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GoodNotes’ biggest update in four years brings AI-powered handwriting features and a digital marketplace on August 9, 2023 at 10:00 am

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GoodNotes is releasing a new version with features like AI-powered handwriting recognition, a marketplace for digital stationery, and an educational module for maths in the popular note-taking app’s biggest push in four years to win and retain customers.

The app, launched by Steven Chan in 2011, said the new version, GoodNotes 6, has put immense effort to enhance support for Apple Pencil. While GoodNotes 5 already had a nifty handwriting recognition feature, the new version supports spellcheck as well. This means that if you make a mistake while writing, the app can suggest a correction and even rewrite the word in your own handwriting.

The app-maker said it has worked closely with Apple to take advantage of the neural engine, available in devices like iPhone, the iPad, and the Mac, to enhance handwriting recognition. Currently, the handwriting spellcheck feature supports English, Spanish, German and Dutch.

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Image Credits: GoodNotes

GoodNotes is also introducing an experimental word autocomplete feature for handwriting in English. After users write a minimum of three characters, the app will suggest potential word completions. In an interview with TechCrunch, Chan said the company aims to offer full word prediction in the future.

The latest version also introduced gesture-based actions such as “scribble to erase” and “circle to Lasso.” Additionally, GoodNotes 6 unveils a new library view, allowing users to customize folders, introduces dynamic notebook templates and better audio recording support.

While the app is available for free, it comes with constraints: users can only access three notebooks and a limited set of features. To gain full access, users will have to opt for an annual subscription at $9.99 or make a one-time payment of $29.99.

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Chan noted that while GoodNotes has been known as an iPad app — it won an Apple award for iPad app of the year in 2022 — the company is improving its typing experience across the board. The app also introduces AI-driven writing features, enabling users to extend or condense text, modify its tone, or paraphrase content.

The app’s founder said that the company is using an AI model that is safe for all ages, given GoodNotes is used by a lot of students. While the company didn’t mention the specific model powering the AI typing feature, GoodNotes confirmed that it is not using OpenAI’s tech.

Image Credits: Screenshot by TechCrunch

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Thursday’s launch is also illustrative of how GoodNotes is attempting to diversify its revenue streams beyond subscriptions. To that end, it has rolled out a new marketplace for digital stationery such as stickers, subject-specific revision notes, planners and various paper and card templates. GoodNotes 6 will offer some of these items for free to subscribers, but other items will be available as via in-app purchases.

Currently, the company has teamed up with several creators — and is looking to expand and invite more — to curate an inaugural collection of digital stationery for the launch. The company told TechCrunch that while it will levy a fee on creators, the specifics vary. The arrangements range from charging a royalty fee to outright purchasing the inventory. As of now, GoodNotes isn’t considering adopting an App Store-like commission system for its in-app transactions.

GoodNotes   Image Credits: GoodNotes

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GoodNotes is branching out to appease the educational sector by rolling out modules tailored for students. This includes SAT Math practice courses and English and Chinese courses tailored for The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE). The company has developed an AI-driven math assistant that can recognize handwritten math equations and guide students through challenges, ensuring it provides help without directly revealing the answers.

To be sure, other players in the education market such as Khan Academy and Byju’s have been experimenting with AI models to help students.

GoodNotes has only raised money once — a $6 million seed round from Race Captial in 2020. As of now, it has no immediate plans to raise more capital. The primary focus for GoodNotes is to refine its educational features, Chan said. However, the company is also milling developing features to make the product more attractive for enterprise customers with document management needs, a move that would put it against businesses such as Notion.

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Chan added that GoodNotes is currently home to more than 200 employees and more than 21 million people are using the app monthly.

Although GoodNotes has been a staple on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms for some time, the company is now exploring versions for Android and Windows. Chan said he wants GoodNotes to ensure a seamless experience across multiple platforms eventually.

