Bee Docs Timeline 2.6 - Released!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Today I posted the 2.6 update to Bee Docs Timeline. This update contains a lot of “housekeeping” improvements that I wanted to get in there before turning my attention to the next major release. As usual, there are also some new fun features in the update.
I was happy to have Gary C Martin involved on this release to help me work a little more 3D magic. A few of our professional customers from film and broadcast television have requested a way to export video timelines with the background as an alpha channel (transparent). This would allow them to layer the 3D timeline movie on top of custom graphics using tools such as Final Cut Pro or Motion.
To do transparent backgrounds correctly was no easy task because wanted to make sure the feature supported motion blur, semi-transparent chart backgrounds, lighting effects, etc... However, we’ve done it in 2.6 and made subtle improvements to other aspects of the 3D rendering while we were at it.
We are working on a new demo video to show off some of the potential of this new feature. In the mean time, if you would like to try it, look for the “Include Alpha Channel” checkbox in the QuickTime export panel. Keynote does a good job of layering transparent movie files if you don’t have access to professional video editing software.
Our automatic importer for Things has been a popular feature since we added it last month. We also received feedback from other customers who are fans of another task manager called The Hit List by Potion Factory. So we have added an automatic importer for The Hit List is this release.
The Hit List was included in the recent MacHeist sale and has been getting rave reviews on Twitter so check it out. Whether you are using Things or The Hit List to manage your tasks, we hope you enjoy the integration with Bee Docs Timeline.
In the housekeeping category, saved document sizes up to about 40% smaller now if you are using lots of images. Also, PDF exports can be compressed which makes them more appropriate for sharing via the web or e-mail. There are some subtle improvements to the typography of date ranges. I’ve also modernized some of behind-the-scenes processes. For example, movie export is better at using disk space efficiently.
Version 2.6 is a free upgrade. So please use “Check for Updates” in the “Timeline 3D” menu or download Bee Docs Timeline today!
12 Comments:
Any chance of OmniFocus integration too?
Dek,yes that is a possibility. It seems to me that the design of OmniFocus downplays the use of due dates in favor of sequence...
However, I am open to building an OmniFocus importer. If anyone else would use this, please send me an e-mail at Adam at BeeDocs.com
Thanks!
I have recently become a fan of The Hit List and am a long-time fan of Bee Docs Timeline, so I really look forward to trying this out.
ps Brilliant!! It works like a charm and gives a really good sense of my work load for the next few months. Well done and thank you.
I'm also interested in importing from OmniGroup applications. Regards, Tom.
Dear Adam, I just update it, 2.6, but I locate an automatic importer of the hit list from the starter panel. Could you help solve it?
Dear Adam, I just update it, 2.6, but I can't locate an automatic importer of the hit list from the starter panel. Could you help solve it?
The Hit List only shows up in the importer list if it is installed on your machine. You can download it from potionfactory.com
Dear Adam,
I have just downloaded the demo version and noticed the Things integration which is nice. I thought I would try this as I have a well used and established Things thing happening. But upon hitting Configure, after waiting for some time, no collections appear in the dialogue box and I get an empty Timeline. As far as I know I have an ordinary Things installation and it is up to date.
Thanks
Robert Anderson
Robert, for specific help like this please send us an e-mail to (info at beedocs.com) and we'll do the best we can to figure out what is going on. Thanks!
omnifocus, yes!!!
Omnifocus!! :)
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