The long awaited beta release of 2.70.00 is now available at build 228. This
version is improved over the alpha version of 2.70.00 in the following ways:

1. It fixes all hierarchical netlist outputs (still one problem with the parts
list that wasn't fixed in time for this release, but will be re-released soon).

2. Adds missing and new shortcut keys to frequently used commands.

3. Improves the look of icons.

4. Supports both SQLite3 and Microsoft Access/Jet database libraries (your
choice, at least for this beta).

5. Fixes all documented problems with creating new reference designator
assignments.

6. Improves Spice netlist functionality with new conditional macros.

7. Adds the ability to make parameters appear or be hidden depending on whether
a value has been assigned to them.

8. Adds the ability to display parameters in the form of "parameter=value" on
the schematic so that they are more self explanatory.

9. Has increased zoom levels and improved zooming capabilities.

10. Has an improved and less intrusive "hot spot" indicator on pins.

11. Adds the ability to select only fully enclosed or touching objects in the
selection rectangle marquee, depending on whether you select from right to left
(only fully enclosed) or from left to right (anything that is touching or
enclosed).

12. Increased levels of stability.

13. Probably a few others that I've forgotten about (but all changes are
documented in the SVN commit logs).

Please give this new version a try and let me know what you think. Please be
aware that symbol libraries are now supported in two different formats and it is
your obligation to choose when creating a new library what format you want it to
be in. If you choose the new SQLite3 format library, the only way to go back to
the Access/Jet library format is to export the library in XML format, and then
create a new library in the desired format and read it back in.

Also, please be careful to only install TinyCAD while using an administrator
account (or Microsoft Access format libraries will most likely fail). There
presently is no check for compliance during installation.

I am personally using this beta at work with excellent results. There is very
little risk of crashing behavior or otherwise losing your work. I consider the
production 2.60 release to actually be considerably less stable, at this point.

As soon as we get a thousand or so installs with no serious problems reported, I
will release this as a full production release. Note that we get between 100
and 200 installs of TinyCAD per day, presently, but most of these are for the
2.60 production release.

Best regards,

Don