Yesterday we released V1.1 of Notepad for iPad (formerly FastNotes for iPad). The release included many new features including:
- See where all your notes were taken (built in maps/geo-tagging)
- Improved UI
- New graphics
- Lots of major bug fixes
- New name
- Email notes
- Change font type
- Change font size
- All notes are timestamped
With all those features packed into this release there is lots I could talk about. Instead I’m going to say a little about arguably the most important thing: the bug fixes.
When we released FastNotes we had to work quickly. We wanted to get the app submitted in time so as to get it out for the iPad US launch. This meant we had to leave out lots of the features we added in V1.1 and it also meant we missed lots of bugs when testing. In fact, we missed some major bugs, so sorry if that ruined your experience with the app. I can assure you though that we spent weeks testing this new version looking for bugs and making the app as stable as possible. In all our testing/use since the release we haven’t had one crash, unsaved note, or other strange bug. Obviously that doesn’t mean there can’t be one in there but I hope you can see how much work has been put into making this update as bug free as possible.
Pricing
Something related I want to talk about is pricing. We initially released the app for $2.99. A few days ago we decided to make it free, and it has become an instant hit (Top 3 Productivity apps and in the Top 100 Free apps). We were going to start charging for the app again but have decided to keep it free. We also want to continue making a great product and working hard on it so we need to monetize in some way. We have decided to include in-app purchasing in an upcoming version of Notepad. Through this you will be able to get access to themes and premium features. Don’t worry though, we will never compromise the quality and functionality of the free app by making all new features premium.
We are also considering including unobtrusive advertising in an upcoming version but that will only happen if we can figure out a way to incorporate them without compromising your experience.
V1.2
We are already hard at work on V1.2 of Notepad. We hope to improve the performance of the app further as well as introducing some new features (which we think you’ll like – they’re pretty cool – ). We are also working on some features suggested by users on Uservoice. If you have any features you would like in the app please don’t hesitate! Head over there now to submit your feature request. This can be done anonymously, without the need to sign up.
In the meantime I hope you enjoy using the app. Please also take a moment to review it on iTunes.
Kieran
) and therefore there haven’t been any updates to the app it we admit it wasn’t fully stable. We have been working very hard since the app was launched to greatly improve it. We have basically rewritten the entire thing and we are very close to launch (the app is in review). The update – which will be free – will include great new graphics, geo-tagging of notes, ability to email notes, font manipulation, and the app is now very stable. The app is now also called Notepad for iPad: and is free for a very limited time.