Shrubs 2.0 is a genealogy program for the Apple iPhone and iPOD Touch. This program will allow you to carry your genealogy database in your pocket or purse.
The display of information in Shrubs 2.0 is mostly text-based; there are no pedigree charts or other graphics. However, it does seem to work well with rather quick display of data. The program creates indexes of individuals, indexes of marriages, and a list of individual and family events (with sources). You can display any of the indexes and touch any line of data. Shrubs 2.0 then displays the detailed information about that person, marriage, or event.
Shrubs 2.0 will work with most any modern genealogy program. You maintain your database in your favorite genealogy program but export the information as a GEDCOM file. All modern genealogy programs can create GEDCOM files.
Transferring the data to Shrubs 2.0 is a bit involved as you use the built-in Safari web browser in the iPhone/iTouch to import the GEDCOM file. There are essentially two different methods of performing the import:
- You can upload the GEDCOM file to a web site that you have access to and then use the Safari web browser on the iPhone to download that file and import it into the iPhone.
- If you have a wi-fi wireless network, you can place the GEDCOM file on a computer on that network and make it available to other systems on the same network. You then connect to that network with the iPhone or iPOD Touch and use Safari to open the GEDCOM file. Shrubs 2.0 will then import the information within that GEDCOM file.
Shrubs is limited to importing a 4-megabyte GEDCOM file.
Shrubs 2.0 sells for $9.99 and is available through the Apple App Store. To download it, open the App Store application on your iPhone or iPOD Touch, touch SEARCH, and then enter a search term at the top of the screen of SHRUBS (you can enter that in either upper or lower case). When I did that, the App Store found two applications named Shrubs: one about genealogy and one about the plants of the Santa Monica Mountains. Obviously, you need to select the genealogy program.
After reading the description, touch the price of $9.99 and then follow the instructions that appear on your screen. Shrubs 2.0 will then be downloaded and installed onto your device.
Shrubs is available in both English and French versions. It should be able to read a GEDCOM file created by any modern Windows, Macintosh, or Linux genealogy program.
Additional information can be found at the Apple App Store as well as at http://software.benoitbousquet.com/view.php?app=shrubs.
