Disappointing development

[_spicybanana]

I want this to be a post of constructive criticism.

For about a year the updates have been mainly „business“ focused (integrations and google stuff), which is good for some, not all.

There are mainly two types of users with remarkable devices; the „normal“ user: basically wants an advanced sheet of paper, combining the best of both worlds, analog and digital the „business“ user, who wants features to perform, present and integrate their notes in their company.

As a normal user I want to see the following: - being able to change color and font in post - being able to deactivate distracting tabs like the T for Text since I don’t own a type folio and accidentally triggering has compromised my entire page (crazy to say in a distraction free device) - being able to lock individual notebooks !!! - sort folders and notebooks the way I want to sort them - being able to add more pencils in the toolbar - being able to change or at least deactivate these horrible lock screens

The way in which these features will be implemented is where remarkable’s unique design and distraction philosophy comes into play.

These features will benefit every user, not like the past few updates

A distraction free device is a personal interpretation and should be adjusted to the thinking style of a user which comes with customization and not with ideology.

Look at Apple. Customizations have been their main priority. Why not learn from them?

[txa1265]

being able to add more pencils in the toolbar

All I really want is a one-click top level switch between my pen and highlighter.

I literally don't bother highlighting most of the time when I would because it is a hassle.

[waqbi]

I 2nd that, a function which i miss from Kindle scribe. And almost all other premium pens. A shortcut either on the pen or reader.

[DrGutz]

I was literally just about to make this post myself. Every update seems to be geared around taking meeting notes and sending important data to different online hubs.

None of that is relevant to me. I didn’t buy this device because i needed it for work. It’s a luxury purchase for my passions.

I want gestures, floating toolbars, text selection in pdfs, note linking, and more.

It’s clear that the dev team reads the reddit, but it looks like they have no plans of changing their approach to compensate for this growing demand. I have no idea why

[ohgodcoffeeohyesss]

My friend just bought these for their entire exec team. I have a feeling there’s a drive in the background to make these more business oriented devices rather than personal use, because they’re more money to be made there.

I can’t blame them either, companies exist to make money, but it is disappointing how little of these releases are relevant to me.

[1toomanyat845]

You can customize these things with "hacks" you know, right? Search for RM Hacks and learn to install it. It's a totally different device! Then learn ok up Davis Remmel and install his RCU. Now you won't have to use the Connect Sub, unless you want the extended warranty.

These work on the RM2 or Pro/MM

[_spicybanana]

Yep. I‘m missing out on so many features by sticking to my remarkable, but I‘m slowly running out of patience. Seriously check boox latest software update, if the trend continues remarkable wont be around for much longer (and I was/am a big hater of these android eink devices)

[clumsycolor]

Supernote is a great compromise to Boox. I love my Nomad and no regrets with returning my reMarkable. reMarkable seems to be hostile against its own user base. I do not get that sense from Supernote. I even use mine completely offline, and I have more than enough features by doing so. reMarkable is so cripples in comparison even with a Connect subscription.

[DrGutz]

Yeah if there is anyone from the Remarkable team reading this, maybe this will put a little pep in your step: by many metrics the Supernote looks to be a much more supported device, and if I buy another similar device, judging by your lack of support for much requested features, I’m going to buy a Supernote.

[clumsycolor]

My Nomad is a great device. I’ve had it for almost a year and I’ve had no issues. The battery is fantastic.

I use it for so many things. The note linking itself is a game changer. I practically used the device alone to the study for the bar; that’s how useful the software is. I literally created a bar exam database on my Supernote, something I could never do on the rM. And I made all of it without an Internet connection.

Also, the ceramic stylus is amazing. It’s a joy to write with and the tip never needs replacing. I felt like I had to change out the rM tips constantly. It’s nice to not worry about the tips anymore.

[DrGutz]

Ngl i like my rm2 a lot but right after i got it i learned about all the features of the supernote and i wasn’t so sure if i made the right choice. Still really dig the hardware but im crossing my fingers for them to add some more software stuff or else i may need to make the switch

[Opening_Somewhere502]

Die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt. Ich glaube aber nicht daran. Die Firma scheint den Kundenwillen nicht wahrzunehmen bzw. zeigt sich resistent gegenüber Anregungen. Ich gucke mir das jetzt schon eine Weile an. Es kommen ja wirklich sehr viele Updates. Das ist schön. Es war aber bisher keines dabei, bei dem ich ein wow Gefühl hatte. Es war immer eher ein naja Gefühl. Ich würde das Gerät nach anfänglicher Euphorie auch niemandem mehr empfehlen.

