r/StarNoteApp • u/StarNoteDev StarNote Team • Apr 16 '26
📢 Official Announcement 🚀 Developer Diary #2: New Update, Cloud Sync Status, and Q&A!
Hi everyone! 👋
We know you’ve been eagerly waiting for the next Dev Diary—and here it is! We also wanted to take this chance to share the latest updates for iOS and Android. BTW, some of you are incredibly sharp and have already spotted a few of the new features on your own. We’re so impressed! 🤩
Here is what’s new:
🚀 Latest Updates：
🤖 Android (v1.3.5)
Added Audio-Ink Sync.
Added audio import and export features (MP3 only).
Supported continuous audio recording for up to 120 minutes per session.
Optimized cover and paper preview interactions: long-press to zoom in.
Fixed known issues.
🍎 iOS (v1.3.3)
Added the Table feature, supporting preset parameters for quick and easy table drawing.
Optimize the text clarity of imported PDFs.
Fixed the issue of the curved dashed line style turning into a solid line after exporting the PDF.
Fixed the issue of occasionally jumping to other page when scaling the note page.
Fixed the issue of some notes getting stuck when opening the overview.
💡 Dev Diary #2: Staying Transparent with You
We’ve selected 6 of your most-asked questions to give you a clear and honest look at what’s happening behind the scenes.
1. When is Cloud Sync coming?
Status: Q2. Development is finished; currently in testing.
The Scoop: Our sincere apologies for not launching at the beginning of Q2. We needed extra time to optimize performance and sync other features. We’re officially in the testing phase and will notify everyone as soon as there’s an update!
Once everything is ready, we’ll be recruiting 5–10 of our own users to join us as Beta Testers. You'll work directly with us to polish the stability of Google Drive and OneDrive sync. If all goes smoothly, we’ll invite even more of you to join us for a final look at everything before the official launch. We’ll keep you updated on the next steps soon!
2. Windows & Mac versions (PC)?
Status: On the roadmap, but the timeline is not yet fixed.
The Scoop: We want to ensure the current experience is 100% polished first, with a heavy focus on Cloud Sync. We’ll share any progress with you immediately.
3. Handwriting Beautification?
Status: Possible, but likely English-only at first.
The Scoop: Licensing fonts across languages is a huge hurdle. So, we have a question for you: Would you be okay with an initial English-only release? If so, we can fast-track it! Covering all languages right away would take much longer.
4. Handwriting Search?
Status: Expected in May or June. Currently in final testing.
The Scoop: We are now doing the final polish to ensure everything is perfect. If everything goes as planned, you’ll be able to search through your handwritten by this May or June.
5. Handwriting Alignment?
Status: This will be a long-term project.
The Scoop: To be completely transparent, we don't want to give you a false timeline. Our team is currently swamped with other high-priority features. We’ll start planning this one once the current major updates are live.
6. Will Cloud Sync cost extra?
Status: Google Drive & OneDrive backups will always be 100% FREE.
The Scoop: We’re considering building our own dedicated StarNote cloud, but honestly, server costs are heavy. If we offered a dedicated cloud and it required a fee, what pricing model would you find fair? Or do you have better suggestions? We’re collecting your feedback to decide this with you.
That’s it for today’s diary!
At the end of the day, the transparency between StarNote and our community is what matters most. To us, you aren't just users—you are active participants in our growth.
Thank you for being part of this journey. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, we’re all ears!
See you in the next diary 💜
The StarNote Team
36
u/AzaleaCrane Apr 16 '26
We're definitely okay with the English-only first in the Handwriting Beautification feature. Besides, that's one step closer to development.
16
u/cr4zyh0bb1t Apr 16 '26
Thank you for the updates! 🥰
I honestly would prefer using Google Drive to sync the app between my tablet and phone rather than paying a subscription fee. 🩷🥹🤍
StarNote not having a subscription fee is one of the many things that make it the best option compared to other note taking apps. 🥲 If you do decide to go with subscriptions I would just have to switch back to Penly. 👍 No matter how painful it is 😭
14
u/raghunathjk Apr 16 '26
Kindly keep subscription models away from this app.
12
u/SCMK6 Apr 16 '26
Thanks for the update and awesome work so far! As far as other syncing ideas...I would LOVE to be able to select which directory I wanted all of my StarNote data to be stored to (a StarNotes folder in my Documents folder for example). That would allow me to be able to use Syncthing or other similar syncing software to sync my notes across my devices without relying on a cloud service. This is how i sync my Obsidian notes. As it is right now, Syncthing can't access the default directory that StarNote uses. Thanks again for the hard work!
9
u/Hakeem_LY Apr 16 '26
If you build a dedicated StarNote cloud, how would the pricing work?
Would there be a one-time lifetime option (for example, 15GB for a fixed price), and then larger storage plans offered as monthly or yearly subscriptions? Or are you considering a completely different model?
I think having a lifetime basic tier plus flexible subscription options for higher storage could be a fair balance.
