reMarkable’s newest software release (v3.8) brings a few new features. Let’s learn about them and see how useful they are in the real world.
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Why should you read this review?
I’ve been using the reMarkable 2 since it’s first month of public release to organize and focus my life. I use the device both for personal tasks as well as in my corporate role.
Changes in reMarkable 3.8 software update
- Straight lines – reMarkable added an easy gesture to create straight lines (which I was admittedly bad at before). Now you just pause at the end of your line and it will snap it to some basic angles.
- Checkboxes – checkboxes were added in v3.8 and are built to build to do lists. They are only available in the typed text mode (ie they don’t work in handwriting mode). To access the checkboxes – either tap the “text type” icon (it’s at the bottom) or press CTRL+5 to make a line into checkbox(es). After setting a box, it can be either unchecked (default setting) or checked with your finger or stylus. The finger seems to work better and once checked, the associated text will be lined out.
- Erasing improvements – reMarkable improved how erasers work in both menu selectable option as well as when using the back of a reMarkable Marker Plus or Staedtler Noris Digital Jumbo.
How well does reMarkable v3.8 update work?
- Straight lines – I like the straight line feature alot. The hold gesture takes a moment to get used to, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll rarely have crooked lines again!
- Checkboxes – I use drawn checkboxes in my daily organization system and wish that these were available in handwriting mode. It would be great if you could convert hand drawn boxes and have them show up as actionable checkboxes in text. Another nice feature would be if the exported text for completed tasks showed up as a different color font.
- Erasing – This update is a bit less noticeable for me. I’ve heard that folks that use their reMarkable for art really like this update, so I’ll keep playing around with it.
What does the reMarkable software update leave out?
While the check box feature is really cool and something that I was initially very excited about, it only works in typing mode. I generally handwrite my to-do lists each day and would love to have a check box that’s compatible with hand writing (even if it didn’t line things out).
How to get reMarkable software v3.8
Just connect your device to WIFI and it should update. If the update isn’t occurring, navigate to Menu >> Settings (gear at the bottom) >> Software >> Check for Updates
The release came out as version 3.8.2.1965
Additionally, the desktop app will require an update at least v3.8 to fully utilize checkboxes on your laptop. So make sure to update that as well.
