LiveScribe Now Mac Compatible, Public Beta Announced

Mac note-takers now rejoice. LiveScribe’s pen and software are now Mac compatible, and they are inviting Mac-users to paricipate in a public beta for free. The official version will be releaed in Q1 2009. In addition to being Mac-compatible, LiveScribe also introduced new features, just for the Windows crowd, that allow users to print their own paper and interact with Vision Object’s MyScript.

Just in time for the holidays, Livescribe Inc. (www.livescribe.com) announced today the public beta of its native Mac desktop application — Livescribe Desktop for Mac. Livescribe also announced key new features for its Pulse smartpen, including handwriting to text transcription software and the ability for consumers to print dot paper notepads for free.

From college students to business professionals, from medical workers to detectives, and from parents to attorneys, Livescribe’s Pulse smartpen is a simple, affordable and effective way to take notes and recordings, so they never miss a word they hear, write, or speak again.

“Given the current state of the economy, people want gifts that solve real problems,” said Jim Marggraff, Livescribe’s founder, chairman and CEO. “Forty-three percent of people we surveyed between the ages of 25-54 said they are looking for technology gifts that are ‘useful’ this holiday season. Pulse fills this need. It’s a useful solution for anyone tasked with gathering and organizing information — college students, professionals, or anyone who uses pen and paper.”

Now Mac Compatible

Livescribe Desktop for Mac Public Beta: Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Pulse smartpen is now compatible with all Intel-based Mac computers with Leopard OS 10.5. Beginning Nov. 24, consumers can download the public beta software for free at www.livescribe.com/install. The software makes it possible for Mac users to upload their notes and audio recordings, play them back, search for words, and easily browse through digital copies of their notes.

Livescribe is inviting all Pulse smartpen owners to e-mail their feedback on the public beta release to: [email protected]. Version 1.0 of the Livescribe Desktop for Mac will be available in Q1 2009.

All current and new users of the Pulse smartpen can use Pulse with Mac computers for free. Additional details can be found at www.livescribe.com.

New Features for Windows Users

Handwriting to Text Transcription: Responding to the number one requested feature among Pulse smartpen owners, Livescribe’s partner Vision Objects is offering “MyScript for Livescribe” text transcription software, which allows note takers to seamlessly transcribe their handwritten notes into text. The software will be available with the Livescribe Desktop for Windows (version 1.4) to be released on Nov. 24.

With MyScript for Livescribe, consumers can make edits to their converted text and even create a personal dictionary of frequently used words to ensure a more accurate conversion. The text can be copied and pasted into a variety of applications, including Microsoft Word and Outlook. On Nov. 24, MyScript for Livescribe transcription software can be downloaded as a free 30-day trial or purchased for $29.95 at www.visionobjects.com/store. The software works best with neat and legible handwriting.

Print Your Own Paper: With the release of Livescribe Desktop for Windows 1.4, consumers have the ability to print dot paper notepads for free. Dot paper notepads can be printed directly from the Livescribe Desktop toolbar on most color laser jet printers that are Adobe Post Script compatible and print at 600dpi or higher. In addition, Livescribe provides a variety of dot paper notebooks, including lined and unlined journals and college-ruled notebooks for purchase at prices comparable to other college-ruled notebooks.

Additional Support: Version 1.4 of the Livescribe Desktop includes full support for Windows XP 32 bit, and Vista 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.