Introduction
Overview of the App
Nebo: AI Note-Taking is a powerful, handwriting-based note-taking app developed by MyScript. Designed specifically for iPads with Apple Pencil support, Nebo offers an advanced digital writing experience that converts handwritten notes into structured, editable text, diagrams, and math equations. By combining the fluidity of handwriting with the flexibility of digital text, Nebo provides an intuitive note-taking experience for users who prefer writing by hand but need the functionality of a digital document. Nebo is ideal for students, professionals, and creatives who want to turn handwritten notes into well-organised, shareable digital documents.
Intended Audience and Use Cases
Nebo is suited for a broad audience, including students taking lecture notes, professionals in meetings, and designers or engineers creating diagrams or technical notes. The app’s ability to transform handwriting into digital text, diagrams, and even solve equations makes it valuable for anyone who needs to create structured, professional notes directly from handwritten input. With its versatility, Nebo appeals to users looking for a seamless way to integrate hand-drawn notes into their digital workflows, particularly on iPad devices with stylus support.
Unique Selling Points
Nebo’s handwriting recognition and text conversion are standout features, offering one of the most accurate and responsive handwriting-to-text experiences available on iOS. The app’s support for math and diagram conversion allows users to incorporate complex elements into their notes, making it an advanced tool for technical and educational use. Additionally, Nebo offers powerful editing features, allowing users to rearrange, reformat, and export notes, making it more than just a note-taking app—it’s a complete digital writing platform.
Design and User Interface
Visual Design
Nebo’s design is clean, modern, and intuitive, with a focus on maximising the writing area. The interface offers a minimalistic layout, providing ample space for handwriting without distractions. The toolbar is easy to navigate, with icons for common functions like erasing, selecting, and converting text, making it easy to switch between different modes and tools. The design makes the app feel natural for writing, closely mimicking the experience of writing on paper but with digital benefits.
User Experience
Nebo is designed with the user’s writing experience in mind, providing smooth ink flow and responsive handwriting recognition that allows for real-time conversion of handwritten notes into editable text. The app’s editing tools are intuitive and support gestures for adding spaces, joining words, and making corrections, allowing users to refine their notes easily. Nebo’s organisation features also enable users to create notebooks and pages for different projects, ensuring notes remain structured and accessible.
Core Features and Functionality
Handwriting-to-Text Conversion
Nebo’s flagship feature is its handwriting-to-text conversion, which allows users to write freely and then convert their handwriting into digital text. The app recognises cursive and print handwriting, and the accuracy of conversion is remarkably high, even with varying handwriting styles. This feature is particularly useful for users who want the flexibility of handwriting combined with the editability and searchability of digital text.
Math Equation Recognition and Solving
For users in technical fields, Nebo’s ability to recognise and convert handwritten equations is invaluable. Users can write mathematical equations, and Nebo will not only convert them into digital text but can also solve certain types of equations directly within the app. This makes it an excellent tool for students, engineers, and scientists who need a reliable way to integrate complex equations into their notes.
Diagram and Shape Recognition
Nebo supports the creation of diagrams and recognises hand-drawn shapes, making it ideal for brainstorming sessions, mind mapping, and technical note-taking. Users can sketch shapes and diagrams, and the app will convert them into clean, polished graphics. This feature is particularly helpful for professionals or students who need to draw charts, flow diagrams, or other visual elements as part of their notes.
Organisational Tools and Notebook Structure
The app allows users to create notebooks, dividing notes by subject, project, or category, which is helpful for keeping information organised. Notes can be structured with headings, bullet points, and lists, making them easy to navigate. Nebo also offers a search function across notebooks, allowing users to find specific content quickly, even within converted text and diagrams.
Export and Sharing Options
Nebo offers versatile export options, allowing users to save notes as PDF, Word, or text files, or even HTML for web sharing. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate Nebo notes with other applications and workflows. The app also supports cloud storage services, enabling users to back up and access their notes across multiple devices.
