livescribe+

We've followed smartpen maker Livescribe's path to Android compatibility, starting with their announcement at CES that they would finally bring their app to the platform. It then released as a preview less than two weeks ago in select locales. Starting today, they are both dropping the "preview" label and making the app available globally.

Livescribe+ and its companion app collectively manage the connection and notes taken with their newest smartpen, the Livescribe 3. While there is software support for Android, the device needs to have KitKat 4.4.2 or newer as well as a Bluetooth 4.0 LE radio. If you aren't sure whether yours is compatible, just download Livescribe Link and it will tell you, even if you don't have a pen yet. There is also a compatibility list, but it isn't comprehensive.

More than just a cosmetic change, the 1.0.0 release claims to have added "numerous performance and stability improvements" and refined the user interface in the feed and pencast views. One such improvement is the ability to remove snippets from the feed, which will be much appreciated.

If you missed it, I reviewed the Livescribe 3 along with its software on Android. Make sure to check that out if you're interested in the wide world of smartpens.

PRESS RELEASE