Pixelglow Software updates Instaviz, launches free lite version

Source: iTunes.
Instaviz 2.1 screen.

Pixelglow Software today launched Instaviz 2.1 to support Apple's iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and the iOS 9 update. The intelligent diagram sketcher now works with iPad multitasking in both Slide Over and Split View modes, allowing users to run another app at the same time. The developer also launched Instaviz Lite, a free app that showcases the core sketching features of Instaviz.

"Our customers absolutely love our rebuilt Instaviz 2, giving us 75% 5-star reviews since our relaunch in June," says developer Glen Low, winner of two Apple Design Awards. "With the new free Instaviz Lite, even more users will see how easy it really is, turning doodles into diagrams."

Instaviz users create formal diagrams by beginning with rough sketches of shapes, typing in some text, then linking the shapes together. Instaviz and Instaviz Lite neaten and rearrange them as the users work. With the paid app, the users can refine their ideas with different fonts, colours, styles and shapes. The diagrams can be shared on the paid app in different formats and through different channels, including email, message, print, AirDrop, and a number of popular social networks such as Facebook, Flickr, Pinterest, Twitter or WhatsApp.

"This is the best simple visual thinking, simple diagramming or back-of-the-napkin thinking app available for the iPhone and iPad," said Dr George Huba, a prominent mind-mapping and healthcare advocate. "And, unlike the napkin you draw on at lunch, diagrams from the program can look good enough to use in books and professional journals without further enhancements. And unlike those napkins, the diagrams from Instaviz come without ink smears, coffee cup rings, and grease stains from errant French fries, freedom fries, chips, British fish and chips, sweet potato fries, tempura, or pizza!"

Instaviz is built on two key technologies: Recog and Graphviz. Recog is a new shape recognition library. Trained on over 2,500 sketches drawn by real users, Recog uses advanced fuzzy logic and sophisticated geometric algorithms to recognize sketches in a split second. Graphviz is an automated graph layout engine. The industry standard for automated graph layout, Graphviz represents over 20 years of AT&T information visualisation research.

Interested?

Download version 2.1 of Instaviz or Instaviz Lite

View a collection of Dr Huba's mind maps

Watch the associated video

Download the PC/Mac companion app, Instavue (Instaviz app on a mobile device required)

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.