker has opened up registrations for the 2011 FileMaker Developer Conference. The event is scheduled to run from August 2nd to the 5th, and will take place at a new venue, the Hilton San Diego BayFront hotel in downtown San Diego. FileMaker is expecting an audience of at least 1,000 people to attend, split between corporate and independent developers.
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10/26, 8:35pm
Adds Applescript, Windows Script support
Monkeybread Software has updated their MBS plug-in for Filemaker to version 2.1, improving webview control on database forms, adding PDF support, porting functions for string editing and allowing users to hide the desktop, allowing for kiosk-style presentations. The software now claims adding a total of 432 functions to Filemaker.
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09/22, 9:30am
Allow in-app photo capture
Apple's FileMaker division has posted a new version of FileMaker Go for the iPhone and iPad, v1.1. The app lets users update FileMaker Pro and Server databases, locally or remotely, and over Wi-Fi or 3G. New is the ability to generate PDFs of reports, invoices and other documents from within the app, which can then be saved or e-mailed to others.
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08/02, 4:20pm
Dracoventions updates FileMaker plug-in
To celebrate its third anniversary, Readdle has announced a special discount on all of its products. The sale, which technically began August 1st, is set to last for 48 hours in total and reduces the price of every Readdle app, including ReaddleDocs and Calendars, to $1. The company is also giving away three iPads to Twitter followers. To enter the giveaway customers must first download any Readdle title, then follow the company on Twitter and retweet a special message. The contest will remain open until August 7th, after which three random winners will be selected.
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07/30, 6:50pm
Create plug-ins using ScriptMaster modules
360Works has introduced ScriptMaster 4, an update to the FileMaker plug-in. The utility is designed to handle web services and file manipulation, while providing modules for URL or network utilities and event/script triggering. The latest version of ScriptMaster now provides 81 different functions, in addition to major speed and stability improvements, enhanced documentation, and multiple bug fixes. It also adds the ability to load and share modules on the network, or send push notifications to iOS devices.
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07/20, 9:35am
Provides remote access to FileMaker databases
As hinted on Monday, Apple-owned FileMaker has today released FileMaker Go, in the form of separate iPhone and iPad apps. Users can update FileMaker Pro and Server databases over local or remote networks, using either Wi-Fi or 3G connections. Databases can alternately be transferred using iTunes File Sharing, e-mail or the web, including filesharing sites.
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07/19, 9:35pm
App said to be slated for Tuesday release
File Maker Inc, an Apple subsidiary, is set to launch two mobile apps, both titled FileMaker Go, for the iPad and iPhone platforms, according to an AppleInsider report. The apps will provide tools for remotely viewing, editing, or searching content contained in FileMaker Pro databases.
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06/22, 9:50pm
New iWeb themes from iWeb Themes Park
Troi Automatisering has launched an update to its Troi File plug-in for FileMaker Pro. The plug-in can be used to access information outside the FileMaker Pro database, allowing users to collect data from files or manipulate content. Version 5.0 is now fully compatible with both FileMaker Pro 11 and Windows 7, while also adding support for FileMaker styled paths.
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05/04, 3:35pm
Includes free specialized templates
Apple-owner FileMaker has released a new version of the Business Productivity Kit, a free download, updated for FileMaker Pro 11. The software includes a variety of database templates, covering different aspects of running a business. Incorporated in the Standard Edition of the kit are templates for contacts, products, suppliers and inventory, as well as processing orders and tracking projects.
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04/02, 9:20am
Takes advantage of space, adds new themes
Although having technically released the app on Thursday, Apple-owned FileMaker has only now formally announced the availability of Bento for iPad. Like the iPhone and Mac apps, the iPad software is used to view and edit personal databases. Included are 15 field types, and 25 templates, for tasks such as recipes and time-based billing.
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03/22, 11:40am
New additions mostly positive
MacNN has reviewed FileMaker Pro 11, a significant if not major upgrade of the Apple-published database software. New to the program are several features, such as Quick Find and Snapshot Link. The most essential change is the addition of charts and reports, which can be added to layouts or published to the web.
