AppShopper

FileMaker, Apple’s subsidiary that creates relational database software, has released a brand new version of its Bento personal database app for the iPad. Bento 4 debuted in the App Store today at a special introductory price of $4.99 through July 31, after which it will go up to $9.99.

Bento 4 features a redesigned interface, new views and themes and direct access to the Bento Template Exchange to download new templates compared to its predecessor, Bento for iPad. Bento 4 requires iOS 5 and can synchronize with Bento desktop software on a Mac via Wi-Fi. If you’re using the previous version of Bento for the iPad, data stored will automatically be moved to Bento 4 if you choose to upgrade by purchasing the new version.

FileMaker has created video to showcase the new features in Bento 4:

The desktop version of Bento for the Mac is currently on sale for $29.99 down from its regular price of $49.99 through July 31.

Bento for iPad is still available for purchase in the App Store and it received an update to version 1.1.6 today, though this is described as a maintenance update and it’s unlikely it will receive new features going forward. Since Apple does not allow developers to charge for app upgrades in the App Store, FileMaker had no choice but to offer this new version separately in order to charge for it. This is a conundrum faced by every app developer and I find it a little ironic that Apple’s own subsidiary had to take this tack to get around its own restriction in this regard.

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