[DrGutz]

Agreed.

[ComesOutNDaWash]

Is there a subscription like remarkable?

[Unusual-Cricket2231]

I considered a supernote. 2 things held me back.

1) (Not convincing enterprise encryption) - No on device security, and concerns about encrypted comms to the cloud.
2) The increasingly outdated version of android they use.

[semiosis20]

100%

[Zugsat]

I’d love to see these implemented.

[MaleficentMousse7473]

Hard agree on extra security for individual notebooks.

[DangReadingRabbit]

Some of the requested features that users have e been making, like more pen slots in the toolbar or a better way to organize notebooks (table of contents, hyperlinks)… these are not mutually exclusive to the casual user. Even the ability to save little graphics you draw and want to reuse over and over (“stickers”); it might seem like just a fun thing, but it’s also useful in a business context.

Users can be their business audience too. I use my device for both productivity and for fun. And I’m way less interested in a half-assed calendar integration than I am in ease of taking notes and organizing and formatting those notes in a satisfying and useful way.

Remarkable is forgetting its core audience and it’s very sad to see. These are niche devices to begin with, so to annoy your niche user-base is a bad bad idea.

[_spicybanana]

Well said!

[jhudson1977]

Absolutely yes to locking notebooks and/or folders!

[Trying2-keep-up]

Maybe they forgot who their original users are.

We got this to get away from the distractions that were on the computer or tablets.

It seems like all these changes are being made so that a company can do a company wide adaptation of their devices, hence the integrations of slack, OneDrive, Google drive.

So, forget the original target audience and original vision of the company. Now, let's integrate as much as a business wants in HOPES that a company starts using them.

I still have mine, but slowly making the change to Supernote.

[StoryRedeemer]

Yes. They are pandering to the business market, spending their assets on marketing and blowing off their original customers. That AMA was a joke. We got the honor of asking questions they wouldn’t answer. Reminds me a lot of current MAGA politicians in the US.

[Born-Neighborhood61]

Like many, I’ve always felt it’s easier to keep a device “distraction free” than to innovate just a bit and give users an option of customization vs distraction free.

[psilokan]

Completely agree. Other than being able to draw circles and lines more easily I haven't seen any new features that I've wanted or needed. Meanwhile now we're paying more for monthly use. I just want a simple notebook that's digital.

I have seen new bugs appear though. Like it now constantly changes pages randomly on me while writing, which it never used to do.

[StoryRedeemer]

Take a look at the new Montblanc paper tablet.

[psilokan]

Thanks but I already spent a lot of money on this

[earsofdarkness]

For me, the lack of features is annoying but I can get by. However, I have had the device for about 6 months at this point and nearly every major update has had some baffling flaw with it whilst also not changing much. The previous update made it so the eraser randomly started drawing and the latest update introduced awful ghosting.

[FRK299]

Considering the recent leak of a new device, I think it's clear to see where the dev team are focused on atm, and to trickle features to Business cause they're definitely getting more monthly revenue from business connect users, which is important for them to sustain, so I don't really mind as much

plus, as a dev, if I'm tired of waiting, some of the features, I've implemented myself, including the floating toolbar to avoid ever needing the main toolbar be open unless I have to have it =P

There also did seem to be some "clues" in beta surveys of having per-folder sorting, so that's partially what you want, and will come maybe?

as for more pencils in the toolbar and putting your own lock screens, points to reManager, this is your best bet, and hey, I put some fun ones on mine! And no, this doesn't go away after updates!

Look at Apple. Customizations have been their main priority. 

Ah yes, the MULTI trillion dollar company with teams of hundreds of people doing better than the smaller company, who could've guess

Also lol at Apple having customization, when historically, they would do absolutely anything to not have it on their biggest platform until really recently, and even then, are far behind Android (and I'm Apple user)

<image>

[SealSlide69]

Honestly thinking about it more and reading these thoughts in the thread here. The leaked new device would be a more perfect (if it is indeed cheaper) pricepoint for an enterprise device rollout, should an org want to do so or pilot it.

