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BM Librarian Lite: Weekly Update - Multi-Platform Progress

This week saw significant progress across all BM Librarian Lite platforms. Here's what's new in the iOS, macOS, Android, and Python desktop applications.

iOS: Now Available on the App Store

The biggest news this week: MedicalFactChecker is now live on the App Store! After months of development and testing, the iOS app is ready for healthcare professionals, researchers, and anyone seeking evidence-based answers to medical questions.

Download MedicalFactChecker on the App Store

MedicalFactChecker iOS App

Recent iOS Updates

  • New AI Models: Added support for Claude 4.5, GPT-5.2, DeepSeek V3.2, Llama 4, and Mistral Large 3
  • Dynamic Model Discovery: The app now automatically discovers available models from each provider's API, eliminating the need for manual updates when new models are released
  • Improved Settings: Reorganized settings panel with model pricing information to help manage costs
  • Enhanced iPad Layouts: Better utilization of screen space on larger displays
  • PDF Rendering Improvements: More reliable export with proper citation formatting

macOS: Awaiting App Store Approval

The macOS version has been submitted to Apple and is currently in review. We expect approval within the next few days.

MedicalFactChecker macOS App

What to Expect

The macOS app shares the iOS codebase but is optimized for desktop use:

  • Keyboard Navigation: Full keyboard shortcuts for power users
  • Full-Text Viewing: Native JATS XML rendering for complete article text
  • Hybrid Search: Combines PubMed and Europe PMC for broader coverage
  • iCloud Sync: Seamlessly continue research between your Mac and iPhone/iPad

Android: Final Testing Before Submission

The Android app is in its final testing phase before submission to the Google Play Store.

MedicalFactChecker Android App

This Week's Android Progress

  • Material Design 3 Polish: Refined the UI to better follow Google's design guidelines
  • Performance Optimization: Reduced memory usage during large search operations
  • Error Handling: Improved network error messages and retry logic
  • API Key Management: Enhanced secure storage using EncryptedSharedPreferences

We anticipate submitting to Google Play within the next week.

Python Desktop App

The cross-platform Python application continues to receive updates alongside the mobile apps.

Recent Changes

  • sqlite-vec Integration: Improved vector similarity search performance
  • Multi-Model Benchmarking: Compare results across different LLM providers
  • Export Improvements: Better formatting in exported reports
  • Bug Fixes: Resolved issues with certain PubMed query edge cases

Installation

pip install bmlibrarian-lite

Or install from source:

git clone https://github.com/hherb/bmlibrarian_lite
cd bmlibrarian_lite
uv sync
uv run python -m bmlibrarian_lite

What's Next

  • macOS Release: Expected as soon as Apple completes their review
  • Android Launch: Google Play submission within the next week
  • Cross-Platform Sync: Exploring options for syncing research history across all platforms
  • Offline Mode: Caching frequently accessed abstracts for offline reference

Try It Today

The iOS app is available now - we'd love to hear your feedback! Report issues or suggest features on our GitHub repository.

Stay tuned for announcements when macOS and Android versions become available.