My mom often accused me of not being able to learn from my mistakes. Years ago, I got burned by giving a date for a feature we were adding, and I promised myself I would never do that again. Then a couple of years later, we pre-announced a deadline for finishing work on our Ancestry integration, with mostly the same result. So, of course, I still haven’t learned my lesson, and once again tried to guess a release date in advance, this time for RootsMagic 8.
RootsMagic 8 is the biggest upgrade in our software’s history. I usually just say something like “it will be done when it is ready” and leave it at that, but we began telling folks that we hoped to have it out by the end of this year (2019). It seemed like a safe estimate, but like those other times this has bitten me, I underestimated the effects of outside influences on our development.
I underestimated the number of times we would have to stop work to fix breaking changes made to APIs that version 7 uses. I underestimated the number of times we would have to rewrite libraries we are using in RootsMagic 8. To be honest, I never thought we would have to actually rewrite commercial libraries from scratch because of their deficiencies, but we have actually had to do that multiple times. I also underestimated the amount of time tracking down bugs in other company’s libraries to help them fix issues that negatively affected performance in version 8.
So, where are we now? RootsMagic 8 won’t be released by the end of the year. And if you ask me for a new release date, I’m not going to say. But here’s what I am going to do…
Several months ago, we started doing blog articles with screenshots. But writing them pulled us off of actual software development, and were less than satisfying to you as a user. We want to do a better job of keeping you up to date on where we are, so I have recorded a 30-minute video below to show you precisely what RootsMagic 8 looks and feels like. As development continues, we’ll try to release more videos (although probably not this long) to keep you in the loop.
We know many of you can’t wait to get your hands on RootsMagic 8, and we are excited to be working on it. We just want to make sure that when we release it, you can depend on it working right.
And if you’re adventurous, we are still looking for more beta testers of all backgrounds to help us make version 8 the best it can be.
I want to thank you personally for your patience and understanding. Hopefully, you can see from the video the extent of the improvements and work that we’re putting into this release. We’re really excited by the feedback that we’ve received so far and we hope that you’ll find it worth the wait.
I can understand your frustration at trying to give a release date and having many customers unhappy. I appreciate the fact you want to release a product that is up to the standards and workmanship of your current product, Roots Magic 7. Granted I am disappointed that we have to wait till the next year, as well as many others, but I can wait for the majority of the “bugs” to be fixed. Thanks for your honestly and the fact that quality comes before speed. Will still be waiting for Roots Magic 8 when it is the excellent product that you envision
Great work Bruce – honesty and integrity.
Like the new look and easier navigation. Moving To Do List items and Research Manager items into the new Task list on upgrade will be interesting.
Great overview. Thanks for your hard work and noticeable improvements. It is refreshing to see a new version software with actual improvements instead of just moving the same thing to prettier screens. Looking forward to the release … hopefully early next year.
People views showed the sorting feature for given names pulled up given names with the letters selected. Can it be set up for the surname too? Many family surnames are spelled slightly different and it would be great to have my Gerrard/Gerarde/Garard soted out together. I’m sure this is a common issue.
So appreciate you updating us on what is happening. It’s always a trial getting a new and greater version going and letting us know what is going on is completely welcome. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the update. I’m a believer that good things are worth waiting for. I’m a long time user and love RootsMagic and look forward to RM 8.
Good things are always worth waiting for! I especially appreciate you doing everything you can to work out bugs–even when they are someone else’s. (Unlike some software companies we all know!) I am certain I will be ecstatic when 8 is ready! Thank you so much for your hard work and sharing your creativity with us!
Thanks for the video. I am disappointed that RM8 will not be released this year as promised. I am a Mac user and run RM7 under Parallels so do not have any issues using RM7. I just upgraded my Mac OS to Mojave so am in no hurry to upgrade to Catalina as I do not want to buy Parallels 15. I have Windows and Parallels on my Mac so I can use RM. I will be glad when Mac version of RM8 is finally released. It was exciting to see some of the new features.
So with the delays, does this mean Roots 7 users might have another chance at getting Roots 8 at the reduced price? Just wondering because I missed the deadline.
Reply: Any purchase of RM7 on our website will include a free RM8 key.