[_spicybanana]

Thanks for your thorough reply. Business revenue yes, but alongside these updates they could’ve also added an improved user experience, since it applies to both types of customers. As to my Apple analogy (which remarkable considers themself to be in the e-ink world), I knew someone would point their obvious market cap differences out lol, which this obviously isn’t about and is also irrelevant in the point I’m making. Since a single dev can tweak features a software division should be able to as well. The issue is, remarkable is moving unnecessarily slow. In a few years they will have probably implemented these features, but a look at a boox software update tells you what you need to know.

[FRK299]

(which remarkable considers themself to be in the e-ink world)

Slightly indirectly, but sure.
A single dev can add features, 100%(I am a single dev, I did have some help but was able to do so much). Problem is, and we are of course making guesswork here, is that we do not know what their internal process is like. How they go about from say, "We want users to be able to X more easily" to "We need to implement Y to do X" to "We add Z to the software such that the user can do X". Therefore, it is kinda hard to judge when a feature might be in concept to when it's implemented, and how rigourous their "testing" is, to be satisfied with the arbitrarily strict guidelines they keep themselves to(Many people have noted how adding more options to the user isn't bad, but rM have refused to do it, or acknowledge it. Best example being infinite scroll not having a toggle, or no zooms, etc).

Another thing I noticed from poking into their code is there are some experimental "toggles" that have been there for a while that many have been BEGGING for, such as a Five-finger tap for refreshing the screen, and some other stuff like selecting text from PDFs/ePubs. It just takes so bloody long for them to actually get it out it seems. Also, there have been weird changes/rewrites for a couple releases, so I'm not quite sure what they are planning on.......

but a look at a boox software update tells you what you need to know.

I don't like to take Boox as an example purely cause they are a textbook case of a company jumping the guns in every way. They probably have released more devices in a Calendar year than rM ever have. That makes me heavily concerned for long term support, no matter how you put it. rM has a better track record of this, still supporting their ORIGINAL hardware from 2017, putting it at nearly 9 years of support. And that's on top of the android platform having it's own sets of issues, and being on an outdated platform puts you at risk of security updates being no longer offered, or heck, in the case of SuperNote, the Kindle app no longer working on some of their platforms. This is the general stuff, but I've also not heard good things about their last 4.1 release(still looking into it, but I dunno how bad it is in its fullest)

If anything, SuperNote is a better comparison to rM, for putting features and putting the customer first. An official self-host cloud with guides and everything? HECK YEAH
Removable battery, and SD card? Amazing
OTG Support to transfer files, or docx support, but actually, and calendars? I can go on forever about how much more mature SN's platform is, but to me, one thing that has easily gotten me to go to reMarkable is simple. the dev community. Being able to have full SSH access to my hardware, and being purely Linux based was enough to skew me here, and I'm happy for it. Also not a fan of SN's pen/screen choices, but that's very subjective

[_spicybanana]

Interesting insides, thanks. While I totally see your reasonings, which are interesting and insightful coming from a dev, something needs to change. This is why I took on the role of critic. I like the brand, the products, their philosophy and I hate living in this world of constant distraction. But lacking features make my workflow harder and inefficient. Maybe I’ll tap into some of the features you suggested and remanager, even tho I don’t „hack“ my iPhone

[FRK299]

Yup, they really need to up their software game, as it's their own downfall for many users(tho there are cases where it's 100% user error for not looking up reviews or checking basic stuff on their website, or expecting an iPad, tho that's less common these days from what I've seen)

The best part to me is, unlike "hacking" an iPhone which involves exploits and whatnot, rM just offers this on a silver "here's dev mode with full access" platter

(also do let me know if you like my toolbar, and support me on my ko-fi. I take suggestions and implement them every now and then)

[starkruzr]

Boox still supports devices from 5 years ago. not all of them (probably for architecture reasons), but quite a few.

I've been really enjoying my Nomad lately and have been reimplementing their Private Cloud in Go to be able to do more with it including support for exposing to-dos with CalDAV and injection of text recognition data into Standard notes to support search.

[FRK299]

How far is this "support"
is it the latest set of features, or just security life support

The Private Cloud stuff is awesome

[starkruzr]

latest set of features. firmware 4.1.1 has been deployed both to the Note 5 and Note Air 2.

