Visualizing the ideas that you have in your brain is a tall order. Many of us creative types tend to carry around pads of paper and gravitate towards white boards to jot down our thoughts and scribbles.
A really helpful tool to extract exactly how our ideas might become an actual “thing” is by using mind mapping software, which basically lets you create a cloud of words, ideas and thoughts that can connect to one another.
A service that will be entering beta soon called Exobrain could become the killer tool to take the mind mapping concept to the next level. Not much is known about the service, other than it was created by Colin Dunn and Nick Gauthier, and is still in development.
There's a demo that you can play around with though to see if this is something that might float your boat. Personally, I was blown away and want it right now:
This video will give you a good idea of what you can do with Exobrain:
The service promises to store all of your maps in the cloud, being accessible from anywhere. If you’re a creative nerd like I am, this is a service worth signing up for.
iVinnyApps is pleased to announce the release of iBrainstormer 1.1 for iOS. iBrainstormer is an app that allows people to visually gather ideas in the form of a mind map. The app allows users to build their map in a fluid predictable fashion anywhere they are. The reasons for using a mind map to organize your thoughts are endless, but the biggest one is the invaluable ability to see your train of thought in an organized manner from start to finish.
Dropbox is essentially used as cloud storage for the users maps. You can easily link your account to the app and begin uploading and downloading mind maps.
Printing is a feature that many other mind mapping apps lack. iBrainstormer is setup to fit your mind map on to a sheet of letter paper with a small buffer on the edges of the map.
If your mind map is "to big" for printing paper then you can save it as a pdf to dropbox or by emailing the pdf in the app. The emailing feature includes the ability to email as a picture, pdf, or ".bsmm" file. A ".bsmm" file is the native file format of iBrainstormer and if the email is opened on another device that has iBrainstormer installed then the recipient will be able to open and edit your mind map as well.
The Bump feature makes this app pretty unique. For those who are unfamiliar with "BUMP", it is a technology that allows two devices to literally transfer information by bumping them together. The mechanics are unimportant, suffice it to say it allows for quick on the fly collaboration between to people working next to each other.
iBrainstormer is constantly being updated. The help feature is 2nd to none. The app has a tab where users can view tutorials and submit questions and view answers. I have a release coming out with a full on color picker to allow for more node color options.
A simple feature that users find helpful is that any new node takes on the color of the parent node. In the same place that the color can be changed the user can enter a start and end date plus some notes. Notes can just be extra text that you don't want to clutter the mind map with or just details about clients, tasks, etc.
Users will find that if there are any complaints I will nearly immediately remediate it minus the review time Apple takes, which is about a week or so.
iBrainstormer 1.1 is $1.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Productivity category.
Inventors of Mind Mapping and specialists in creative thinking, ThinkBuzan Ltd, today announced the release of the new version of their flagship Mind Mapping software, iMindMap 6. With a strong focus on stimulating visuals and intuitive features, the new software is designed to inspire innovative thinking and fuel creativity.
A tool for all thinking tasks, from brainstorming to project management and presentations, iMindMap 6 enhancements include brand new 3D environments, a new fully customisable presentation builder with rotating transitions, inbuilt flowcharts in 2D and 3D, a new WayBack feature to allow for revision control and many new formatting options.
“We’ve made everything more visually stimulating, streamlined and flexible” says Head of Desktop Development, James Carr. “Although all the new features get an equal share of our affection, 3D is something we’re particularly proud of because it’s simply unmatched. Our 3D editor takes Mind Mapping software to a new creative space and there is nothing else like it, anywhere.”
iMindMap 6 is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems and is fully compatible with the iMindMap iOS and Android mobile apps for users with a subscription. Launch offers include high discounts for existing users and free subscriptions to iMindMap Freedom if purchased by August 10th 2012.
“With iMindMap 6, we didn't want to clog the workspace with complex features that users don't need and will never use more than once. What we’ve tried to create is something clean, flexible and, most importantly, beautiful,” says CEO, Chris Griffiths. “The power of beauty to stimulate the mind and encourage creative thinking is boundless and yet so often neglected in other software tools. The fact is that the brain likes to use what the brain likes, so making iMindMap 6 a visual feast is about more than just aesthetics - it's about thinking better.”