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03/09, 11:15am
Joined by matching Advanced, Server software
Apple's FileMaker division has launched FileMaker Pro 11, a major update of its Mac and Windows database software. The primary addition is that of charts and reports; the former can be based on pie, bar, area or line designs, and inserted into layouts, and/or published to a website. Quick Reports output "spreadsheet-like" data, according to FileMaker, with calculated totals.
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01/19, 12:50pm
Two weeks left in Bento upgrade promotion
Until January 28th, an upgrade version of Bento 3 can be ordered for $20 less than the regular price. Bento is a personal database application from FileMaker that organizes important information into one place. Users can further personalize the way data is organized by using customizable forms. The special upgrade promotion is available to both Bento 1 and 2 users, and can be applied to a single license or a family pack. Prices drop to $30 for a single license, or $80 for the pack.
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01/13, 1:55pm
Contact and Customer Manager now available
FileMaker has launched the Contact and Customer Manager, a new collection of templates for Bento 3. The pack includes three free templates for FileMaker's database software, specifically aimed at businesses. Users can keep track of clients and their associated information, such as calls, meetings and tasks, which are linked into iCal.
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01/04, 10:35am
New Bento leaves some tweaks remaining
MacNN has reviewed three recent releases, beginning with Bento 3, FileMaker's personal-level database software. The program is described as easy to use, with upgraded features such as new views and encrypted fields. Some flaws still remain however, including problems with syncing back to Address Book, and changing font color or size in individual fields.
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10/07, 9:00am
Follows week after desktop upgrade
As promised, FileMaker has released an updated Bento iPhone app at the App Store. The app is a scaled-down version of the desktop Bento software, and lets users create a variety of databases covering material such as contacts, events and media files. Twenty-five templates are included, and databases can be synced with Bento 2.x or Bento 3. Bento for iPhone 1.0.3 fixes compatibility problems with Bento 3, and costs $5.
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09/29, 9:30am
Personal database app gains major update
Apple-owned FileMaker has released Bento 3, a major new edition of its personal database utility. The software now includes iPhoto integration, which allows users to associate extra information with images. Photos can be linked with any material in a database, such as events, contacts or projects.
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08/31, 7:00pm
Snow Leopard compatibility
In brief: With the release of Snow Leopard, developers are trying to ensure their software continues to function properly under the new architecture. In the last couple of weeks, updates with "Snow Leopard compatibility" have been pouring in. Blackmagic has released compatibility updates for its Multibridge, DeckLink, and Intensity applications, and AssitiveWare has updated five of its accessibility tools. Meanwhile, Comm-Unity has stated that all of its FileMaker Pro 7+ plug-ins will work under Snow Leopard, and only CNS Image has a few minor glitches that should soon be fixed.
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08/23, 11:20pm
FMTouch discounted 60%
FMWebschool's FMTouch software for the iPhone has won a FileMaker Excellence Award from a pool of over 1200 members. The app will be offered at a 60 percent discount to celebrate the win. FMTouch allows users to load FileMaker databases onto an iPhone or iPod touch. Guides for style, scripting and calculations can be used to create new databases. The resulting database is then iPhone-ready and stored directly on the device, providing full access even without an Internet connection.
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08/06, 2:05pm
InBloom 2.0 ships
Retail consignment software InBloom 2.0 is now shipping. The major update to the FileMaker-based software has added Twitter integration, customized and PDF printing along with new architecture for quick upgrades. Twitter support allows the software to quickly launch availability updates for popular products. The software focuses on resale support for small businesses, with inventory management, customer management, point-of-sale and check-printing capabilities while being networkable and customizable.
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08/05, 2:40pm
fmDataGuard 2.0 ships
WorldSync is now shipping fmDataGuard 2.0, with configurations providing anywhere from a 50-200 percent speed jump. fmDataGuard uses FileMaker Pro software for regulatory audit trail compliance, logging all data views and changes and provides instant data rollback. It also offers quick recovery from a crash or corrupted files. fmDataGuard 2.0 works with the audit log requirements for regulatory mandates like Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA and Gramm-Leach-Bliley, among others.
