Goodnotes is releasing a new edition with features like AI-powered handwriting recognition, a marketplace for digital stationery, and an academic module for maths in the favored note-taking app’s biggest push in 4 years to win and retain customers.

The app, launched by Steven Chan in 2011, said the new edition, Goodnotes 6, has put immense effort to boost support for Apple Pencil. While Goodnotes 5 already had a nifty handwriting-recognition feature, the new edition supports spellcheck as well. Which means that in case you make a mistake while writing, the app can suggest a correction and even rewrite the word in your personal handwriting.

The app maker said it has worked closely with Apple to benefit from the neural engine, available in devices just like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, to boost handwriting recognition. Currently, the handwriting spellcheck feature supports English, Spanish, German and Dutch.

Goodnotes can be 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 corporate goals to supply full word prediction in the longer term.

The newest version also introduced gesture-based actions resembling “scribble to erase” and “circle to Lasso.” Moreover, Goodnotes 6 unveils a recent library view, allowing users to customize folders, introduces dynamic notebook templates and higher audio recording support.

While the app is out there at no cost, it comes with constraints: Users can only access three notebooks and a limited set of features. To realize full access, users can have to go for an annual subscription at $9.99 or make a one-time payment of $29.99.

Chan noted that while Goodnotes has been often known as an iPad app — it won an Apple award for iPad app of the 12 months in 2022 — the corporate is improving its typing experience across the board. The app also introduces AI-driven writing features, enabling users to increase or condense text, modify its tone, or paraphrase content.

The app’s founder said that the corporate is using an AI model that’s protected for all ages, given Goodnotes is utilized by plenty of students. While the corporate didn’t mention the particular model powering the AI typing feature, Goodnotes confirmed that it will not be using OpenAI’s tech.

Image Credits: Screenshot by TechCrunch

Thursday’s launch can be illustrative of how Goodnotes is attempting to diversify its revenue streams beyond subscriptions. To that end, it has rolled out a recent marketplace for digital stationery resembling stickers, subject-specific revision notes, planners and various paper and card templates. Goodnotes 6 will offer a few of this stuff at no cost to subscribers, but other items shall be available as via in-app purchases.

Currently, the corporate has teamed up with several creators — and is seeking to expand and invite more — to curate an inaugural collection of digital stationery for the launch. The corporate told TechCrunch that while it would 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.

Image Credits: Goodnotes

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

To make sure, other players within the education market resembling Khan Academy and Byju’s have been experimenting with AI models to assist students.

Goodnotes has only raised money once — a $6 million seed round from Race Capital in 2020. As of now, it has no immediate plans to lift more capital. The first focus for Goodnotes is to refine its educational features, Chan said. Nonetheless, the corporate can be milling developing features to make the product more attractive for enterprise customers with document management needs, a move that might put it against businesses resembling Notion.

Chan added that Goodnotes is currently home to greater than 200 employees, and over 21 million persons are using the app monthly.

Although Goodnotes has been a staple on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms for a while, the corporate is now exploring versions for Android and Windows. Chan said he wants Goodnotes to make sure a seamless experience across multiple platforms eventually.