The range of options is staggering: apps that keep it simple with minimalist note-taking, those that organize your life into a perfectly color-coded symphony, and ones that could run small countries with their project management features. 

And the beauty of it all? There’s something out there for everyone. Whether you’re a visual thinker who loves doodling your way through meetings or a list-maker who gets a thrill from checking off tasks – technology has got your back.

So while our brains might be a bit leaky, technology’s evolution in note-taking apps means we’re all just a tap away from reigning in the chaos. Here are some of our favorites:

Evernote: The Old Reliable

Evernote’s one of the most seasoned players on the market and has gained substantial market share in the note-taking app space. It’s got the kind of easy-to-use interface that can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be.

Pros:

• Robust organization functions
• Cross-Device syncing
• Search champion

Cons:

• Freemium version openly teases with the paid features average consumers might not need

Best for: Hoarders of notes who want a no-fuss way to organize their brain dumps.

OneNote: The Freeform Artist

Microsoft’s answer to every student and meeting-goer’s prayers, with an endlessly flexible canvas. And since it’s a Microsoft app, it conveniently syncs with your other Office apps like Outlook Email and Calendar. 

Pros: 

• Superb for pen input 
• integrates smoothly with the Office suite 
• Free

Cons: 

• Can be overwhelming for the uninitiated
• There’s almost too much freedom

Best For: Visual thinkers and digital pen enthusiasts who can’t stand the straight-jacket feel of linear notes.

Notion: The Organizational Wizard

Half note-taker, half project manager, Notion is where notes go to get a job.

Pros: 

• Incredibly versatile with features for project tracking 
• Databases
• Great for team collaboration

Cons: 

• There’s a steeper learning curve
• it might be overkill for those who want something simple

Best For: Anyone juggling multiple projects who dreams in to-do lists.

Google Keep: The Quick and Dirty

The digital equivalent of sticking a post-it on your fridge, but infinitely more powerful.

Pros: 

• Super simple
• Integrates with Google’s ecosystem
• Free

Cons: 

• Lacks depth in organizational features
• Not quite robust for heavy-duty note-takers

Best For: Casual users who need to jot things down in a hurry and not forget the milk.

Bear: The Minimalist’s Dream

Sleek, beautiful, and focused, Bear keeps it simple but effective.

Pros: 

• Gorgeous interface that encourages focus
• Excellent tagging system for organization 
• Joy to use for writing

Cons: 

• Only available for Apple devices
• Best features like Export to PDF and DOCX are locked behind a paywall

Best For: Apple users looking for a distraction-free writing space and those who appreciate aesthetic as much as functionality.

Ulysses: The Writer’s Go-To

A sleek, minimalist writing app that’s like the Swiss Army knife for writers, keeping everything from everything from fleeting thoughts to your next big project neatly organized in one spot. Perfect for Apple lovers with a penchant for clean design and a distraction-free environment.

Pros:

• Clean, minimal interface feels like the digital equivalent of a zen garden
• Easy to organize separate different ideas into different “sheets” for maximum focus
• Export and publishing features that make it easy to share your thoughts

Cons:

• Subscription model might not be the best for writers with commitment issues  
• Apple device exclusive

Best for: Serious writers on the quest to create the next great novel.

SimpleMind: The Visual Maestro

SimpleMind is your personal digital mind mapper that helps you organize your thoughts into a neat, visually satisfying format.

Pros:

• Mind mapping tool that can help give you the big picture at just a quick glance
• Cross-platform syncing
• One-off purchase for each platform means you won’t have to worry about monthly charges

Cons: 

• Might be too simple for power note-takers who like a more detailed approach

The post 7 Best Note-Taking Apps for All Kinds of Note Takers appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

There are a few things in tech that rivals the public anticipation for every new iteration of the iOS. So, when iOS 17 was released in 2023, a lot of people got a glimpse of some of Apple’s newest software enhancements to the ever popular iPhone. And among the new features, NameDrop was probably the flashiest.

Essentially, it’s like AirDrop got a social butterfly sibling. Instead of files, you’re swapping ‘hellos’, ‘nice to meet you’s, and all the essentials to keep the conversation going long after you part ways.

What’s Apple NameDrop?

Apple has decided to sprinkle a little of its Cupertino magic onto our social lives with Name Drop. It’s a contact exchange feature that lets you easily give out your details by simply tapping two iOS 17 equipped devices together.
If enabled, you can select the details you’re comfortable with sharing – like your name, number, and email. And then, with the other person’s consent, of course, gently ‘drop’ that information into their Contacts. They also have the option to send over contact to you as well. No more scrambling for a pen or awkwardly spelling out your email in a noisy cafe.

How it works

Like most Apple features, convenience is the name of the game with NameDrop. If you have it turned on, you simply need to do the following to instantly share your contact information:

1. Unlock your iPhone.
2. Place the top end of your phone next to the phone you want to share contacts with.
3. Then, the NameDrop animation goes on and you can choose whether to Receive Only or Share your contact information with the other phone.

Is it too easy for its own good?

While it’s a welcome new feature for a lot of people, especially those of us with wide professional and personal networks, there are still some potential concerns. There’s that perennial question about privacy. Would we be comfortable knowing our details could be ‘dropped’ so easily?

Would people misuse it? An iPhone left unattended on a bar counter, for example, is susceptible to bad actors siphoning off the owner’s contact information.

It was a valid concern that even got the attention of law enforcement agencies citing the ease of contact sharing as a possible breach of privacy especially for young people and the elderly.

Fortunately, Apple heard these concerns and patched NameDrop in iOS 17.2 to only work if both iPhones are unlocked. This would prevent contact sharing without the consent of the phone’s owner. However, bad actors can still find workarounds to this safety feature, so it’s still advised to remain vigilant of your phone’s whereabouts at all times.

How to turn NameDrop on or off?

NameDrop is switched on by default on iPhones so if you’re worried about your privacy you can turn it off by following these steps:

1. Go to the Utilities page on your App Library.
2. Tap on Settings.
3. Then, click on General.
4. Click on AirDrop.
5. Then, toggle off the Bringing Devices Together setting.
6. To re-enable NameDrop, just toggle this setting back on.

The iPhone 15 is available at Best Buy.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Apple NameDrop: What Is It, How to Use It, And How to Turn It Off? appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.