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07/27, 6:30pm
FMSmallBusiness 1.4.1 out
CampSoftware has included 31 updates in its FMSmallBusiness 1.4.1 release. Most of the changes are user-requested additions, including support for common documents and copying to the clipboard. FMSmallBusiness (FMSB) is based on the FileMaker Pro database platform and geared toward running a small business, with tools for tracking contacts, calendars, schedules, activities, projects, documents and more. The software works with Mac and Windows systems or the iPhone, along with most web browsers, and can be configured for single- or multiple-user configurations on up to 250 workstations.
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06/16, 11:05pm
Bento update, new featuers
FileMaker has announced Bento 1.0.1, an update to its mobile personal database for managing contacts, coordinating projects, and tracking bills, as well as the launch of its Bento Template Exchange. Bento for the iPhone (and iPod touch) offers users a portable database to store information ranging from birthdays to home expenses, and provides 25 pre-designed templates to start. Bento mobile can sync with the desktop version or work as a standalone, and includes integration with the address book, dialer, Safari browser and e-mail in-box. The newest version of Bento adds compatibility for the iPhone OS 3.0, and is said to resolve customer-reported issues relating to data entry, stability, and data displays.
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06/16, 9:45pm
Mailit 4 plug-in released
Dracons has released an update to its e-mail plug-in, Mailit 4. The software is used to extend FileMaker's text messaging capabilities, enabling management of e-mail content. The update can retrieve e-mail messages using the IMAP protocol, and is designed to handle simultaneous outgoing messages. V4 can also attach any kind of container-field data types such as images, video or FileMaker layouts.
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06/12, 5:00pm
ScriptMaster 3 update
360Works has released ScriptMaster 3, an update to its FileMaker plug-in that handles file manipulation, web services and shell scripting. The latest version contains a redesigned user interface, and new modules such as Crop Image, QuickTime frame capture and URLDecode. New functions let users retrieve size information, create a ZIP archive or run syntax checks on XML tests.
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06/08, 11:45pm
FMGreet launced
In brief: PoweryBase is currently looking for several testers to help with the beta version of its newest iPhone application. NotifyMe is designed to allow users to enter items to be reminded of later and that note will then be displayed at a designated time using the push notification feature in the iPhone 3.0 firmware. FastMac has announced that it is now offering a new "Not PC" T-shirt as a response to recent Microsoft advertising. A sale is also currently being on offered on other T-Shirt models and for a limited time customers can get free shipping by using a special promotional code. Meanwhile, a new social networking site for FileMaker developers has been launched. FMGreet was designed as a tool to allow Devcon attendees to communicate with other developers at the event and around the world. The site provides messages boards, and a special section for instructors to post notes from their presentations at Devcon.
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05/12, 3:00pm
Group effort scanners
Three companies, Fujitsu, FileMaker Inc., and Acordex, have combined resources in order to target the low-cost, high-speed document scanning market. The companies have integrated Acordex's DocKeep Pro with FileMaker Pro 10, to help produce high-speed scanning using Fujitsu's fi-6130 and fi-6140 document scanners.
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05/06, 9:25am
First Look: Bento iPhone
With its tiny keyboard, the iPhone might not seem like the best platform for building a database. But FileMaker says it has found a way to exploit the iPhone's interface, multi-touch gestures and Wi-Fi capabilities to make Bento for the iPhone as useful as its desktop counterpart. The result is an app that has many, but not all of the capabilities of its full-sized sibling.
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05/05, 9:00am
Bento for iPhone released
Apple's FileMaker subsidiary on Tuesday made a trio of announcements related to the iPhone, including a mobile version of its Bento personal database software, a free update to its Bento 2.0v4 desktop application for wirelessly syncing to the iPhone app, and a new tool for FileMaker Server 10 to create iPhone-friendly websites for FileMaker data. Bento for iPhone and iPod touch enables users to view, organize, create, and search for data easily on their mobile device as well sync that information to their Mac using Bento 2.0v4 (available separately). The portable version of the application, is now available for download for US$4.99 from Apple's App Store, while Bento 2.0v4, a free update for existing v2.0 users, is available on the Web.
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