The developer of MindMeister recently posted a mind map preview of the features and functionality that will be offered in version 3.0 of the popular web-based visual mapping tool, expected to be formally launched any day now. I got an opportunity to play around with a pre-release version of it, and was quite impressed with it.
Here are the key enhancements that will be available in version 3.0:
- Task enhancements, including start date, due date, duration, e-mail reminders and something new called WunderTask. Tasks are now accessed via a tabbed “extras” menu on the right side of the workspace. You can tell MindMeister on what day you want to receive a reminder for each task. If this is anything like MindMeister’s current “wunder” tools, WunderTask will automate entry of tasks into your default map via outside tools, such as “gadgets” (like those that work within the Windows Vista sidebar)
- Maps can be exported as “wikimaps,” which will make it possible for anyone to edit them, whether they are a collaborator or not.
- A history function, which will enable you to roll back changes you’ve made in your maps and to see, via colored icons, which of your collaborators made each update. The history tool looks something like a pointer on an old-time radio dial. It can be dragged to the right or left to access older and newer versions of your map. As you move the pointer, the map transforms to show what was done at each step, almost like playing the frames of a video clip. Pretty slick!
- Printing and export enhancements
- Geistesblitz enhancement: This cool tool, which allows you to e-mail topics to your default map, will accommodate attached files in version 3.0
- Quicksharing of maps (not sure what that means yet)
This looks like a pretty impressive upgrade to the application that is already one of the leaders in the world of web-based mind mapping applications. I can’t wait to play around more with the new version.
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