124 Apps in the FamilySearch App Gallery

As we come to the end of another year, there are now 124 apps listed in the FamilySearch.org App Gallery. In addition, 2017 will likely add many more valuable programs to the selection we have now. This number is not quite accurate however since some of the selections are no longer online or available.

There are some other indications of the numbers of programs, apps or whatever that are available for those interested in expanding their ability to process and utilize the vast amounts of information now online and in other formats. There have been 4308 software reviews of 980 programs on GenSoftReviews.com. Again, even though some of these programs are still receiving reviews, the programs themselves may not be available.

Finding genealogy programs for your computer, smartphone, or tablet is a little bit of a challenge. You can search in the Apple App Store, for example, on the term "genealogy" and find only about 15 or 16 apps listed. But if you search for "family history" you pick up a different list of apps. Continued searching for apps creates an almost endless task. A general search online will usually bring up a list of websites and articles about the "10 best of whatever" and most of these lists are repetitious. If you search on the Google Play website for genealogy apps, you will get an almost endless list, but few of these "apps" really have anything to do with genealogy or genealogical research. It is also interesting that many of the apps listed in the Google Play Store for Android devices also exist for Apple iOS devices also.

Word-of-mouth is still a good place to get information about new products. During the next few weeks, I will be writing about new developments as we ramp up for RootsTech 2017. I have thought about making a list of currently available apps, but that seems to be an unreachable goal. Right now, the most comprehensive list I am aware of is the one incorporated in GenSoftReviews.com.