avatarLewis J Doyle

Summary

Bending Spoons has revitalized Evernote with a new design, branding, and features following its acquisition, aiming to reposition it as a versatile life-organizing tool.

Abstract

Following Bending Spoons' acquisition of Evernote, the productivity app has undergone significant changes, including a redesign and rebranding, to position itself as a multipurpose tool for organizing both professional and personal life. The updates, which include improved note syncing, AI features, and spreadsheet previews, mark a departure from the app's legacy elements and previous ownership. The January 2024 refresh is indicative of Bending Spoons' commitment to enhancing Evernote and addressing past shortcomings, such as the much-needed improvement in note syncing, which had been a persistent issue. The new aesthetic and functionality aim to attract a broad user base beyond professionals, including casual notetakers.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that the new design and features indicate a fresh start for Evernote under Bending Spoons' ownership, moving away from its legacy issues.
  • There is an acknowledgment that while Evernote had fallen behind in terms of innovation, the recent updates could signal a resurgence for the app.
  • The removal of legacy elements, such as the black toolbar, is seen as a positive step towards modernizing the application's look and feel.
  • The author expresses optimism about the future of Evernote, viewing the new website and app design as a sign that the product is ready to be showcased and compete in the market again.
  • The article implies that the changes to Evernote are not just cosmetic but also functional, with improvements that address long-standing user concerns.

Evernote: Bending Spoons’ first roll of the dice

Evernote.com

Bending Spoons acquired Evernote, one of the world’s leading productivity apps. It was a surprise acquisition, and many of us regular users have been curiously asking: what’s next?

We’ve been waiting to see what would happen with the software, particularly against the backdrop of a highly competitive marketplace. Notion has become the en-vogue app of choice for its customisation options, but note-taking purists remain fans of Evernote’s editing capabilities and powerful search.

Yet we’ve been waiting ….

And waiting….

To see what Bending Spoons would do. Beyond some well-needed maintenance, that is.

And in January 20224, cards have started to be shown in the form of an updated website and a fresh new design. The website may not seem like a lot at least, but we must remember that Evernote no longer has any legacy staff, so we’re seeing 100% Bending Spoons actions.

What’s new?

Evernote.com

Other than a new aesthetic, Bending Spoons has also promoted the product under the heading ‘Tame your work, organise your life’ as a multipurpose app that will accompany your life, not just specific areas. This isn’t just an app for professionals, it’s also the app to be chosen by the casual notetakers.

Evernote.com

Bending Spoons has removed almost every legacy element of the app, from the team to the brand. While the elephant remains in the room (for now at least), we’d be forgiven if we thought this is a new product.

But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing because this may well be the start of Bending Spoons’ own legacy with the product. Investment typically brings improvement, and in the relatively short period of ownership, we’ve now seen improved note syncing (those that have been around long enough know that has been an Achilles heel for the product), AI features, spreadsheet previews, and now a refresh.

Evernote may have been left behind with the pace of innovation in the space that seemed to have passed it by, but now the problems have been fixed; perhaps now is our time — the time our beloved product gets to shine again.

Perhaps I’m reading too much into this, but a website is a shop window, and when you put something on display, it means it’s ready to be showcased.

Evernote.com

New Design

As well as a new website, Evernote has also refreshed the application, or at least they’ve showcased the app that is to come.

Before and after shots show how the team have been at work, refreshing the application with the biggest change being the removal of the tired looking black toolbar.

In its place, a clean blended look that brings the design into a new era. I for one, am a fan and look forward to a product update that brings this fresh new look.

Evernote
Notetaking
Productivity
Apps
Second Brain
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