Plant Base for Android in now available on Google Play.

To accompany the main app, a simple and free Data File Support app has also been released.  This provides three file maintenance functions that are not included in the main app.  A first essential for new users who do not run the PC or Mac editions is the database file download, which will install the database onto the device ready for the main app to run.  So the entire install can be done on the device, without the need for a PC or Mac.  The Data Support app also has an Import function that will be useful when there is an updated database release. There is also a database compact function, which may be good for some people.

These functions are quite heavy-weight and I did not want to bloat the main Plant Base app by adding them.  Not everyone will need them, as these actions can be done via the PC or Mac editions.

The pricing of the main app is based on half the cost of the PC and Mac licence, plus sales tax which Google applies and collects.  The tax part is a bit annoying!  As I understand it because Google is essentially selling from the US, it adds VAT to all sales to EU countries including the UK. So despite the fact that we ourselves are well under the threshold and not registered for VAT, our UK customers will still pay VAT when buying through Google Play.

Our long-term customers, who registered before 31st March 2012, can get Plant Base for Android for free by direct download. The Android program replaces the old mobile edition included in their licence. Our Beta testers can also get the app for free – we are are very grateful for their help.