The release of iMindMap 6 follows the successful launch of new iMindMap Android apps, iOS apps and a browser-based version of iMindMap at ThinkBuzanCloud.com earlier this year.
"We are thrilled to be able to provide a complete suite of applications that will allow our users to access the creative workspace of iMindMap wherever they are," says Chris. "Freeing people from the limiting and uninspiring structure of most software tools is our mission and with the release of iMindMap 6, it is now possible."
Highlights:
New 3D environments
New quick-draw branch target
New Presentation builder with slide-format, rotating transitions and 3D option
Save multiple presentations per map
New Flowcharts
Box Branch Shapes
Multi-select tool for fast editing
Map Snippets for reusable groups of branches
New Sketch Tool
Full Screen mode
WayBack revision control for iMindMap Freedom users, available on desktop, mobile and online
New Format tool for increased flexibility
Faster start up time
Video:Introduction to iMindMap 6 - Mind Mapping software for Creative Thinking
Just about everyone wants to boost their productivity. There is no shortage of tools that promise to help you do it, too. Many business owners are visual thinkers and mind mapping is one of the methods that can help you get more done. This review of Mindmeister is for you if you like whiteboards or always have to draw things out on a piece of paper.
I’ve been an account holder at Mindmeister since 2010 and watched it evolve and improve. You wouldn’t think that mindmapping, conceptually, would need a web-based app, but it is really, really useful. I like to draw my ideas with little circles or rectangles and organize them on a large piece of paper, but when I make a mistake (frequent) or change my mind (more frequent) I have to start all over on a clean sheet. They have won awards for their user interface and ease of use.
What I really like:
The have a public mindmap library that lets you get ideas from other visual thinkers. You can see in the sample below that there are + and – marks (at the intersections of major sections) that allow you to expand or contract if your ideas start to grow into Mind Trees. Build a hierarchical flow of ideas, but condense them under one heading.
They have mobile apps for iOS (iPad and iPhone) as well as Android. The mobile apps allow you to export/share your files as PDF, RTF, PNG or other formats.
You can collaborate with others and see their suggestions and changes in real time, color coded even. Plus, there is an instant messaging chat function if you want to interact beyond the document itself.
A strong history or track changes type function so you can go back to earlier versions.
What I’d like to see:
Offline access is available on a paid plan only. Of course, everyone wants to get more for free, but it would be nice to have some access when I’m not connected. However, to be fair, they offer a lot of features on the free plan. But, the iPad and Android apps (currently free on both platforms, but shows a price point of $7.95 for the iPad in iTunes store) allows offline access and syncs automatically once you reconnect.
There’s a simple free plan that includes up to three mindmaps. Paid plans start at $4.99 a month and include more storage, more file export options, and offline access. 30-day free trial on all accounts.
If you like to draw out your ideas for your own use or to collaborate with employees and colleagues, Mindmeister is worth a look and test drive. It is a powerful web-based app that lets you create terrific looking documents instead of using a whiteboard.
ThinkBuzan Ltd Adds Free Android App for Smartphones and Tablets to iMindMap Suite of Mind Mapping Products
Inventor of Mind Mapping and specialist in creative thinking, Tony Buzan, has announced the release of the iMindMap for Android apps from ThinkBuzan, giving Android users the freedom to access iMindMap’s creative workspace wherever they are for brainstorming, planning and organising.
The new mobile apps will be available to download free on Google Play from May 22nd for Android phones and tablets. iMindMap Mind Mapping software is designed to give users an intuitive ‘thinking space’ in which to capture their ideas and stay on top of their busy schedules. Used everywhere from the classroom, for studying and revision, to the office, for project planning, brainstorming and presentations and even at home for to-do lists and fitness schedules, iMindMap promotes clear and creative thinking.
