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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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GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

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Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

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• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

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• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

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• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

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• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

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The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

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US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

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President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

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Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

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Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

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Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.

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