reMarkable released their v3.12 software update that updates menus, covers, and fonts for the reMarkable 2 tablet. The July 2024 update is their first substantive update since the March 2024 v3.10 software release. We didn’t cover v3.11 because it only changed selecting typed text.
Overview of changes from reMarkable v3.12 software update
The most recent reMarkable software update primarily targeted user interface (UI) upgrades and some minor text formatting. This is consistent with the other recent upgrades in 2024.
Update to the reMarkable MyFiles organization look
The most noticeable change that the reMarkable v3.12 update brings is to the visual appearance of the MyFiles view. If you’re not familiar with the term MyFiles, it’s the default view of multiple notebooks.
reMarkable has started referring to the notebook covers as ‘digital dust jackets.’ I actually like this term as it doesn’t confuse users with physical covers for the reMarkable 2. This update brings more artistic digital dust jackets for PDFs, ePUBs, and quick notes. These digital dust jackets (used to be called notebook covers) can still be customized (learn how here).
Overall, this update improves the ascetic of the reMarkable 2 experience and makes it a bit easier to find the right document (when scanning visually).
Floating widget to quickly create new reMarkable notebooks
Additionally, v3.12 brings what I would call a ‘widget’ at the bottom center of the MyFiles screen for quick access to often used features. The new widget allows you to bring up the search menu or create a new notebook quickly.
While neither of these functions were hard to find previously, this does seem like an overall improvement to the usability of the reMarkable 2. This seems in line with reMarkable working to streamline commonly accessed functions.
reMarkable quick access menu (top right)
An additional navigation upgrade that comes along with the v3.12 upgrade is the quick access menu from the MyFiles view. Located in the top right of your reMarkable screen, the quick access menu shows an upgraded status and access to common functions
Status:
- Upgraded battery icon (included percentage charged)
- WiFi connection status
Common functions:
- Screen share
- WiFi / Airplane Mode (which I love since I generally keep it turned off)
I really like this upgrade as these are all functions that I previously had to hunt through various menus to find.
Home short cut with reMarkable logo
One of the last upgrades that comes along with v3.12 software update is making the reMarkable logo a shortcut back to the main MyFiles screen. Some internet posts highlight this as a downside, but I don’t mind it (and haven’t had problems with it).
Improved type face for typed / converted text
reMarkable continues to embrace the modern looking serif font for typed text or converted handwritten text. This isn’t a massive change, as they’ve been using this font in various places for the past few updates. The v3.12 update does standardize the font types across the reMarkable experience, which is a minor positive.
Bottom line on the 3.12 reMarkable software upgrade
I’ve been using the upgraded software for a few weeks now and am really enjoying the changes. I haven’t noticed any major bugs or times when my reMarkable is crashing. So I’d say, do the upgrade and start leveraging these upgrades.
On a broader note, it feels like the reMarkable team has been making steady progress on small upgrades but nothing that fundamentally advances how to use the platform. I’m still hopeful that we’ll see a v4.0 software overhaul sometime in 2024.
