Exploring the Frustrations of App Development and Nebo's Shortcomings
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In my former career, I collaborated extensively with software developers. While I held a deep respect for their skills, I often found their problem-solving methods to be maddeningly restrictive.
“Why can't it perform that function?” I would inquire.
“Because it simply can't,” would be the all-too-frequent response, delivered in a tone that implied the discussion was over and should never be revisited.
“But why not?”
“Making that happen would require extensive re-engineering, which would consequently disrupt everything due to our outdated server setup linked with third-party software dependencies that must run on the legacy system in John's office.”
“Alright. How much time will it take to resolve this?”
“About six months.”
“We need it ready for next month's launch. That timeline is unacceptable, and you've known about this for half a year.”
“Fine. It should take around three months.”
“That’s still excessive... How did you manage to cut the time in half all of a sudden? Regardless, we need it by next month. What can we do to expedite this?”
“Nothing can be done until John updates the Windows version on that server. He can't do that since it's his primary workstation and our helpdesk software isn't compatible with the latest version. Plus, we're in the midst of upgrading our entire codebase to Delphi version 9, which needs to be completed first.”
Feeling drained? So was I. It's a miracle I have any hair left.
I recall having to remind one of our developers that actual users rely on the software we create. We weren't developing for our own amusement (though that was debatable); once the software was ready, it went into the hands of customers who expected it to function as promised.
Customers have no interest in code maintenance issues, third-party integrations, or inadequate infrastructure investments. They just want the software to work and deliver the features they need. They also dislike being caught off-guard or feeling restricted by choices made solely by developers.
Occasionally, I encounter a modern app that exudes the same frustrating “we-know-best” mentality typical of developers.
Nebo is one such example.
What exactly is Nebo? It's a note-taking application designed for iPad, Mac, and iPhone. The developers tout it as "the future of note-taking," a bold assertion.
The introduction of the Apple Pencil has revolutionized note-taking on the iPad. I wholeheartedly embrace it, using my iPad mini with Apple Pencil 2 and Paperlike screen protector daily to jot down my thoughts. My go-to app has been Notability, but I always like to keep my options open.
This curiosity led me to Nebo, especially since several enthusiasts on my Discord server highly recommended it.
Their enthusiasm isn't unfounded; Nebo is genuinely impressive.
The Outstanding Features of Nebo
Nebo employs remarkable technology, featuring what may be the most advanced handwriting recognition I've ever encountered.
To give you some perspective: my handwriting is quite poor. I've tried improving it over the last year, but it still looks like a chaotic scrawl most of the time. Even I struggle to decipher it.
Nebo, however, has no trouble. It effortlessly "reads" my handwriting and converts it to text in real time, a process visible through a small conversion preview pane that appears above the line I'm writing.
You can even use gestures for editing. For example, underlining text automatically turns it into a heading, while crossing it out deletes it.
It's truly remarkable.
However, I have simple requirements, and there are two Nebo features that benefit me far beyond the handwriting recognition, though they may not make headlines.
Firstly, the user interface is delightfully straightforward. This is essential for any note-taking app; you need to jump right in and start writing or doodling. Complicated interfaces with numerous entry points into your notebooks can quickly derail the digital note-taking experience.
Secondly, there's an issue that has plagued note-taking on devices like the iPad: accidental zooming.
I frequently encounter this problem with Notability, Apple Notes, and while using the S Pen on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. My palm often inadvertently triggers the zoom function or scrolls the page while I write. This disruption forces me to be overly cautious when placing my hand on the screen.
That’s not an issue with Nebo—zooming into your notes isn’t possible. This makes perfect sense; you can't zoom into paper, can you? Consequently, writing in Nebo feels more natural and less precarious.
So, why am I choosing to move away from Nebo and back to Notability?
The Most Frustrating Aspect of Nebo
The most commendable feature of Nebo also turns out to be its biggest flaw.
Recall the conversion preview bar I mentioned? As impressive as it is, you cannot fully disable it. The same goes for gesture controls—they're entirely non-toggleable.
This means the conversion preview bar is always present. As soon as you start writing, it appears and often obstructs your work. If you mistakenly write into the conversion bar, it can delete your content, and the undo function may not save you.
As for gesture controls—oh, how I wish I could disable those. In Nebo, striking through text results in it being deleted instantly, leaving me wondering why I can't simply keep it crossed out.
It gets worse. Sometimes, when I draw a horizontal line to separate my notes, Nebo unexpectedly splits the page in two, creating a new grid section beneath the one I was writing on. When did I ask for that?
I appreciate Nebo's advanced features, but I should also have the option to revert to a simpler note-taking experience if that's what I require. The ability to disable all the automatic handwriting recognition functionalities would allow me to enjoy the straightforward features that make Nebo superior to Notability.
Moreover, I question the true value of such advanced handwriting recognition. Aren't handwritten notes most useful and cherished in their original form? Unless handwritten notes are quicker than typing, the need for conversion seems almost unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
What frustrates me most about Nebo is that a couple of toggle switches to disable its smart features could resolve many of these issues.
All I want is a blank page that displays exactly what I choose to write or draw. That would, in my view, elevate it to the status of the best note-taking app available.
You might suggest, “Just use a simpler note-taking app.” But I shouldn't have to. I'm willing to support developers who understand the importance of basic features. Nebo has, ironically, nailed a few of those. Its exceptional smart features should be a bonus, not a barrier.
You're so close, Nebo. Yet, sometimes being overly clever can be a drawback.