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Internet and Mobile Trends, and Rumors of the Next Mobile Gadget
When I published my book Turn Your iPad into a Genealogy Powerhouse (and tablets too!) some folks in the genealogy
community asked me if I really thought there were many family historians out there who would use an iPad or tablet.
My emphatic answer was “yes,” and as I travel and speak to live audiences around the U.S. and internationally they prove me right. It’s amazing how many tablets are carefully pulled out of bags and fired up when my presentations begin.
To put the increase in mobile device usage in perspective, check out this cool infographic on the mobile trends of 2012.
Of particular note is the dominance of the iPad over the iPhone and iPod. And while “iPhone” is a household term, Android smartphones far outsell them.
Bottom Line: Mobile is here and throwing its weight around.
And if genealogists have proven anything, it is that they are often leading the pack in using technology to accomplish their goals. (Tap into the newest genealogical tech at the upcoming RootsTech 2013 conference. Get more info here.)
And what can we look for in the future? Here’s an article about some rumors being whispered about the next big mobile gadget. Shhhhhhhh….
RootsMagic App for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch Now Available
The folks at RootsMagic were gracious enough to allow me to share the impending RootsMagic app with my readers in my book Turn Your iPad into a Genealogy Powerhouse. The wait is over and now the app is available for free to everyone. Here are all the details from their press release:
SPRINGVILLE, Utah. — December 17, 2012 — RootsMagic, Inc. today announced the official release of RootsMagic for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; a free companion app to RootsMagic, the award-winning desktop genealogy software which makes researching, organizing, and sharing your family history easy.
Your Family Tree at Your Fingertips
“We’re very excited to bring RootsMagic right to your iPhone and iPad,” said Bruce Buzbee, president. “Not only is this one of the most-requested features from our users, but it is the perfect next step in our mission to simplify family history.” The app provides many useful features including:
- Access your actual RootsMagic files via iTunes or Dropbox – RootsMagic for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch uses your actual RootsMagic files- no conversion needed. You can copy as many files as you want right on your device via iTunes or Dropbox. Users of other genealogy software such as PAF, Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, and others can convert their files into viewable RootsMagic files using our free desktop software.
- Easily search and explore your family tree – Familiar Pedigree, Family, Descendant, and Individual Views help you quickly explore your family tree. You can also search for specific people by name or record number.
- View pictures, notes, and sources – All of your RootsMagic data is available inside the app. Touch any name to see more information about that person as well as family members. All of a person’s information is there including notes, sources, and pictures.
- Lists – Browse lists of your information and view more information about sources, to-do items, research logs, media, addresses, repositories, correspondences, and places.
- Tools and Calculators – useful tools to assist you in your research including a perpetual calendar, date calculator, relationship calculator, and soundex calculator.
New Features and Platforms to Come
“We see this as our first step into the mobile world,” said Michael Booth, vice-president. “We’re interested in seeing how people use this app and evolving it to meet their needs.” A version of the app for Android devices will be available in the near future.
Available Now
RootsMagic for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch is free and now available in the Apple App Store. It does require the RootsMagic desktop family tree software or the free RootsMagic Essentials software to create, edit, or add to your genealogy files. More information is available at http://www.rootsmagic.com/ios.
Search Tips for Finding Tricky Names and Spellings in Ancestry.com and Google
Even the simplest of names can be subject to creative spelling over the centuries. In this video, Ancestry’s Crista Cowan takes on the challenge saying “Misspeld knames are a commun problem for geneoleogy reeserchors.”
If you are fairly new to researching your family history the video provides an introduction to the evolution of spelling, names, and the soundex. More advanced genealogists may want to jump in around the 10 minute mark to quickly tap into Cowan’s tips such as:
- Wild card search
- Ancestry’s filters
- surname translations in search results
She also provides a helpful tip on re-setting Ancestry’s filters to the default position (16:40 min.). When you have run a search using filters, and you want to start fresh on a new search, click the “match all terms exactly” and then uncheck it. This action will clear all the filters previously used.
Name Challenges in Google Search
Common surnames and surnames that double for as common words in the English language (i.e. Green) can also wreak havoc in Google Searches. One way to deal with the problem is to use the minus search operator. In the case of the surname Green, you might try:
GREEN FAMILY TREE -ECOLOGY
Removing the keyword “ecology” from your search query steers Google away from that meaning of the word “green.” Genealogy Gems Premium Members can view the video and download the handout of my Common Surname Google Search Strategies class in the Premium Membership area of the Genealogy Gems website.
Become a Member today for a full year of access to Premium podcast episodes and videos here