Renee, RootsMagic
I like the look of Roots Magic 8 immensly
However, I saw no mention of syncing with Ancestry.
Will this still be possible?
Rely: RootsMagic 8 will continue to work with Ancestry.
Renee, RootsMagic
Just watched the RootsMagic8 Work-in-Process Update and thanks for a great preview. I have a concern that I want to share with you that may have an easy explanation and is not an issue. But during development I am thinking it may be useful to you. The entire 44 minute video was out of focus on my display. This is a 4k resolution display so virtually everything else is razor sharp, so the problem seems to be unique to this video. Just FYI.
Thanks a lot for the video, it was very helpful. A question and a suggestion:
1) Where are the “tools” located? I use “set relationships” and “relationship calculator” all the time. Are they still in RM8 and are they easily accessible without having to click on many menus first?
2) Would it be possible for us to “play” with RM8 loaded with fake data (like you do in the video) so we can decide BEFOREHAND whether to upgrade or not? I don’t use enough of the features to want to be a beta tester, but I do have specific concerns due to the way I use RM currently (both the way I display it and how I access/input the info) so I would really like to EXPERIENCE it for myself without risk to my data if I decide not to upgrade (because you can’t possibly address everyone’s questions and concerns on a video). Perhaps let us download a time-limited version? or post a “play” version online? Thanks.
Had my own business writing custom software for small businesses. TOTALLY understand and support your efforts! Just keep everyone informed of progress. I use RootsMagic and love it!
I love RootsMagic and have been with it from the beginning. I just hope I can wait for the release of 8.0.
I use a Mac and had avoided upgrading my system software because it meant that the upgrade would not work with the current RM7. But recently I had a serious problem and I HAD to upgrade. So no more RM on my Mac.
Fortunately I do have a Mac Laptop and at still works on my laptop. I have turned off any automatic updates for this laptop. I just hope that RM7 comes out soon.
As a dedicated RM user, I thank you so much for your efforts to keep everyone informed. I cannot imagine all the challenges that you face as you try to create the perfect genealogy database. Just keep on doing what you do and when it is ready, I will be right here waiting!! Meanwhile, I have tried a few other products, just to see for myself what’s out there!! Nothing compares, IMO!! You all are the best!! Sending best wishes for your continued success!!!
I really like Roots Magic! You’ve done an excellent job on the software. I keep telling people about it. Keep up the great work and thank you for your diligence.
Impatient as I am for the final release, I so appreciate your candor that trying to predict a release date is really difficult and can be more disappointing than helpful. Managing expectations is really important. I’ll sit on my hands and be patient. 😉
if this has been addressed sorry.
will you be able to do more than one task at a time. so if i am importing from family search will i be able to do other work. and have you fixed the locking up when importing large files from family search.
Bruce,
I’ve been a loyal user of your products since Family Origins. Will it be possible to turn OFF the home screen?
Will Roots Magic 8 allow you to search for people using their FamilySearch PID#?
Bruce, thanks ever so much for the hard work you and your team are putting in on RM8. Thanks also for the “feature length” 🙂 video of the new screens. I have two questions/concerns at this point:
First and foremost — I rely heavily on the icons to the far right of the person’s name in my database (especially the Family Search icon).
*PLEASE* don’t tell me that I’m now going to have to go to a search screen and then type the name I’m working with all over again. Since FamilySearch can have multiple people name John Smith — how in the world are we ever going to be able to quantify the individual we are looking for from a search screen without reentering almost that person’s entire biography?
Second — I saw where RM8 will allow us to type in user names and password for Ancestry, Family Search, and Family Heritage. Oh, I do so hope you will allow us to type in and save our Dropbox login so I don’t have to keep retyping this information every time I close RM and choose to backup my work (which I admit to doing quite often). I sincerely hope you have implemented a way for us to save our Dropbox login.
As with the other comments, you just keep plugging away — we all want to be at the finish line together and I’d rather have you turn out a really good product on RM8 Day 1 and not have to do an Apple fix of RM8 SR1, SR2, SR2a etc all within the first week because they couldn’t get it close enough before they released the next OS or whatever.
