Microsoft Releases Free Edition of OneNote

yakatz writes "Microsoft announced that OneNote, including the full desktop program, will be free for anyone who wants to use the program. A version of the program for Mac also appeared in the app store yesterday. This means that a native edition of OneNote is available for most platforms (including iPad, iPhone and Android, but not Linux or Blackberry). Microsoft will continue to offer a paid version of OneNote with 'business-oriented' features (including SharePoint support, version history and Outlook integration). The partial rebranding of OneNote also includes some new tools like a program specifically designed to make it easier to take a picture of a whiteboard.
Is this a signal that Microsoft decided that they need to compete with Apple by making their productivity applications free?" (Over at WineHQ, they're looking for a maintainer for their page on OneNote. Anyone running it on a Free operating system? What are your favorite alternatives that are "libre" free, rather than only gratis?)

Next they'll give internet explorer free

[i kan reed]

Jeez, basic tools to use a computer coming with the operating system? Do they have any other genius ideas?

microsoft account

[sirber]

is required...

Re:Next they'll give internet explorer free

[Anonymous Coward]

Unlike most companies, MS gets sued by the EU every time they try to add an app to their OS.

Re:Next they'll give internet explorer free

[Sudline]

Actually MS adds a lot of apps to its OS. It is sued to favor their version and discourage users to use competitor's versions.

Re:Where's the data stored?

[FirstTimeCaller]

It can be stored on OneDrive and doing so allows you to access your information from almost anyhwere using almost any device. But it can be stored locally as well (or on a network share), without any cloud servers.

Re:Is this a signal?

[immaterial]

Yeah, if they're going after anyone, it's Evernote. And I'm thankful as can be about that; maybe it'll get the Evernote folks to actually focus on FUNCTIONALITY rather than just completely re-designing the app's interface once a year (in ever more convoluted ways). I stuck with Evernote through two or three obnoxious interface changes and I still have trouble getting text (particularly lists) to format sensibly.

Re:Comparison to EverNote

[Mr_Wisenheimer]

The Windows version of OneNote is the most powerful note taking program ever produced. It was also one of the first programs of its type, and offers excellent integration with other Office applications.

If you are using a Windows computer with stylus input and the MS Office suite, using OneNote is a no brainer. The handwriting recognition is pretty good. The Math equation recognition needs some work but is passable if you are a very neat writer.

If Evernote is already fulfilling your needs and you are not using a Windows tablet with a stylus, you might want to give it a look, but there is probably no reason to switch. If you do have a Windows tablet though, I think it is a no brainer. It was one of the first programs of its type and it is hands-down the most full featured.

Re:Next they'll give internet explorer free

[StripedCow]

Apple, in constrast, makes sure any competitive app never sees the light of day:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1384... [cnet.com]

Re:WTF is OneNote?

[wiredlogic]

It's a little more sophisticated than that given the integrated handwriting recognition. OneNote is a spiritual copy of the original standalone Evernote.

Re:The submission looks like a Microsoft advertise

[lgw]

Whether OneNote is wonderfully organized or a big disorganized mess is not a property of OneNote. :)

Re:WTF is OneNote?

[cayenne8]

but has Deep Hooks in to Sharepoint

Well, if THAT doesn't make you go running for the hills from this product, nothing will.

Ugh..what a clusterfuck sharepoint is. If OneNote is a part of that environment, no wonder MS is having to try to give it away for free.