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Google Keep is a minimalistic note taking tool that syncs cross platform via Google Drive. It allows uploads of simple notes, images, speeches, and tasks lists.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Fast to use
The focus on a minimal interface makes everything in Google Keep fast to use on both web and mobile, which gives it a leg up as a simple Evernote alternative. This comes in handy for when a note needs to be jotted down quickly as there is little to no load times or faffing about trying to get to a space where the note can finally be recorded.
Pro Unlimited and seamless sync across all Google connected devices, from mobile to desktop
When a mobile device isn't in use, Google Keep can be accessed as a Chrome app or as a website. Basically, regardless of the device being used or of the OS on it, there is always a way to access the app. There is also no limitation on how many devices this can be done with, giving the user complete freedom of access, which is on par and competes as an Evernote alternative.
Pro Clean, minimal interface
Instead of having every possible feature, Google Keep is designed to be very simple and minimalist. It's really easy to quickly create notes and search for old notes, while notes can also be color-coded which only enhances further the app's organization capacity.
Pro Includes character recognition within images
Google Keep lets users take pictures of physical notes and make their contents searchable within the app. This is not only convenient but a huge time saver, particularly for those who do not want to type out the necessary info, but rather take a quick snapshot of it.
Pro Includes character recognition for text in images
Google Keep lets users take pictures of physical notes and makes the contents searchable within the app. This can be a convenient time saver for those that do not want to type out the necessary info, but rather take a quick snapshot of it.
Pro Super fast to use
The focus on a minimal interface makes everything fast to use on both web and mobile. This comes in handy for when a note needs to be jotted down quickly, as there is little to no load times or faffing about trying to get to a space where the note can finally be recorded.
Cons
Con No text formatting
There is no basic formatting (like bold, italics, etc.) in Google Keep. This makes it harder to compile items like meeting notes. Keep is intended as a minimal and quick note-taking app, but sadly for those who are looking for something more robust, the features are just not there.
Con Offline notes on desktop require Google Chrome
Accessing offline notes through a desktop app requires installing Google Chrome first before the Google Keep app can be installed. The app is not really a desktop app, but a Chrome app: there is no native desktop app available for any OS. This is not good news for non-Chrome users, especially those who frequently use Firefox or Safari as their default browsers.
Con No API
There is no API to access, create, or manage your notes from your own software, you have to use the Google Apps. It's not possible to use Google Keep from more apps besides those Google provides.
Con User must have a Google account
The user is required to have a Google account in order to use this app.
Con Organization is limited to multiple tags for notes
This makes the user interface more cluttered, and navigation gets more difficult.
Con Chrome app is buggy
The Chrome app for Google Keep suffers from memory leaks and battery drain issues. For such a simple text-based app, the amount of RAM used (due to being sandboxed inside of the Chrome browser, which is often a memory hog) is often too high and can easily impact devices with low memory. Using Chrome as the base for the app will also make for battery drain issues that are too high for a note-taking app.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Pro Drag and drop sorting
You can move cards manually, which is great for prioritizing to-dos. Within a card, you can also drag and drop items.