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FileMaker, Inc. launched a new thin client called “FileMaker Go” for the iPhone and iPad on Tuesday, July 20th. This is exciting news because it means that FileMaker databases can now be easily accessed while on the go.
This client application will be able to open .fp7 files which are the same files that can be opened with all versions of FileMaker Pro since version 7. FileMaker Go was completely re-written from the ground up, so that it will fully take advantage of the native features of the platforms that run it… features such as interface gestures and orientation flipping to match device orientation (via accelerometer), as well as the on-screen keyboard.
After testing this application out on an iPhone, it’s clear that most of the functionality that was inherent to databases we have in-house (ones that were developed without the iPhone or iPad in mind) still work properly out of the box. Your FileMaker databases will be displayed in much the same fashion as websites do on those platforms. They will scale down (if necessary) to fit the screen, and can be zoomed-in on simply by pinching the screen.
Databases can be copied to the iPad or iPhone via iTunes, or even downloaded through email attachment/weblink, and you can even connect to hosted databases using WIFI or 3G service. Once in, you’ll be able to view, add, edit, and even delete records the same way you would normally do so from your desktop client. FMI has really done a great job developing this new client!
There are a few things that won’t work, or work differently from its desktop counterpart. Most of those are documented here. There are also some sessions scheduled for this year’s DevCon where you can find out some of the nitty gritty details about it.
Check out the official site for links to the new products on the App Store.
2 Comments
Thanks for the update on FileMaker Go. Another tool in the FM arsenal to make database information more accessible to the masses. Your summary review was helpful, thanks.