MakeMusic is shipping the latest version of Finale notation software, Finale 2014.

Improved note entry when entering with Voices and entering accidentals

I am impressed with the improvement Finale continues to makes with note entry. Finale 2014 addresses this issue in several ways. Check out the Finale promotional video on these features: http://bcove.me/lj6m16yp

Additional Finale 2014 Improvements

  1. An updated Mixer
  2. Additional options in Special Tools
  3. Enhanced set-up for percussion staves

Demo video: http://bcove.me/1blxbgfi

New Export options:

  1. Backwards saving in Finale 2012 format
  2. Exporting in EPUB format for incorporating with iBooks

The new option of backwards saving in Finale 2012 format is a welcome new feature. However, in order to backwards save to earlier versions of Finale you must import and export via MusicXML.

Additional Garritan Sounds in Finale 2014

Sample playback:
https://soundcloud.com/makemusicinc/tchaikovsky-the-nutcracker-le

Pricing

Finale offers an upgrade to Finale 2014 from any previous version of Finale for $139.95.

if you are a teacher or church musician and you are purchasing Finale for the first time, take advantage of their Academic Pricing. http://www.finalemusic.com/finale-and-printmusic-academictheological-pricing/

Sweetwater offers a significant discount on the Academic version of Finale.

Check out the list of  third party vendors who sell Finale: https://store.makemusic.com/Dealers/Default.aspx

However, in order to upgrade, you must do it directly through MakeMusic.

Summary

Finale 2014 is not an update that I would consider significant in terms of features. However, there is enough here to make it worth the upgrade cost. And, if you have an older version of Finale, the upgrade price is worth it as there have been many new enhancements in Finale 2010, 2011, and 2012.