Apps

5 best note-taking apps for Android and iOS

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There are plenty of ways to take notes. You could do it the traditional way with a notebook and pen, or something out of the ordinary like jotting down on a napkin during lunch. Or, better yet, use your smartphone!

Here are some of the best note-taking apps available on both Android and iOS.

Evernote

Evernote is perhaps the most popular digital notebook. Since I started embracing paperless ways of taking notes, Evernote has always been helpful. It’s simplistic yet has powerful features that you can explore. You can add images, audio, and files to your notes; and collate them to be part of a categorized notebook.

The basic features of Evernote are available for free, but you can go for the Plus plan (US$ 34.99/year) if you want to get hold of additional features like email integrations, offline notebook access, and more.

Download: Android, iOS

Microsoft OneNote

If you want your digital notebook to be as flexible as real paper, Microsoft OneNote is the one for you. There’s a bit of a learning curve for OneNote unlike most note-taking apps, especially with the interface. If there’s something unique about this, it’s the ability to type and doodle in the middle of the page — perfect for pen input. You can also add attachments, to-do lists, audio, and even videos.

The app is available for free on mobile devices. A full desktop version of OneNote is also available, but it requires a subscription for Office 365.

Download: Android, iOS

Google Keep

Google Keep is a favorite, not just for me but for the whole GadgetMatch team. While the app looks like basic sticky-note software, its minimalist look is what makes it an excellent app. One can enjoy Keep to jot down ideas, checklists, and just about anything. Since this is a Google product, anything written here is automatically backed up to your account, making it available on virtually any platform.

Like with other Google apps, Keep is free and uses your Google account for syncing.

Download: Android, iOS

Simplenote

If you want something really simple, check out Simplenote. True to its name, it offers a clean and straightforward interface for typing. It’s white and clutter-free without the unnecessary visual elements that could distract you. While it doesn’t offer attachments (i.e., images, audio clips), it offers online syncing, peer collaboration, and a search function.

It’s pretty obvious that Simplenote is not meant to replace the likes of Evernote, but it’s a free app that you can use as an alternative.

Download: Android, iOS

Zoho Notebook

Zoho Notebook is the most visually pleasing note-taking app on this list. Rather than using side bars and text menus, Notebook is in favor of — well — notebooks. There are preset designs, or you could customize your own art for the covers of the notebooks. Once inside the notebooks, things become familiar with cards and featured images. Of course, everything is synced to the cloud.

Another great aspect of Zoho Notebook is that it’s free and doesn’t rely on ads or premium upgrades.

Download: Android, iOS

SEE MORE: 5 essential tips for buying a new phone

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Apps

New X users must pay a dollar per year to post and reply

Rolling out globally now

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New users on X might soon face a tough time on the platform. The social media website will likely start charging new accounts a small fee for the right to post on the platform.

Now, the fee isn’t a new one. Almost six months ago, the company tested the paid system in New Zealand and the Philippines. New users in those countries had to pay a dollar per year for the ability to post and reply to content.

As spotted by X Daily News on the same platform, the company might be ready to take the experiment to a larger market. New text strings have shown that the policy is rolling out worldwide.

The policy is designed to combat a wave of bots appearing on the platform. By preventing new accounts from creating posts, X hopes to stave off the standard behavior of bots these days. You might have noticed them as OnlyFans creators in unrelated posts, peddling NSFW content on their bio.

Though the global rollout was only just spotted, owner Elon Musk has seemingly confirmed the change. Replying to X Daily News, Musk says that it is “the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots.” He says that the current breed of bots can easily bypass simple checks these days.

SEE ALSO: X will no longer let you hide your blue checkmark

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Disney+ might get always-on channels similar to cable TV

Featuring content from Marvel, Star Wars, and classic Disney

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Disney+ | Disney Plus

The burden of choice on streaming platforms is real. If you’re like us, you’ve spent hours just mindlessly scrolling through titles on Netflix or Disney+ without watching anything. Netflix, at least, has a Play Something button to fight off that irresistible urge. Now, Disney+ is reportedly trying something different: always-on channels.

If you already cut cable from your lives, you’re likely missing traditional channels or networks that have pre-determined programming. It was a flawed system that eventually ended up with mediocre content and a downpour of ads. However, cable did allow us to keep watching without deciding what comes next.

Now, according to The Information, Disney+ is working on adding those channels to its streaming service. Naturally, these channels will include content from the platform’s library such as Marvel, Star Wars, and its list of classic animated films.

Strangely, the reported feature might still have ads in between programs. Though the addition of ads does mean a better similarity with real television, users still have to be paying subscribers to access the channels. Even if you’re already paying for Disney+, you might still get hit with ads.

Disney has not confirmed the reports yet. The platform might launch a version of the feature outside of the scope included in this report. It’s also unknown when these always-on channels will launch.

SEE ALSO: Macross to be available on Disney+

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Google might offer satellite connectivity soon

Starting with the Pixel 9 series

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A few years ago, Apple unleashed one of the most interesting features for the iPhone today: Emergency SOS. Designed for those who like their fair bit of the outdoors, Emergency SOS allows users to contact emergency services without network coverage. Other manufacturers, however, are struggling to adopt the same feature. Now, Google might soon join Apple in providing satellite connectivity for its users.

Despite the convenience, satellite connectivity hasn’t taken off as much as the industry expected it to. For one, a network of satellites isn’t the easiest thing to maintain. Apple is still currently offering its services for free, a gamble that may or may not pay off. Now, the iPhone maker won’t be alone.

According to Android Authority, Google might start offering the same service to Pixel 9 users. Starting with this year’s upcoming flagship, the company is reportedly teaming up with T-Mobile to create satellite connectivity for its users. The telecommunications network is teaming up with SpaceX for the feature.

The same report describes how the feature might work. Once activated, the feature will ask users of their situation: is everyone breathing, are people trapped, are weapons involved, among others. The phone will then relay this information to emergency authorities for a rapid response.

Unfortunately, pricing remains a mystery. While Apple is still offering its satellite connectivity for free, other brands might put the burden of cost on the end user. Hopefully, they won’t, but a paid version is unfortunately expected at this point.

SEE ALSO: Should you be excited for Apple’s satellite connectivity?

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