GoodNotes is releasing a brand new model with options like AI-powered handwriting recognition, a market for digital stationery, and an academic module for maths within the widespread note-taking app’s largest push in 4 years to win and retain prospects.
The app, launched by Steven Chan in 2011, mentioned the brand new model, GoodNotes 6, has put immense effort to boost help for Apple Pencil. Whereas GoodNotes 5 already had a nifty handwriting recognition function, the brand new model helps spellcheck as properly. Which means that should you make a mistake whereas writing, the app can recommend a correction and even rewrite the phrase in your individual handwriting.
The app-maker mentioned it has labored intently with Apple to make the most of the neural engine, out there in gadgets like iPhone, the iPad, and the Mac, to boost handwriting recognition. At present, the handwriting spellcheck function helps English, Spanish, German and Dutch.
Picture Credit: GoodNotes
GoodNotes can also be introducing an experimental phrase autocomplete function for handwriting in English. After customers write a minimal of three characters, the app will recommend potential phrase completions. In an interview with TechCrunch, Chan mentioned the corporate goals to supply full phrase prediction sooner or later.
The newest model additionally launched gesture-based actions similar to “scribble to erase” and “circle to Lasso.” Moreover, GoodNotes 6 unveils a brand new library view, permitting customers to customise folders, introduces dynamic pocket book templates and higher audio recording help.
Whereas the app is out there without spending a dime, it comes with constraints: customers can solely entry three notebooks and a restricted set of options. To realize full entry, customers must go for an annual subscription at $9.99 or make a one-time cost of $29.99.
Chan famous that whereas GoodNotes has been often called an iPad app — it gained an Apple award for iPad app of the 12 months in 2022 — the corporate is enhancing its typing expertise throughout the board. The app additionally introduces AI-driven writing options, enabling customers to increase or condense textual content, modify its tone, or paraphrase content material.
The app’s founder mentioned that the corporate is utilizing an AI mannequin that’s secure for all ages, given GoodNotes is utilized by a variety of college students. Whereas the corporate didn’t point out the precise mannequin powering the AI typing function, GoodNotes confirmed that it isn’t utilizing OpenAI’s tech.
Picture Credit: Screenshot by TechCrunch
Thursday’s launch can also be illustrative of how GoodNotes is trying to diversify its income streams past subscriptions. To that finish, it has rolled out a brand new market for digital stationery similar to stickers, subject-specific revision notes, planners and varied paper and card templates. GoodNotes 6 will provide a few of these gadgets without spending a dime to subscribers, however different gadgets can be out there as by way of in-app purchases.
At present, the corporate has teamed up with a number of creators — and is seeking to broaden and invite extra — to curate an inaugural assortment of digital stationery for the launch. The corporate advised TechCrunch that whereas it’s going to levy a payment on creators, the specifics range. The preparations vary from charging a royalty payment to outright buying the stock. As of now, GoodNotes isn’t contemplating adopting an App Retailer-like fee system for its in-app transactions.
GoodNotes Picture Credit: GoodNotes
GoodNotes is branching out to appease the academic sector by rolling out modules tailor-made for college students. This contains SAT Math follow programs and English and Chinese language programs tailor-made for The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Training Examination (HKDSE). The corporate has developed an AI-driven math assistant that may acknowledge handwritten math equations and information college students via challenges, guaranteeing it gives assist with out instantly revealing the solutions.
To make sure, different gamers within the training market similar to Khan Academy and Byju’s have been experimenting with AI fashions to assist college students.
GoodNotes has solely raised cash as soon as — a $6 million seed spherical from Race Captial in 2020. As of now, it has no fast plans to boost extra capital. The first focus for GoodNotes is to refine its academic options, Chan mentioned. Nevertheless, the corporate can also be milling creating options to make the product extra engaging for enterprise prospects with doc administration wants, a transfer that may put it in opposition to companies similar to Notion.
Chan added that GoodNotes is at present house to greater than 200 staff and greater than 21 million individuals are utilizing the app month-to-month.
Though GoodNotes has been a staple on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms for a while, the corporate is now exploring variations for Android and Home windows. Chan mentioned he needs GoodNotes to make sure a seamless expertise throughout a number of platforms finally.
