Evernote New Windows Version
Evernote New Windows Version review! Admitting that it has improved a lot.
However, it is costly now…
Although I don’t use Evernote anymore, I’ve been using it for over a decade. At the time, Evernote was simply the best among writing apps, but with formidable competitors like Notion emerging and Evernote itself maintaining an outdated design for a long time, its popularity has dwindled, and it’s not as dominant as it used to be.
Of course, Evernote has undergone its innovations. I had reviewed it up to the beta version but oddly enough; I didn’t do a separate review when the official version was released. So, after a while, I decided to give it a thorough try once again. This is the new Windows version of Evernote. official website.
- Before diving in: While the app has undergone many updates, it hasn’t changed significantly from the beta version I reviewed earlier. Therefore, there may be similar content, so please understand.
Table of Contents
- Evernote New Windows Version review! Admitting that it has improved a lot.
- However, it is costly now…
- That’s a lot of design improvements!
- Subtly, there are frequent additions to features as well. Along with that, the app is gradually becoming heavier.
- The capabilities of the free version are gradually becoming more restricted. However, the price for the premium version has almost doubled.
- While it’s undoubtedly a classic among improved writing apps, the reasons to use the premium version are lessening.
- Evernote new Windows version summary
That’s a lot of design improvements!
I like we can effectively use widgets and other elements on the home screen.
Evernote has effectively used templates and such for a long time (though it didn’t quite suit my needs…). In the new version, you can now use widgets and other elements on the home screen. However, it’s disappointing that not all widgets are available for use. Most notably, in the free version, there is no calendar widget… It’s a strategic move, with only the most essential calendar widget reserved for the premium version.
In the past, when users used the editor in this app, the layout simply tailored itself to fit the editor screen, resulting in zero readability. There should be adequate white space to allow better focus on the text. Now, the readability has significantly improved to some extent. Of course, it’s still possible to adjust the layout to fit the screen, just like before. The choice of which one to use is a matter of personal preference, but for me, paying attention to readability is much better.
Subtly, there are frequent additions to features as well. Along with that, the app is gradually becoming heavier.
Some features like adding fonts are being removed…
Evernote used to have relatively frequent updates, but they were mostly minor bug fixes rather than substantial feature updates. However, these days, it seems like the development team is working hard because, rather than just fixing minor bugs, they are continuously adding practical features with each update. Widgets are also quietly being added continuously.
However, perhaps because of that, it is on the heavier side of a writing app. This aspect is disappointing. Not only the smartphone version but also Evernote, with a touch of exaggeration, has a higher capacity than many games. It seems like occasional cleanup might be necessary, rather than just continuously adding features. Even during the beta period, there were many disappointing aspects. Currently, there are still only three available fonts in the app. The problem is that all three fonts available don’t particularly cater to Korean alphabets. If the fonts were aesthetically pleasing, it might be a different story, but they aren’t particularly attractive.
Recently, they added a new feature—AI automatic note organization, which is becoming increasingly prevalent in various writing apps. At the moment, you can try out this feature for free, but I wonder if eventually, it will become an exclusive premium feature. It can’t be helped…
The capabilities of the free version are gradually becoming more restricted. However, the price for the premium version has almost doubled.
It still seems to do well in business… or is it being carried forward mainly by core fans?
Evernote, being undoubtedly the top player in the writing app category in the past, now faces many rivals. And honestly, as rivals typically offer better features, our advantages are diminishing. Instead, we are taking the approach of raising the app’s price by almost double. Hah… Notion is essentially free for personal everyday use.
Many users of this app probably already have hundreds of notes saved, and some use it not just for extensive writing but also for presentations with many photos, tables, and more. Hence, it’s likely that for most users, it’s challenging to migrate to another app. And for users at that heavy usage level, it’s common for them to use the app across multiple platforms simultaneously.
Therefore, the premium version is practically essential in such cases. In such a situation, raising the price by almost double may not be well-received by these heavy users. Not only UpNote but many writing apps, including the one I primarily use, are prepared to welcome users looking to switch from Evernote by offering features like ‘Import notes from Evernote.’ In this context, increasing the price to this extent is quite surprising.
While it’s undoubtedly a classic among improved writing apps, the reasons to use the premium version are lessening.
Honestly, I think they should increase the cost-effectiveness a bit more.
The app receives regular updates, and considering its performance, it’s decent. However, to fully use this app, one eventually has to subscribe to the premium version, and considering the price, it becomes quite disappointing. Throughout the entire text, I may seem overly focused on money, but honestly, one cannot ignore its importance when using an app. Even if there were a lifetime subscription option, I could understand and justify a higher cost. But it’s not, is it?
Evernote has been around for well over a decade now, so it’s unlikely to regain its past glory as it did in the earlier years. Since regaining its heyday seems unlikely, many appreciate the impression that they are working hard in their way, either by doing the job somewhat casually or by developing other future prospects or services. While Notion is also widely popular, there are certain elements like lack of offline mode support, which users always desire, but the app never updates.
However, with Evernote, there are few complaints or reactions because of specific missing features. There are many opinions expressing that ‘it’s not like it used to be.’ I can understand to some extent, but it makes me curious about what those users want from the past. In some aspects, it’s quite similar to Microsoft Word as well. Is it perhaps a request to bring back the not-so-great design from the past?
Evernote new Windows version summary
Good point
- The design, especially the readability, has significantly improved.
- There are many substantial updates in terms of actual functionality.
- The first screen using widgets is nice.
Bad point
- The premium version price has become very expensive, at around $10 per month.
- There are too few fonts available, especially for Koreans.
- The competition has become too fierce with formidable rivals.
