Extra keys and Extra Keys Pro are updated to version 3.0.1.
This a very minor update with bug fixes and other small code changes, no other alterations. Due to the bug fixes, all users are recommended to update to this version.
Android Plant Base version update
There is a small update for the Plant Base Android app – version 1.43.
Some minor bug fixes and slightly improved handling of menus. There are no other changes.
The new APK file is available for downloaded from the website.
Online Plant Database is no longer available
Our free online Plant Database has now been withdrawn from the website.
This is rather a shame as it’s always been very popular, but the time has come when we need to rationalize our resources.
If circumstances change in the future then it may be reviewed and possibly re-implemented. However, for the time being removing the online section makes a considerable saving on website support.
Online Plant Database to be withdrawn
Our free online Plant Database will soon be withdrawn and removed from the website.
It has been freely available for over 16 years and is still heavily used. However, although the plant information has been updated in sync with the Plant Base software product, the pages and back-end database are really due for a major refresh. Unfortunately we don’t have the resources to continue support of this free service. All advertising was removed several years ago and voluntary donations have been non-existent (no surprise), therefore the service has been personally funded.
Android Plant Base on Amazon Fire tablets
Amazon Fire tablets are relatively low cost cost and very popular. Since the first models it has been possible to run the Android edition of Plant Base on Amazon Fire tablets (then called Kindle Fire). We have recently tested the latest version of the Plant Base app on a 7th generation Fire 7. It installs and runs perfectly and we have no reason to doubt that it will work equally well on newer generations and other model variants.
Android Plant Base updated version
An updated version of the Plant Base Android app is released – version 1.42. Also a new version of its File Support app – 1.07.
This update has several bug fixes, mostly to resolve issues introduced in the previous version due to the larger changes required in adapting to newer Android releases. There are no other major changes.
Android Plant Base New Version – now FREE
An update for the Plant Base Android app is now available – version 1.41. Also a new version of its File Support app – 1.06.
The new versions resolve the problem of installing on the latest Android versions. They have been tested up to Android 14.
Android Plant Base not available on Google Play
The Plant Base for Android app and its small Data Support helper app have been removed from the Google Play store.
This is due to a restriction introduced by Google a little while ago and which comes into full enforcement in a few days. Although this change was introduced for the sake of improved security, it has an unfortunate impact on the Plant Base app. Compliance with the new standard would make the app unworkable as it conflicts with the basic design. Plant Base is very unusual because the app opens a large on-device database in a dedicated separate folder. This is no longer allowed for apps on Google Play, so there was no choice but to remove it from the store.
Extra Keys for Linux
Been a long time coming but finally here! There is now an Extra Keys for Linux.
Just one edition equivalent to Extra Keys Pro on Windows. There is no ultra-simple basic edition as I didn’t feel it had much appeal on Linux. Also I first made this Linux version primarily for my own personal use and I mostly use the Pro edition. The only significant difference from the Windows edition is that it does not have the option to type into a named application window, it just enters characters into the active window exactly the same as the physical keyboard.
Plant Base Android now free for licensed users
The Android edition of Plant Base is now free for all users who already have a licence for the other editions. The APK for the app can be downloaded from the website after entering the licence code as validation. The app is then “sideloaded” onto the phone or tablet (instructions for the sideload install are on the web page).