Chris Griffiths, CEO said:
“I am delighted to see iMindMap arrive on the Android platform. Following the success of our iPhone and iPad apps, I know a lot of Android users desperate to get their hands on an Android version. The touchscreen functionality of the smartphone platform takes Mind Mapping to a whole new level, allowing users to hand draw their maps and enhancing the creative experience. It is the only Mind Mapping app that gives users the creative freedom to draw their maps themselves with Freehand Branches and our unique Sketch Tool. We have many users who say they actually bought their tablets specifically to use iMindMap.”
The release of iMindMap for Android apps marks the expansion of the fully integrated iMindMap suite of desktop, mobile and online applications. iMindMap for Android is part of the iMindMap Freedom package, meaning that by subscribing, app users can seamlessly sync their Mind Maps across all platforms and gain unlimited access to iMindMap’s web-based editor.
Mark Morgan, Head of Mobile & Web Development said:
“iMindMap Freedom takes the iMindMap mobile apps beyond a single device. They can log in to iMindMap’s intuitive workspace on any Android tablet or phone, iPhone, iPad or any computer with an internet connection and their maps will be there waiting. This is just the beginning for Freedom. We are already working on a new Blackberry Playbook app and have some big surprises in development for the whole range.”
Highlights:
Draw branches by hand or use simple speed mapping buttons
Add weblinks and notes to branches
Tailor your maps with Freehand Branches
Insert images straight from your Gallery
Get started fast with inbuilt Templates
Get creative with the intuitive Sketch Tool
Inbuilt SmartLayout technology works in the background to keep your maps tidy
Undo/redo feature to quickly amend or alter your Mind Maps
Subscribe to iMindMap Freedom to sync maps between mobile, online and desktop
Google's Android will become the preeminent platform for developers over the next 12 months, edging ahead of Apple's iOS, according to a study by research firm Ovum. Nearly all developers, however, will support both platforms.
Ovum's call comes as Android continues to suck up market share, with more companies using the platform to crank out a wave of mobile devices. While iOS has seen its market share growth slow in the recent years, it has always been seen as a more lucrative location for developers to make money. As a result, most apps came to iOS first, and the other platforms second.
That, however, could all change in the coming months, Ovum said. Android's prevalence is getting hard to ignore, and developers have incorporated new business models such as advertising and in-app purchases to spur revenue.
Ovum also said there is growing developer interest in Windows Phone and BlackBerry OS. The results come as both Microsoft and Research in Motion attempt to woo developers over to their respective camps.
"The growing momentum behind Windows Phone indicates that Microsoft has managed to convince developers that its platform is worthy of investment; its challenge now is to persuade consumers," said Ovum analyst Adam Leach.
The study also said developers are abandoning mobile-centric development tools such as Java, Flash and WAP, and moving to HTML5, a Web-based standard that can run across multiple devices and platforms.
If you’re a person with big, stellar ideas, your mind’s wheels always seem to be a-turning. Having a pen and paper handy might have offered you some comfort, and the pen-and-paper tandem can be useful for when you just want to scribble down that fleeting, elusive thought, or for when you need a blank canvas to to help you jot things down and get organized or, well, for when you’re just plain bored and doodling offers some cheap entertainment.
But, how cool is it if your smartphone can do that for you, plus more? That can be made possible with the Android-based mind-mapping app called Thinking Space.
A nifty app in itself, Thinking Space’s simplistic and functional interface is key to offering users a conducive environment to let thoughts run wild.
The app allows you to create visual maps that help you plan, organize,and follow through on ideas and activities, making sure you’re on top of everything even while you’re on the go.
Creating a mind map starts with a single node, which you can break down into further subnodes around this main node for branching or interrelated ideas. These subnodes can then, in turn, be broken down into more subnodes of their own, going deeper and providing more details for easy organizing and tracking of ideas.
Links, notes, colors, and icons help you highlight important items and organize your material better. The app also allows you to tag your mind maps or sort them into categories or folders. Just by selecting a tag or category, you can instantly bring up the nodes with those tags or placed under those categories.
Use your fingers to draw unique and memorable mind maps.
At last it is possible to create mind maps as individual and easy to imprint on your mind as those drawn by hand on paper. The mind maps you create are even better as you can easily include images and shapes and you have a whole rainbow of colors and a selection of fonts at your disposal.