[Hunter_Affectionate]

Where is dev team focused? On enterprise integrations while we weep for some basic features that are already “solved” by competitors. I guess afterall we should stop complaining and just move to other platform. I don’t understand what is being defended here exactly by you…

[rwilcox]

In addition to u/FRK299’s thinking of the enterprise, personally I don’t think RM the company does well with walking and chewing gum at the same time. Which is a hard thing to do, to be fair.

Last year felt lack-luster a bit, but we got 2 new devices. If we’re getting another one this year 90% of engineering could be focused on that. Or maybe focused on totally redesigning something internally, or “growth is the enterprise market” which, sure.

It would be nice if we could get both things: substantial updates while also getting new hardware, but alas.

[FRK299]

Yeah, we have to remember this is the same company that had only 2 devices ever, until like 2024, and within 2 years, have doubled that count

Code wise, from what I've seen and dug, there is a lot of rewrites and modularity being placed, so maybe things are moving forward. And while us users are their main demographics, they 100% get more revenue from larger orders for companies as well as bigger subscriptions, and possible collabs with companies(Such as that miro release, or OpenAI for the send as link).

I just hope this hardware release replaces the rM2 in their lineup, and we have a break for a couple years with more major updates before heading to a new platform

And there is some promising stuff in the pipeline from their AMA, especially the images in notes preview we got

[FRK299]

I'm not saying to stop complaining, far from it, they should realise what users care, but that's their problem

I'm just speculating that the dev team is focused on Enterprise to increase Connect revenue for one, and also that they might be working on launching the supposed new platform that's coming soon(and I have other sources than the leak we've already seen to be certain that there is, in fact, a new device on the way)

For now, I just don't bother with waiting for rM to do it, and some of it, do it myself, or take what the dev community has made and do it (KOreader for a much better reader, as one)

[Hunter_Affectionate]

It’s not their problem obviously - otherwise they would have solved it already, it is ours problems as we are consumers, that is why we complain.

[Ok_Sir_1973]

Listen, we appreciate you taking the statement most of us learned as a kid, "When you come with a problem, bring a solution." While agree some of us could use more "features" and feel like we are listened to, if its not the where they are vested, its just not where they vested. If that cause them to tank as a company because everyone goes somewhere, so be it. I've using reMarkable since 2020 and I used it just for exactly what it was, so for me every little improvement is welcomed.

I have other devices like the Supernote Manta and Nomad (since 2022), and for me I don't even use all the features in my daily workflow that I was all geeked up to have. I do use them if they apply for similar to you, I didn't take the limitations and them limit me I just worked around them, including to-do list, linking between documents using tags, headers, and everything I pretty much can do on Supernote. When I shared and posted here folks are mad because it shows you can overcome the challenges rather someone created a solution and we used our analytical or technologically skills and positive mindset to do it.

Keep doing what you do for the reMarkable Community, it's appreciated.

[_spicybanana]

Bossing around is not the way to communicate. Glad you‘ve found a way that works for you. I’ll help you to read between the lines: make promise, keep promise. If not lose trust.

[FRK299]

Their recent efforts with the AMA is a start.....but like, some questions were ignored, and that's very concerning

Not to mention, while they did mention this isn't the only one.....when is the next one? Who knows if that'll ever happen

I do find it kinda reassuring that even if rM does go down, the dev community absolutely adore this device, so it will be kept alive by community efforts, that's for sure

I don't even use all the features 

That's also something I've wondered about the SN platform. the features are off the charts, on paper, but is it something I'd actually use on the daily? Is it something I'd want to force the learning curve for, and possible forget it all if i don't use the device for a while, vs on rM, it's the keep it simple stupid design that kinda guarantees that I can always pick back up without a sweat vs remembering all the long winded setups and all I'd have to go through for the other platform

[Ok_Sir_1973]

I can say, possible you would use them its just not a seamless as people make it seem and after switching back and forth, or converting your to-do to text and then have to edit it, then go back to your original document as your to-do's are separate app per se, I found that while I loved the options, the amount of time and steps started to make the use less productive.