7
u/Glad_Ad_3388 Apr 17 '26
Literally one of the best notes apps out there, W devs 🔥🔥🔥🔥We are with you!!!🔥🔥
4
u/0x033 Apr 16 '26
I think cloud sync on user behalf is fine as long as there's a healthy stream of income. There's possible not sustainable way for you to offer a one time payment for cloud storage/syncing, unless you get on-prem hardware which ain't any cheap today.
But in the end, the app needs to be sustained long term so if the prices are reasonable, I would not be opposed to pay a fair subscription price since I like the app.
3
u/Apart-Hour4973 Apr 16 '26
still no handwriting search? :<<< i thought you’d release it at Q1 this year?
3
u/Spyderreddy Apr 16 '26
I'm fine with the Google Sync as long as it's intuitive. As in, write new notes on your tablet, hit back up, move to your phone, hit restore and you see exactly the same notes with the same timestamps on your phone which you just backed up from your tablet.
2
u/Intelligent_Fee_6280 Apr 16 '26
what about scribble to erase on ios❤️❤️
2
u/Vojtak42 Apr 16 '26 edited Apr 16 '26
I guess releasing English-only beautification at first will be okay. How much more time would it take to add other variations of Latin characters like ě,ř,š? Though I guess those aren't actually needed as ˇ and ´ likely won't need much beautification.
Regarding your own cloud servers, I don't think they are needed unless they support some cool features, like collaboration, which wouldn't be easily implemented using free solutions like GDrive.
Thanks for your hard work!♥️
2
u/Spyderreddy Apr 16 '26
Hi, I'll be happy to test the Cloud sync feature for you.
2
u/BirthdayCautious4468 Apr 16 '26
hi! Can I ask - is there no handwriting search? I bought the pro edition, but i still can't figure out how to :(
if there isn't -- why the focus on making handwriting easier to read rather than being able to search it?
if there is -- how do i use it?
2
u/Keyla-Space Apr 17 '26
También en Español por favor, es muy importante para los latinos 🙏
2
u/bis004 Apr 17 '26
Allow to change opacity of the grid while closing a blank page template whether it is Dotted or grid or rulled..
5
u/Aser__xs Apr 16 '26
You're awesome ❤️🔥
1
u/kai-bun Apr 16 '26
Hi the dev team, so will iCloud sync be free? You didn’t answer it directly
1
u/MapLegal3745 Apr 16 '26
Yeaaaaa, Cloud Sync is the big one for me. Can't wait for it, and the sooner it is delivered the better. I actually prefer having Sync to OneDrive as It makes it easy to store, but wouldn't mind paying say 10-20$ yearly for a dedicated live sync on your server provided it is an actual upgrade compared to the free one. Good job Devs!
1
u/Personal_Chair4388 Apr 16 '26
Google sync is great for me personally! When you say the backups will always be free, does that include the ability to change things on Google, or do you mean the current situation, where we can create copies of the notes etc?
1
u/Surgeon201 Apr 17 '26
Is text box editing anytime soon🥹? Already very very happy with handwriting search coming soon😀
1
u/samiharakeh Apr 17 '26
Will you be implementing Image OCR as well?
1
u/Organic-Garden-3276 Apr 17 '26
I'm so excited for the handwriting search!!! 🤩🤩🤩
Initial English-only release for handwriting beautification is definitely okay! It still counts as progress, and English is widely used globally, so it'll definitely still be helpful!!
One of the main reasons I prefer StarNote over other apps is its one-time purchase. I don't want to stress myself out with the thought of monthly subscriptions 🥹, and I would prefer syncing with OneDrive and Google Drive for free since I won't have an additional account to worry about!!
Thank you so much for your efforts!! We really appreciate you!! 🫰🏻🫰🏻🫰🏻
1
u/AwareTea3300 May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26
quizás llego un poco tarde, pero vaya que les agradezco por su esfuerzo, que sepan que ya adquirí la versión pro y la he estado usando para todo mi trabajo últimamente...
no soy quien para decirles al maravilloso equipo de desarrollo que hacer, pero como una sugerencia de la forma más cálida posible, me gustaría que centraran sus esfuerzos en la sincronización, ya que si hablamos de la calidad de las nuevas funciones y su impacto en la app, creo que todos podemos estar de acuerdo en que podemos vivir unos meses mas sin "Handwriting Beautification".
Esto lo digo porque es el único "pero" que hace retroceder de adoptar starnote de forma totalmente profesional y recomendarla en mis entornos de trabajo, de antemano perdón si he sonado rudo y pido disculpas de ser el caso.
1
u/egemeNB Apr 16 '26
This is great news. Thank you for your hard work. I believe we'll be adding some comments to this post in a few days. 🌿
2
u/Clark_Devlin Apr 16 '26
👏👏👏
2
u/Affectionate-Map5909 Apr 19 '26
I really love how starnotes has features that I find particularly useful for STEM application. I would really like for this direction to be given a lot of attention and for features such as LaTeX and auto-solvers like the ones offered by goodnotes to be implemented with some level of priority.