Connected Mind for Chrome is installed on over 30,000 desktops. Now available for Android phones and tablets, this version is even better as touch interfaces are perfect for the hand-drawn approach.
The creator of this app used hand-drawn mind maps to study law and they worked like magic. Later he tried several software packages but was always frustrated by the automatic layout (usually with all text being in horizontal lines) that made all his mind maps look confusingly similar and hard to recall. He then set about creating his own application with a totally different approach. The focus was on making every map unique and distinctive so they could be used in education for study and revision. The pay-off comes in exams, meetings and presentations.
This mind mapping application gives you complete control over the layout of your maps. You draw each branch by hand in a single stroke of your finger, taking any path you want. Your stroke is then smoothed to create a flowing curve which you can tap and adjust if you need to.
Each main branch from the central idea of the mind map is assigned a different color, picked a random from a palette of suitable colors. You are free to change this to any color you desire, using the fully-featured color picker.
You can also add a range of shapes and even images, which can be clipped to any of the available shapes.
NOTE: This is a BETA version. The app is not finished yet and you may encounter issues. If you do, please report them and they will be resolved as soon as possible with frequent updates. The price may go up once v1.0 is reached, but the upgrade is free for those who have this BETA.
Features
Runs on Froyo and Gingerbread phones and is optimized for Honeycomb tablets
Complete control over map layout
undo/redo
Choice of fonts
Choice of 27 resizable shapes, with beautiful color gradient fills
Images added to your maps can be sized and clipped to any supported shape
Mind mapping applications have become an organizational tool that continues to grow in popularity on both PC and mobile platforms. They just make it easier to visualize, all at once, either all of the items you need to do, a workflow of which you are a part of, or any multi-part issue that requires your thought.
ThinkingSpace for Android, a free download from the Android Market (supported by in-app advertising), is one of the best mind mapping apps we’ve seen so far, and hands-down the best for Android devices.
We looked at ThinkingSpace on an Android tablet, and found it to be fully integrated with Android’s functionality – including the inclusion of gesture-based commands that make mind-map creation possible with swipes rather than keyboard strokes. (Although, you still have the option to create and edit mind maps with the on-board Android keyboard.)
Additionally, ThinkingSpace saves your mind map in the .mm format – meaning it will work with other mind-mapping apps, like MindNode, that also use that format. Once a mind map is created on ThinkingSpace, it builds in a number of options for exporting it, including straight to Gmail or Evernote.
Video: Thinking Space - review of an app for Android
MindMeister becomes the only online mind mapping application that currently offers both iOS and Android versions of their popular service.
Munich, Germany, October 23, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Leading online collaboration specialist MeisterLabs has recently announced the release of their official MindMeister for Android app, making it easier for Android users to create, share, and collaborate on mind maps whenever and wherever they are. The app is now available from the Android Marketplace as well as directly from MindMeister at mindmeister.com/android.
Based on their award winning browser-based application, the MindMeister for Android app takes full advantage of Android’s unique feature set and offers users the ability to:
Easily create and edit multi-tiered maps
Share maps directly from their Android-based smartphone
Add icons, colors, nodes, links, and tasks
Apply map themes and add connections
Quickly save ideas using “Geistesblitz”
When used in conjunction with a MindMeister online account, users receive the additional benefits of:
Full synchronization with MindMeister’s cloud based service
History View, which provides unlimited undo/redo functionality
Import and Export from a variety of formats including PDF, text, and image files
With this release, MindMeister becomes the only online mind mapping application that currently offers both iOS and Android versions of their popular service.
“Whether at home, work, or on the road, users are increasingly looking for, and expecting, a quality mobile build of their favorite online applications,” says MindMeister co-founder and chief operations officer Michael Hollauf. “As more and more consumers begin to experience the benefits of cloud based apps, they’re also enjoying the freedom accessing their data across multiple devices. As MindMeister continues to grow, we’re intent on meeting the demands of our consumers, and seek to build mobile solutions that they can integrate into their everyday lives.”
The MindMeister for Android app is specifically designed for handsets, with tablet support to follow at a later date. Android 2.0 or higher is required to run the app.