Thanks again for all your hard work
Dale (KF8DLD) in Jones, Oklahoma
Just as I continued to use Family Origins (the best there was back then) until you had RootsMagic ready, I will continue to work happily with RM7 (the best there is now) until RM8 (future best) is ready. I appreciate you and your integrity so much. You can’t rush Magic!
Thanks for not releasing a product until you can work out the “BUGS”. Better to wait for a workable product than one that will cause the user problems. Just keep us updated.
I’m psyched. By the way, the emphasis in the word Barn-stable is on the 2nd syllable. So, say “BARN-stubble”.
🙂
Appreciate your culture of quality over an artificial deadline.
There are two sayings pertaining to this subject:
You never have time to do it right the first time, but you always have time to do it over.
In the wine business: no wine before its time.
Be sure to take time to enjoy the Thanksgiving and December holidays!
Of course, I’m disappointed, but I understand. I am certainly excited for the eventual release of RM8, but I can wait. Take whatever time needed to produce an excellent product. Please, continue to give us updates on your progress. I have enjoyed the news releases about the update.
I love Roots Magic.
I sincerely hope version 8 will allow LDS ordinance data to appear under the “facts” section of individuals in a *separate (not pull-down) box* where they appear in proper sequence, rather than listed by date of performance as they are now, interspersed among other life facts. This is especially important in the case of proxy ordinances, which often appear in very random order when listed by date. This would:
– allow the ordinances to appear in the proper order, regardless of date of performance, just as on FamilySearch.
– make the completion status of ordinances much easier to ascertain at a glance,
– obviate the need to pull down a separate window to see the ordinances in proper order (as is the case at present).
– obviate the need to insert a phony “sort date” to put the ordinances in some logical sequence–an unnecessary and time-consuming task.
That said, I think you are doing a fabulous job with this excellent database, and I am quite sure Version 8 will be an equally excellent improvement. May I ask that you please consider my suggestion as you are finalizing the new version. Many thanks to you for your hard work on a truly meaningful project of great service to your fellow beings. If all software developers in the world were engaged in equally meaningful projects, what a wonderful place cyberspace would be!
TI would rather wait and get a good product then get defective software that causes endless frustration.
Thank you for the update. I would much prefer that you take the time required to launch a solid program. The end of the year is not that far away so not a problem.
I agree with the other comments.
Two questions.
Will the dashboard be able to slip out of sight like the current index panel? Or configured to be back up in the seemingly empty header panels like in version 7?
I did not see a description field in the person edit screen. Did we lose that? Where will the data I put into the description field go and what will happen to my sentence structures?
For myself, take your time, I’m old, but I can wait until you say it’s ready for me to get. I’ve used your program since you first began selling it and got it at Salt Lake. I still like it and will be happy with the new help, so get it done on your time schedule, whatever it is. Said…I can wait.
Your satisfied customer,
Billye D.Cleveland Jackson
Appears to be incredibly well designed and executed. Really looking forward to it.
All good things come to those who wait. Would rather you take your time and have all the bugs worked out. Thank you for the update.
I echo the chorus of support to take the necessary time to release a quality product. I like what I’m seeing in your early sharing of RM8, knowing that even those might change. It’s good to see a good friend doing well. What you are doing is very important and worthwhile. It’s rare to see trustworthy tools that help so much these days. Best wishes in your work.
RM8: As a RM user since 2012, I just want to be sure that Search is more robust & responsive, and specifies the file where each search result is found. Also, to search specific files (for example, research log, death location, etc.). Thank you.
I started using the PAF program in the late 1980’s and am still using it. Reason is I still require the use of the MRIN numbers to help catalog or file my information. Several years ago, I asked Roots Magic to give me the opportunity to use these numbers with the Roots Magic, but was told that would NOT be done. Right now I still use both programs, but would prefer to use just ONE of them. However with NO MRIN numbers available on Roots Magic, I will still have to continue to use my old PAF program. Not sure what the big hang up is, and it doesn’t make sense to me. With the use of the MRIN number, I can within a few minutes find someone and I do have 4 notebooks full of individuals. I know that no one is trying to keep the PAF program alive, but mine still works. I know that you probable will not honor my request and that is your privilege, but ??? I also know that Roots Magic has a lot more features than the old PAF. Gene Algrim, Kansas
Had a chance to view the video and have some questions:
1. When RM8 comes onboard what happens to the source templates that a user created with RM7. Will you be able to create sources from the general template group as in RM7?
