What’s the difference between a good app and a great app? A good app provides you a service you desire with a usable interface. Evernote for Android previously fell into that category. It performed the exact task for which I had intended it, which was to make note of stray thoughts while I’m not at the computer. It wasn’t the best app, but it served its purpose of keeping everything stored in the cloud so that I could access it via my desktop app. Thankfully the folks at Evernote have realized the error of their ways and have started to put more work into the Android app, including an update you can download right now.
Pictured above is my favorite addition to the app. A home screen widget makes a world of sense for an app like this. It allows you to add a new note — text, picture, or voice — with a simple click, rather than having to click into the application. You can also search through your notes from the widget. I don’t do much note searching and manipulation on my Android, but now that the option is front and center I just might start doing it. I recently found that my MLB At Bat widget was destroying my battery, so this is a nice primary home screen replacement.
The other big feature is the ability to share via Evernote. If you’re in an app that allows sharing, Evernote will now appear as an option. Again, this fits in perfectly. The beauty of Evernote is that it allows you to assemble bits of information for a more thorough review later. The share function is an easy way to get those bits of information into one place.
(And if you like the idea of piecing together bits of information, I highly recommend Age of the Infovore, previously Create Your Own Economy, by Tyler Cowen.)
There are plenty of other small fixes, too, which will make Evernote perform better overall. It’s one of my essential Android apps. You can get it at in the Market.
Via Talk Android.
