In the world of note-taking apps, there are plenty of options available, ranging from popular ones like Apple Notes and Google Keep to more feature-rich platforms like Obsidian and Notion. However, AudioPen, developed by Louis Pereira, offers a unique approach by focusing on converting voice recordings into text-based notes.
AudioPen is a web app, which means it is accessible across various platforms and devices. While it may lack a native mobile experience, this lightweight app makes up for it with its simplicity and ease of use. The interface is minimalistic, with a single mic button to start recording.
Once the recording is complete, the app utilizes OpenAI’s powerful APIs, specifically Whisper for transcription, to convert the audio into clean, readable text.
Originally conceived as an experiment to explore OpenAI’s APIs, AudioPen gained positive feedback from select users, prompting Pereira to release it as a standalone tool for a broader audience to enjoy.
The app is available for free, with certain limitations. Free users can record voice notes up to three minutes in length and store up to 10 notes on the AudioPen website without any cost.
For those seeking enhanced functionality and greater flexibility, AudioPen offers a premium plan at a cost of $60 per year or a one-time payment of $120 for a lifetime pass. With a premium subscription, users can enjoy extended recording times of up to 15 minutes per note and store an unlimited number of notes in the cloud.
Additionally, paid users have the ability to upload up to 30 of their own audio files per month and download the audio files of their notes within an hour of recording. They can also assign tags to their notes for easy organization and retrieval.
While both free and paid users have the ability to edit their transcriptions, the premium plan unlocks additional features. One such feature is the automatic generation of summaries within AudioPen. This is particularly useful for users who have accumulated numerous notes on the same topic and need a quick overview.
Additionally, the app offers a “Super Summary” function that allows users to select multiple notes on a specific topic and create a comprehensive summary, which proves invaluable for research projects and other endeavors.
Thanks to its integration with OpenAI’s APIs, AudioPen provides support for multiple languages, translation capabilities, various writing styles, and the ability to import old notes and rewrite them in different styles that suit specific contexts like emails, essays, or to-do lists.
Pereira emphasizes that these features are particularly beneficial for non-native English speakers who wish to capture their thoughts in English without worrying about grammar and structure.
Apart from the aforementioned features, a premium subscription offers several other benefits. Users gain access to enhanced note search functionality, the ability to generate shareable images of summaries, improved formatting for a cleaner reading experience, customizable summary lengths, and the option to pause recordings when needed.
As a web app, AudioPen does have some limitations. Transcription requires a stable internet connection, and iPhone users will need to grant microphone permission each time they record a note due to restrictions on web apps.
However, Pereira has been working on expanding the app’s capabilities. Last month, he released a Chrome extension for AudioPen, allowing users to capture notes from any tab instead of visiting the website.
In addition, Pereira recently launched a writing style library, enabling users to add different styles to their note-taking experience. He is also considering further improvements to the note-sharing feature.
AudioPen offers a unique and convenient way to convert spoken words into written notes, making it a valuable tool for various purposes, including meetings, lectures, interviews, and personal organization.
With its user-friendly interface, transcription capabilities, and ongoing enhancements, AudioPen aims to provide a seamless and efficient note-taking experience for individuals seeking an alternative to traditional text-based input.