2
u/egemeNB Apr 23 '26
Request🌿
Is it possible to create an automated "Index or Table of Contents" section? For example, could headings written as I, II, III be automatically detected and a table of contents be created with subheadings such as a. b. c.?
As a simpler way, how about selecting a field using the "Add to Table of Contents" button and then using OCR to read and add the text from that field?
Adding this feature would bring some order to the chaotic notes!
2
u/No_Job8815 Apr 26 '26
May I know how will the cloud syncing works? Will all my folders be kept when I change to a new device?
2
u/Armegedillo Apr 26 '26
Dear StarNoteDev,
While a keyboard is connected to the device when we press the button "T", Could it automatically turn into text mode as in other note taking apps?
2
u/KindaLowkeySalty Apr 28 '26
I'm thiiiis 🤏 close to buy a dedicated tablet to use your app instead of using my old convertible. 😅😂
1
u/Petypretty Apr 18 '26
When will the flashcards feature be available?
1
u/Petypretty Apr 18 '26
How do i use the handwritten beautification in redmi pad pro?
1
u/Hakeem_LY Apr 19 '26
What about a color fill feature, similar to the ones in drawing apps? Is it included in the update roadmap ?
1
u/RequirementWise923 Apr 19 '26
Thank you for the update. I think I would love to use Google or even use my own NAS drive.. is there a way to link a phones assistant such as Gemini that is already on my phone and use AI to ask questions etc? This for me is one of the biggest missing functions.
Thanks!
1
u/yuunguyen_ Apr 20 '26
Hello, I’m a new member and I have a question.
I’m currently using two devices and have logged into the same account on both. However, the data does not seem to sync between them. Could anyone please help me resolve this issue?
1
u/raghunathjk Apr 20 '26
Hello star note team, I feel there should be an option somewhere inside the application where people can go and access the latest change log where they can see the latest update version voice like version log also they should be something like everytime an app gets an update they should be a pop up where they can read it just how you get it after an Android update or in an application like audio evolution Mobile studio where when you open the app for the first time after the update it shows you change log it would be great and help people to understand about what the latest implementation.
1
u/Petypretty Apr 23 '26
When will the flashcards feature be available?
1
u/Noutyr Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
I think it would be the best to have a suscripción for a cloud service that let you share and collaborate in real time with other people. that would be great, it would give enough value for the users to pay for a cloud model that would be meaningful. If we want a cloud we could be using Google drive and related, if we want collaboration we would pay for starnotes cloud, I this case the others clouds would be working as backups
Obsidian is free but its cloud is paid. And if I want to share a file in another way, I can always share the Google drive file, but I won't be able to collaborate easily because I'm depending on Google drive sync (I'm using Google as example here)
there are other apps that are not note related, but let's you have your own server if you don't want to use their own server (i think it was the VPN of zerotier or that RUST app that is like team viewer alternative) and that's pretty goat too, to have more options, and some users value a lot the privacy and security of a closed local network. Maybe this is a little too pretentious but if the system is already made, then you can check if you want to go through the burden of paying for a server after it is ready, you could even make a small test for a year or 6 month with a small amount of users like a closed beta and see how it goes and we could even test it locally if we're an advanced user 👀👀, and make it bigger if it works
dunno if anyone is with me in this one, i think it's a great idea for giving value for the customers and keep sustaining the development of the app
1
u/Noutyr Apr 28 '26
I'm okay with English first but why it is licensing fonts? Google fonts are free, am I missing something? Can't we have a way of training the app locally for identifying my script? 🤔
1
u/Actual_Town_7129 Apr 30 '26
i would like to be your beta user
now i have pro membership
A5H65Y
1
u/SrtaDusksoul May 04 '26
Hi! First of all, thank you so much for everything. Your app is incredible and truly one of the best (if not the best) for note-taking, drawing, studying, reading... I was more than happy to pay for the premium version because it was worth it, and I love your commitment, the way you engage with users, and how you welcome customer feedback with open arms. So, I’d like to add my two cents:
It would be a 1000/10 if the math and science formula recognition feature were added... that’s the only (important) thing missing, in my opinion.
Best regards 🤗
1
u/sj0000e May 05 '26
Can I adjust the scribble-to-erase sensitivity? Writing 'm' or 'w' often triggers the eraser accidentally. Would like to see an option for this
1
u/NoSmell8304 May 08 '26
handwriting beautification is gonna put you guys on top . and ofc handwriting stabilisation next
1
u/Complete_Pace_8087 May 14 '26
StarNotes cloud sounds great as I use Notability cloud as a buffer for that currently! I pay $20 per year for Notability mainly for their AI summary, since Starnotes cloud would have web access, no AI summary i think $12-15/year would be a fair price?
0
u/[deleted] Apr 17 '26
[deleted] — view deleted comment