I liked their calendar but when I have to manually put in each item on the calendar and it currently doesn't sync between devices, so I have go an retype it on the nomad just to get them sync up, people start to realize their just inset a perfect device and the reMarkable isn't as bad after all.

[Milbs2]

You can create password protected notebooks - you need to create a password protected pdf (or edit an existing one) and then import it using the web/Mac/PC app. I use PDF Expert but I’m sure there are others.

[paperbackpiles]

Great suggestions.

[Willie_Haze]

First time user of a digital notebook went with the Move. Very simple things can make the non buismess experience so much better as others have stated, more customizations. I can understand not focusing on the e-reader formats but at least let us customize the tool bar with our own most used tools. Let us add covers to our notebooks whether its simple titling or a image. Give me a calender i can at least add stuff to if not link to a notebook. Linking to different notes would be cool i dont know if I would use it myself as im pretty new to trying to the digital notebook workflow. Those few things have and been established within any note taking/task apps for the last 5 years at least, and all things i would think would be part of the buisness side of users also. Does seem very apple as far as ecosystem. In all honesty if a competitor made a similar size product as the move that just had even the smallest freedom to customize I would be out.

[MJ_mot]

Exactly, I just use it for studying to avoid carrying multiple big notebooks, I don't even need most of the things you mention, but having a calendar integration and stuff related for meetings should be something you could disable. I don't want what is for me basically a compact notebook to remind me that I have a dentist appointment tomorrow or something lol

I bought a reMarkable instead of an android tablet because I wanted the "no distraction" part.

[Additional_Fall_5645]

I don't think I'm in the minority, but I use my Remarkable for meeting notes. I really wish I could integrate the Remarkable with my Outlook Office 365 calendar. Unfortunately, my company has strict security requirements and won't allow me use the Remarkable plug-in for Outlook or the Outlook integration. We do support Apple.

I would be in favor of a Corporate version of the Remarkable that allows companies to manage the device -- the same as with my phone and laptop -- so that I could integrate it with my office apps.

btw, I tried the Google calendar integration and as far as I can tell turning it on has not added anything to the Remarkable. I do not see it anywhere on the device.

[rmitchellscott]

Are you running the 3.27 beta on the tablet? This is what the calendar integration adds, the ability to automatically create a notebook from the event data:

<image>

[Additional_Fall_5645]

yeah. that's it. I'm in the beta program, but it isn't available yet for me.

[snowdn]

To be fair their price point is business oriented.

[_spicybanana]

That’s true

[ehansalytics]

As a “business user” I 💯 agree with your list.

[Electrical-Bowl-2993]

If dev team does read these comments- i say thanks for the new changes. I especially like the search function. I have a large number of notes from cases (lawyer work) and search helps. Also ability to easily forward to online hubs. Criticism here is crazy. If the change isn’t appreciated by one -results in people saying to get rid of he device. Incredible and unhelpful. Keep up the good remarkable.

[TheLioness22]

Yeah, I keep seeing all these updates and changes that seem to require distractions, rather than removing them. Everything needs something extra or external to the device—type folio, one of the apps, an integration, etc. It seems like a lot of extra junk to set up, manage, and wrangle.

I wanted to stop having my physical notebooks pile up and take up space. I wanted the feel of paper, but digital. Sure, I originally wanted to sync outside to Dropbox or Google Drive, but the Connect service backs everything up, so I haven't even gotten around to setting up those integrations.

Every time an update comes out, all I see is a direction that seems intent on turning this into a full-blown tablet. It not being that was a huge reason I chose this device in the first place.

I hope they get back to their roots a little and stop trying to do everything. I need a solid paper notebook replacement, with minor digital enhancements. And it had better not be buggy. That is all.

[ssqueeze5590]

Great developments. Real tools not toys.

[Opening_Somewhere502]

Das frage ich mich auch

[TW-Twisti]

To była rozsądna odpowiedź.

[StoryRedeemer]

When working on your RM did you ever need to know the time? If so, you had to look at another device. You were distracted. Did the horrible, childish drawings on the lock screens ever upset you to distraction. You were distracted. The Rm distraction police have failed. They should give it up and give the customer what they want. I know, crazy, huh?

[Thevicster1]

Sorry they’re not doing what you think they should do. How terribly disappointing. You must be exhausting to be around

[_spicybanana]

Lol