​ GoodNotes is releasing a new version with features like AI-powered handwriting recognition, a marketplace for digital stationery, and an educational module for maths in the popular note-taking app’s biggest push in four years to win and retain customers. The app, launched by Steven Chan in 2011, said the new version, GoodNotes 6, has put immense 

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Terror Attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas Linked

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The start of 2025 has been marred by two horrific terror attacks in the United States, one in New Orleans and another in Las Vegas, both occurring on New Year’s Day. These incidents have left communities reeling and have raised concerns about potential connections between the suspects involved.

In New Orleans, a truck driven by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar plowed into a crowd celebrating on Bourbon Street, resulting in at least 15 deaths and over 30 injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, deliberately targeted pedestrians while flying an ISIS flag from his vehicle. Following the attack, he exited the truck armed with an assault rifle and opened fire on police officers before being killed in the ensuing confrontation. Authorities discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) within his vehicle and in the vicinity of the attack site, further confirming the premeditated nature of this act of terrorism.

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Simultaneously, a separate incident unfolded in Las Vegas when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. The driver, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, also had a military background and was reported to have detonated the vehicle packed with firework mortars and fuel, resulting in his death and injuring seven others. Investigators are exploring whether Livelsberger and Jabbar had any prior connection, as both men served at the same military base at different times.

While the FBI has confirmed that they are investigating both attacks as acts of terrorism, they have not established a definitive link between the two incidents. However, similarities in their execution—both suspects rented vehicles from the same company—have prompted further scrutiny into their backgrounds and any potential accomplices.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information about either suspect to come forward. The tragic events have sparked discussions about security measures in public spaces, particularly as cities prepare for large gatherings in the coming months.

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Politics

Donald Trump Named TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year

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Donald Trump has been selected as TIME magazine’s Person of the Year for 2024, marking his second time receiving this distinction. The former president, who won a historic comeback victory in the 2024 election, was chosen for his significant impact on global affairs and American politics.

TIME editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs explained the decision, citing Trump’s “comeback of historic proportions,” his role in driving “a once-in-a-generation political realignment,” and his reshaping of both the American presidency and the country’s global role. This recognition comes after Trump’s unprecedented achievement of reclaiming the White House after losing reelection four years earlier.

The selection process involved an extensive interview with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November, covering a wide range of topics including the economy, foreign policy, and his plans for a second term. Notably, TIME took the unprecedented step of publishing a comprehensive fact-check alongside the interview transcript, examining 15 distinct assertions made by Trump.

Trump’s relationship with TIME has been tumultuous over the years. While he expressed honor at receiving the title in 2016, he has also criticized the magazine’s selections and even claimed he refused a potential Person of the Year offer in 2017. Despite this, Trump participated in the process this year, granting TIME access for an in-depth interview.

To commemorate the announcement, Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This event marked a significant moment in Trump’s career, as it was his first time participating in this Wall Street tradition.

Trump’s selection as Person of the Year reflects his continued influence on American politics and his ability to reshape the political landscape. As the country prepares for his return to the White House, all eyes will be on how Trump’s second term might further impact both domestic and international affairs.

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Film Industry

Jay-Z Denies Allegations Amid Lawsuit

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Jay-Z, the renowned rapper and music mogul, faces serious allegations in a recently amended civil lawsuit. According to ABC News and NBC News, the suit accuses him and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000.

The lawsuit, initially filed in October 2024, was updated on Sunday to include Jay-Z as a defendant alongside Combs. The plaintiff, identified only as “Jane Doe,” claims she was assaulted after being driven to the party following the awards show.

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, vehemently denies the allegations. He released a statement on X calling the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” and questioning why it was filed as a civil case rather than a criminal one. The rapper expressed concern about the impact on his family, stating he and his wife Beyoncé would need to discuss the situation with their children.

Combs, who is currently in federal custody on separate charges, has also denied the accusations through his attorneys. The lawsuit alleges that an unidentified female celebrity was present during the incident but did not intervene.

The case has garnered significant media attention, with both artists’ reputations at stake. As the legal process unfolds, the music industry and public await further developments in this high-profile case.

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