7 June 2015

iOS conceptualisation tool Instaviz 2.0 debuts

Pixelglow Software, which focuses on developing intuitive business applications, has launched Instaviz 2.0. Released in December 2008, Instaviz allows users to visualise, refine and share ideas and concepts, and is one of the most popular diagramming apps on the iOS platform.

Source: Pixelglow Software. Click on the image to view a larger version.

Instaviz is regularly seen in the Top 100 Business Apps list at the App Store, and over 17,700 copies have been purchased, Pixelglow says. Users have rated it three-and-a-half out of five stars at the App Store.

"Here's what I like about it," said Terry White, Worldwide Design Evangelist for Adobe Systems. "I don't have to worry about picking tools to draw the various shapes. I have a tool right here: it's my finger!"

Users start by sketching some rough shapes, adding some text, then linking the shapes together. Instaviz neatens the shapes and arranges them elegantly as the users work, turning them into coherent diagrams that can be customised with different fonts, colours, styles and shapes. The work can be shared through email, messages, or AirDrop, as well as on social media such as Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp.

Version 2.0 is a major rewrite of what the company says is the first iOS diagram sketcher. Diagrams, mind maps and flowcharts can be shared more easily with the new version, said Australia-based Pixelglow Developer Glen Low.

"I've always seen Instaviz as an extension of my mind," Low said. "When I have an idea or relation in my head, I want to get it down quickly without fussing about where to place the concepts, or getting stuck in endless popups and modes. In pursuing that seamless experience for all users, I've rebuilt the app from the ground up over 4.5 years to create this new version."

Low has revamped the user interface and included help demo videos for the upgraded app. New features include:
  • Fresh graphics, icons and toolbars
  • Improved layout, text, animation, interaction and rendering
  • Enhanced font, colour and style settings
  • Sharing through email, message, print, over-the-air and social media
  • Help demo videos
  • Support for iOS 7 and 8
  • Compatibility with iPhone 5, 6, and 6+ screen formats

Instaviz 2.0* is US$7.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store Productivity category. Existing users can upgrade for free. Multiple languages are supported, including English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), and Japanese.

Interested?

Purchase the app

*Device requirements: iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPod Touch 5G or better; iOS 7, 8 or better; 4MB of space.