Synium Software, a developer of Mac OS X software, has released a new version of its flagship app, MacFamilyTree. The genealogy application lets users create family trees and display them in multiple ways. The product is shareware and costs $49.95.

According to the release notes for MacFamilyTree 5.6, the new version adds a fresh Virtual Tree, a new palette to directly jump to near ancestors or descendants, drastic performance enhancements, by using multiple processors / cores when available, much improved 3d alignment, especially in complex scenarios, as well as the ability to display pictures of persons directly in the 3d tree when available. Additionally, the software can only show partial subtrees within a database now. Many more enhancements have reportedly been made.

MacFamilyTree helps users document, store, and display information about their family. They can draw and print family trees, lists, cards, heritage charts, descendant charts and genograms. Mac users can also include multiple partners and people in the same relationships, while data is exported as HTML to build a web page, with many more export options being available. The GEDCOM 5.5 is the native file format.

Those looking to make use of Synium Software's genealogy program will need to pack an ATI Radeon 7500, or GeForce 4 MX Graphics Card, or an Intel GMA 950 (or better). MacFamilyTree runs on Intel or PowerPC-based machines under Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later. Readers can check out a demo version of the desktop software, as well as the iPhone / iPod touch client (v1.5) using the links available at the bottom of this piece.

MobileFamilyTree, the iPhone client, is a companion application for MacFamilyTree, which helps users gather genealogy data whenever they want. MobileFamilyTree allows them to view, add and edit information and synchronize everything with the MacFamilyTree database on their Macs. Everything is done over the air, while the app requires a fully licensed installation of MacFamilyTree 5.2.3 or newer.

Download MacFamilyTree (Update / Demo / Buy)

Download MobileFamilyTree via iTunes App Store ($4.99)