Evernote for Windows 8, a dedicated app designed to take advantage of the new Windows 8 Modern UI, is now available. It’s completely separate from Evernote for Windows Desktop 4.5.9, the traditional desktop app that has also been updated today.
Both apps were joined by the first dedicated Windows build of related Evernote app, Skitch, which release influenced the major new features in Evernote for Windows Desktop 4.5.9.
Evernote for Windows 8 is installed through the Windows Store, and is accessed through the new Windows 8 Start screen via its dedicated shortcut tile. The app is designed to take full advantage of the stripped back, minimalist Modern UI interface, presenting a user’s notes in a clean, easy-to-read way.
As is to be expected with Modern UI apps, Evernote for Windows 8 is also extremely touch-friendly, making it simple to swipe between notes and access various program options. Things are more awkward with a mouse and keyboard, but users can still opt for the desktop version instead, which is more fully featured, and has been refreshed to version 4.5.9.
Evernote for Windows Desktop Updates
The emergence of Skitch as a desktop app has formed the key improvements to be found in Evernote for Windows Desktop 4.5.9. Users can now create Skitch notes directly in Evernote via the New Note dropdown menu, which launches Skitch. Images within existing notes can also be edited directly in Skitch by right-clicking them and choosing Markup with Skitch.
The integration goes the other way too, with new Skitch notes appearing in your Evernote desktop. Skitch notes are differentiated by a pink bar inviting users to both open and edit the note back in Stitch.
The new update also simplifies the process of sharing notebooks with others -- when the user opts to share a notebook, a pop-up window will appear with all the options needed to set up the shared notebook, from managing permissions to inviting other users or creating a public link.
Evernote’s latest update is also rounded off by a series of undocumented stability improvements that Evernote promises will make the “app more reliable than ever”.
Evernote for Windows 8 and Evernote for Windows Desktop 4.5.9 are both available as freeware downloads. An Evernote account is required to save notes and sketches.