Practical Usage Scenarios
Scenario 1: Lecture and Study Notes for Students
For students, Nebo is an invaluable tool for capturing lecture notes in a clear, organised manner. By converting handwriting into text, students can easily search, edit, and organise their notes by subject or topic. The math and diagram features make it ideal for technical subjects, allowing students to write and solve equations or create clean, labelled diagrams directly in their notes.
Scenario 2: Professional Meeting Notes and Brainstorming Sessions
Professionals can use Nebo to take notes during meetings, with the app’s handwriting recognition allowing for quick conversion into shareable, professional-looking documents. The diagram feature is particularly useful in brainstorming sessions, as it allows users to create and refine flowcharts or mind maps. With Nebo’s export options, meeting notes can be sent as Word or PDF documents, making it easy to share with colleagues.
Scenario 3: Technical and Engineering Notes
Engineers, architects, and designers who rely on hand-drawn diagrams and equations can benefit from Nebo’s technical features. The app’s ability to recognise and convert complex shapes and equations allows technical professionals to create structured documents that combine drawings and text. Nebo’s math solver is particularly valuable for calculations, making it a versatile tool for detailed technical note-taking.
Comparison with Similar Apps
Competitor 1: GoodNotes
GoodNotes is another handwriting-focused app that offers strong support for handwritten notes and drawing. While GoodNotes provides an excellent user experience for note-taking and sketching, it lacks the advanced handwriting-to-text conversion and math-solving features that Nebo offers. For users who need reliable handwriting recognition and structured document conversion, Nebo offers more specialised functionality than GoodNotes, which is more focused on freeform note-taking and annotation.
Competitor 2: Notability
Notability is a versatile note-taking app that supports audio recording alongside handwritten and typed notes, making it popular for users who want a multimedia approach to note-taking. While Notability is highly functional and offers a good writing experience, it doesn’t have the same level of handwriting recognition or text conversion accuracy as Nebo. Nebo’s focus on transforming handwriting into structured, editable documents makes it a more effective tool for users prioritising text conversion and technical note-taking.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-Quality Handwriting Recognition and Conversion: Nebo’s handwriting-to-text conversion is accurate and supports multiple languages, making it ideal for a diverse range of users.
- Math Equation Solving and Diagram Support: The app’s ability to convert and solve equations, along with its shape and diagram recognition, is excellent for technical fields.
- Organised, Structured Note Management: Notebooks, pages, and search functionality make it easy to keep notes organised and accessible.
- Robust Export Options: Users can export notes in various formats, including PDF, Word, and HTML, for integration with other applications.
- Intuitive Interface with Ample Writing Space: The layout is clean and designed for maximised writing area, providing a smooth and comfortable writing experience.
Cons
- Limited Support on Devices Without Apple Pencil: Nebo’s core functionality is optimised for devices with stylus support, limiting its usability on iPhones or iPads without Apple Pencil.
- Lacks Audio Recording Feature: Unlike Notability, Nebo does not include audio recording, which may be a drawback for users who want to capture both audio and written notes.
- Premium Price Point: While the app’s features justify its cost, it may not appeal to users looking for free or lower-cost note-taking options.
Overall Rating and Value
- Design: 4.5/5
- Functionality: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
- Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Nebo is a highly effective note-taking app for users who value handwriting-to-text conversion, particularly those in academic or technical fields. Its advanced recognition capabilities, combined with diagram support and equation solving, make it a standout tool for iPad users who need structured, professional notes from handwritten input. While it may lack some multimedia features found in competing apps, Nebo’s specialisation in handwriting conversion and digital text integration offers unique advantages that justify its premium price.
Conclusion
Nebo is a powerful solution for iPad users looking to integrate handwritten notes into a digital format with ease. Its ability to accurately convert handwriting, diagrams, and equations into editable, shareable text sets it apart from standard note-taking apps. For students, professionals, and technical users who rely on complex note structures, Nebo provides a streamlined, intuitive experience that combines the best of handwriting and digital organisation. Although it lacks some multimedia features, its strengths in handwriting recognition and structured note creation make it an invaluable tool for anyone who prefers writing by hand but needs the functionality of a digital workspace.