2. You did not discuss graphic charts (wall charts). Will there be huge changes as well? Will there be different styles available, i.e. fan chart, ancestor chart where the main person is centered and not way over to the right for instance?
3. What is the purpose of event groups (like Civil War)? If person served, I would just enter the event in the respective person’s edit timeline page.
Thanks for the overview of RootsMagic8, Bruce. You and your team do a most amazing job.
I really like that list of names being available on the left side of screen – it makes jumping between individuals really easy. Now I see from the video that it is going to be hidden away inside the works of the programme. It will take 2 or more clicks to get to it! When now it is no clicks as it is “right there”.
Can there please be an option to drag it out to where it was positioned in RM7? As most folks probably have wide screens these days, screen real estate shouldn’t be a problem.
Maybe it’s about time to cut our losses and say goodbye to working with online Tree API’s (since they are changing them more often and have their own set of issues) and just use a web clipper or back to copy and paste to transfer data. Believe me, we survived before without TreeShare and FamilySearch integration. I personally would not shed a tear. Rootsmagic has enough features to satisfy and can stand on it’s own. It’s a great program without the integration. Web hints is fine to keep and perhaps further development is possible to organize them better so we are not chasing BSO’s. Thanks for your efforts but I just think it’s going to be an ongoing battle even when RM8 does get released. FamilySearch gets an itch or has an issue, time for another update, Ancestry.com gets an itch or has an issue, time for another update, etc., etc., etc.,. Not to mention Windows and Mac updates. Oh, My! BTW, I work in the IT field and I know the havoc constant (almost weekly) patching has on an operating environment whether it’s enhancements or bug fixes. Anyway, best wishes. I love the layout and really see the improvement over past versions. Thanks for the video and looking forward to it’s release.
Apple has given the computer world an AquaVelva slap and ruined time frames for many vendors; you can’t be blamed for that.
Nice intuitive interactive changes.
You may want to rethink the icon and theme style and add some color back in; monochrome is hard on the eye for hours, reminds me of Microsoft Office.
Because I don’t think it can be said enough, Thank you for the update, please take your time and we understand the delays. Better to be done right, then rushed.
Good to know about the video–I will use it with our User’s Group here in Great Falls, Montana, Bruce. Thank you for your excellence in software development. You are THE BEST.
Just get it right, then I will be happy
I have been a RootsMagic user since the first version when I called with questions and actually spoke with Bruce. Through the years the program gets better and better. Very evident that Bruce and company aren’t just about making a profit, but really care about the users and giving a great program with all kinds of support. We are all anxious for the new version, but we will wait patiently, confident that Bruce and company will provide a great product.
I appreciate your update. Having worked on the user side of software development I know how unexpected things can happen. I also hope people understand that despite rigorous testing, there will be bugs in the beginning. I like the way RM8 looks in the video. The ability to move around without opening and closing so many windows will be a much better experience. Also love the ability to re-use the same citation.
I can wait!
For MAC users (since RM couldn’t be bothered publishing it)
The following are two updates from the Codeweaver website on Crossover 19 availability (this version should allow RM7 to run on Mac OS Catalina).
In short, the Alpha version was released on 31/10/2019 and the first beta was released on 15/11/2019. Codeweaver aspire to have a production version released by then end of 2019.
https://www.codeweavers.com/about/blogs/jwhite/2019/10/31/announcing-a-first-alpha-build-of-crossover-19-for-macos-catalina
https://www.codeweavers.com/about/blogs/jwhite/2019/11/18/crossover-19-is-progressing-well-and-is-now-in-beta
Just got around to watching this; thanks for keeping us informed. Although I’ve been at this a long time my original data was typed, not entered as in a program. I’m still learning the ups and downs and it appears it may be easier to learn a little (a lot) more with this update.
Started with Family Origins. Thanks!
Thank you for the frank and honest update. The video is very helpful to see the progress.