In my journey from being “a writer hater to a writer lover”, finding the Nebo app was a defining moment. Of all the apps I tried, only Nebo could recognize my chicken scratch, retain my handwritten texts for review, and allow me an edit the original text before converting it to type.
Nebo beautifully melds the written form, digital tech, and typography. Its edit-gestures feel incredibly natural, the digital ink flows like your favorite pen, and the final product is compatible with the modern world. I’ve gained in all mediums and compromised in none.
It’s rare to find an app drives you to create opportunities to find excuses to use it. Especially when the app exists to enhance the mind, not rot it.
Feature Highlights
Chicken scratch interpreter
I’m amazed at how well the interpreter is, able to convert my god awful handwriting to text. It seems to combine A.I. OCR handwriting with grammar to assume a nearest approximation of what I’m trying to write. Whatever the methodology, the results far better than apple’s built-in note taking app.
Inline Editing in ink or between typed notes
In the event the interpreter fails, the editing features makes correcting easy and fun. For example, handwritten text is retained until you double tap it to convert to type.This allows you to review your writing before conversion. You can also preview the converted text in a banner scrolling horizontally above.
Wish List & Nits
Night/Dark Mode
Sometimes inspiration strikes right as I’m getting to bed. I reach for my iPad, open Nebo, and BAMB! An intensely white screen blinds me as my eyes try to adjust.
More Heading sizes
Simply put, H1 looks like H2, and I can’t bold text on Its own line without it becoming a heading. So, new H3?
Clearer New Line & Erase Interpreters
I like the natural feel of gestures. However, I find my self trying to gesture a new line over and over to no avail. I think the app can be smarter. Why not assume one new line is available, infinitely until converted. So, when I hit the end of a line I don’t need to gesture in the first place.
Sean Shadmand 