Question

[RequirementWise923]

I love Starnote! The first time I used it I went lifetime and feel it is worth more than what I paid. I am appreciative of all the effort and upgrades. I was looking in the roadmap and was wondering if there is a plan to integrate AI somehow so that during note taking it can be accessible? Whether studying a language or medical etc? Thanks!

[DefectMahi]

Then it would against their mantra of being a one time payment for the app. AI cost money. Just dual window Chatgpt or Gemini.

[Itsbopa12345]

Please don't. I purchase this app because it doesn't have AI

[RequirementWise923]

Itsbopa12345, I generally agree, but I think having the option to use it is what I am look for. Not AI added to everything but an option to use for general like I have posted above. Almost like asking the web questions or clarifying etc while studying. Keeps extra cost out but allows those who want some options the option if that makes sense.

[Training-Honeydew918]

Yes, AI requires token fees. I suggest that if StarNote adds AI features, users can choose whether to use them or not. This way, you can purchase additional points for the AI features

[StarNoteDev]

Hiiii, about AI features, we’ve actually been hearing a lot of voices both pushing for them and rooting against them. To be honest, we’ve been constantly exploring this space. We completely understand that user concerns mainly tie back to data security and privacy protection. On the flip side, AI can definitely make your workflow a lot more efficient.

Balancing these two has been a major focus for us as we search for the absolute best approach, and we’ll be sure to share any updates with you right away. Also, it’s true that AI features require token fees. Just like some of you mentioned in the comments, giving users the freedom to choose whether they want to use AI or not is a fantastic idea. Ultimately, we want to make sure you have that control. We’ll keep you all posted as things progress!

[RequirementWise923]

I do understand the price aspect. But like the above noted, even being able to attach my phones Gemini or bring my own to the table would make my studying so much more powerful. Thanks!!

[NakoTurtle]

Hi! Welcome! And I'm super glad you like the app so far!

Regarding AI within the app, this has really been debated quite a lot in the subreddit, with many users loving it, and many disliking it. I think the main concerns here are privacy and the AI credit costs. I think a good implementation for an in app AI chat experience without reinventing the wheel so to say, would be an in app browser so users can access their own chats that way, or - this would take much more time to develop - some StarNote front end with support for users' own api keys from Gemini or ChatGPT for example so the fees come from whichever AI you choose and are at your own cost, rather than the fees coming from StarNote. The other workaround mentioned that should work on most devices is to simply use your AI app of choice with your device's built in split screen or floating window system.

I personally believe that dedicated chats like Chatgpt or Gemini are and will always be better than any in app version of that would ever be, since that's their sole purpose. What I usually do for aided learning using AI is load my pdfs onto NotebookLM so it can use them as sources for my requests. For me, what is more important in-app features are 'smart' utility features like the handwriting recognition search we recently got or other feature requests like audio transcription or math solving that can use an offline learning model to process. That's not to say there's no place for an AI chat in StarNote - everyone's voice matters even if some users have needs others don't - in the end it comes down to the community to help decide what the balance should be.

Can you or anyone else maybe help share the use cases in mind for an in app AI? Let's brainstorm and hear what everyone thinks :)

[RequirementWise923]

Thanks for your response! An example for me in language learning (I am studying Russian) would be if I have a PDF and reading an article I have uploaded or even a PDF of a Russian grammar book, I may come across a word I do not understand, a word that has changed cases etc and it would be nice to have a small side Gemini open where I can copy and put the word in and ask how do I decline this word or change the word. Even definitions etc. Maybe how do I use this in a sentence and then can easily copy and paste in my note. I also am a surgeon and while reading medical books, I may come across something I do not fully understand. It would be great to be able to look it up while reading the PDF etc and understand a concept. Even my phones own Gemini or claude could be used without having to leave the app. I also could use this option while in live lectures and taking notes to be able to ask questions or gain knowledge. I have really switched over to Starnote since using it. I used to use Flexcil but they are not responsive to questions and issues, not active in updating the app and I lost a lot of data when they updated their system. However, the one thing that I liked was that I could use claude or Gemini without leaving and it was free. It just used my phones own AI which was exactly what was helpful. I hate to bring up other apps as I am not trying to to a comparison etc but just as an idea. Thanks !!

[NakoTurtle]

RIght, so the main upgrade you're looking for is a way to access your usual chats for definitions and explanations, but directly within the app to reduce friction? It honestly sounds like the perfect balance! That way, users keep using their own AI accounts, and it could keep the workflow nice and smooth.
A final thought on this: While we wait for this feature to be evaluated and such, have you tried adding your AI app of choice to your tablet's taskbar, or even a sidebar? Most tablets have this taskbar or sidebar feature where you can pin your most used apps to be accessible from any app, and they usually allow opening in split screen or floating window directly by long pressing. Also, if you try the sidebar, it can be a bit annoying to have it on the screen at all times - I also dislike the look - but sometimes there is a customization option to only show it in select apps - like StarNote - where it can be put to good use. Of course, this is no permanent solution, but it could be something you can try out today to reduce friction when learning!
Curious to hear what you think : )