Why Deep Work Matters

A look in the Evernote blog at how work can be done in an increasingly distracted world.  I like the term 'deep work' that they use.  How should it be measured?

Google Keep and AI

Makes sense to integrate the idea of note taking and reminding with bot-like AI.    An idea we tested.  Have been a user of Evernote for some time and they recently added an intelligence method which finds articles related to what you are writing.    Then I was introduced to Google Keep recently, and found it interesting.    Intrigued that Google might integrate more meaningful AI into the mix.    The notion that it will be integrated into something like Google Home is also fascinating.  I can't say that the header statement below is right yet,  but look forward to further examination.

Why you should start using Google Keep right away
Artificial intelligence is transforming Google's yellow sticky note app into an indispensable peripheral to your own mind.  .... " 

Evernote on Euro Data Laws

Evernote CEO comments on euro data laws.  Complexity of regional regulations continues to add complexity to a data rich world.

Context for Evernote

Have now used the Evernote note taking and information management system for years.  I like it, especially since they improved their multiple interfaces.  It also acts as a cloud for your writing from multiple devices.  I see they have just added a module called Context, which automatically does a search (on limited sources) based on the information you are entering.  More on Context.

Had examined this idea in the enterprise.  Once called a 'remembrance engine', which would augment your memory based on stored information.  In the enterprise it could be particularly useful since it could quickly point to internal information:  Local definitions, your previous writing, other people people writing about the same thing, local experts, etc.  Ideally making your composition more efficient, and interlinked with related knowledge.  In theory it could create a 'wiki' of corporate knowledge.  The AI required to do this effectively would be impressive.

How well does Context work?   It is often all in the implementation.  Will report back after I try it. Some commenters suggest this is a ploy to get associated advertising in front of the users.   Others worry about the privacy implications of your text being analyzed by the system, and the difficulty of turning Context off, separately on each device.

Update:  The content given is thin, unclear when I should expect some information.   Unclear if the results will remain attached to a document, or if I have to save or pin them.  Results on different platforms seem to be very different.  In some cases where I know there is a very relevant article on one of the sources, it is not brought up.   So far: Fair.

A Smart Business Notebook Network

In FastCompany:  As a long time user of Evernote, this was interesting. Pointing towards the Moleskin physical notebook.  So not paperless.  Had been unaware of the former version of this.  " ...  The two companies have partnered up to create a special notebook for Evernote users geared toward enterprise customers. .... The primary difference between the Evernote Business Notebook and the Evernote Smart Notebook introduced two years ago is that the enterprise version allows users to selectively share their notes. ... "  

Microsoft Word on ipad

I have been using the iPad for a note taking and consulting tool for some time now.   With Evernote as an organization tool.  This has been a problem at times when I needed to create or utilize existing MS Word documents on the road.  Microsoft has now created Microsoft Word for the iPad and I have uploaded it.  So far works well for existing Word documents.  Makes the iPad a more rounded out tool.  Also makes me more likely to use the MS Cloud.

Branded Google Glass Apps

Presenting Branded Google Glass Apps.  Another move forward?  " ... Google Glass may have just 10,000 users, but that hasn't stopped a handful of brands from developing apps -- or "Glassware," in Google speak -- for the wearable computer.

Advertising is banned from Google Glass apps, per the terms of service for the Google Mirror API that lets developers build experiences for the device, but that prohibition doesn't extend to branded apps.

A cross-section of brands are now dabbling in Glass, starting with the usual suspects. During the Google I/O developer conference in May, a big batch of "Glassware" from tech companies like Facebook and Evernote and media entities like Elle and CNN was introduced. ... "

Linkedin Contacts

 I loaded up Linkedin's new Contacts App.   A very simple idea.  It combines streams from Linkedin, your phone contacts, mail contacts, calendars, Evernote, etc. Then you use the contact-centric list which includes how you interacted with each and when.  Most useful to me was a list sorted by recent conversations.   This lets you quickly find recent and important people you have connected with. Nice if you have a large active client list. You can then email them, call etc.   Also keeps your top contacts quickly accessible, reminding you to reconnect with them.  A very simple intuitive interface.  There were lots of complaints in the App reviews about crashing,  but none of that has happened to me. Everything worked as expected.  Recommended to try.

Google Keep vs Evernote

A comparison of newly available Google Keep, and well known note taking system Evernote.  Have used Evernote for years. In recent weeks I have been helping a client understand the issues behind mobile information gathering and sharing.   Anything with the Google clout and integration with other resources behind it is important.  In particular, the integration of visualization capabilities like image indexing, concept and process mapping are necessary.  Also the capability to easily sync in the Cloud.  Look forward to a closer view.

A Cloud Intrusion

An example of a cloud security issue with the popular package Evernote, which I have used for some time.  Good example which led me to refresh my understanding of hashing and salting,  as applied to Password security.  And a reminder that security is always a compromise with convenience.

Evernote Acquires Penultimate for Handwriting

I see that the Evernote note-taking company has acquired the Penultimate handwriting capture system.  More details here.    I have used and enjoyed Evernote on tablets, phones and laptops for some time.  I have not used handwriting directly on a tablet format device for a long time.  Not sure that being able to do that buys me very much, since I am just not used handwriting for note taking recently.  And my handwriting, once very accurate,  has deteriorated much from lack of practice.  Will be interesting to see if I will use it. 

Update:  I took a closer look at Penultimate, and its more of a generalized note taking iPad app than a handwriting interpreting method.  Good if you like sketching and have some artistic inclination.   Similar to Evernote's Skitch tool.  I assume it will be integrated with Skitch.   May work or not depending on the width and clumsiness of your fingers.

Evernote Creates a Peeking Self Test App

A Clever idea. The Evernote note-taking system, which I use, has created a free app which uses the smart cover of the iPad to let you test yourself on information in Evernote. It is called Peek. It depends on the smart cover, and not everyone has one. The same logical process is implemented in any e-learning system, but the tactile aspect of the interaction may be appealing. It does systematize the process of test and retest, so if you like the way it does it, could prove useful. You could have lots of such training set up as notes, and give out this method as a training option. As many have pointed out, it works much like a flashcard. I like it's simplicity.

Evernote

At Walter Riker's recommendation I have just started to use Evernote to manage notetaking for multiple clients.  Overall this is very nicely done and allows you to sync notes between multiple locations.  I am now using it to sync between Phone, Pad and Laptop.  In particular I can quickly lift a web location for later review. Learned the basics in a half hour.  See their blog for more information.