The iOS 17.2 beta that Apple seeded to developers today includes the first iteration of the Journal app that Apple announced way back in June when...
  • OutBeyondNeptune@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Boy I wasn’t expecting a lot out of an initial release in the beta, but to say this is barebones is a woeful understatement. Grant it I may be missing something here as I’ve only played with it a few minutes, but there’s no way to create multiple journals; no way to tag entries; no way to link entries together; no way to even search your entries; no way to format text, much less insert tables; no way to embed images inline (they show up at the top of the entries). The Notes app is far more capable. I’m surprised they didn’t reuse most of that editing code for this.

    People thought this would be the end of Day One because it had access to far more on-device metadata than Day One was allowed, but this *automatically* captures almost nothing–no location, no activity statistics from Health, no weather, not even the specific time that the entry was made (only the date). You can *manually* add your location, but that’s an opt-in step.

    • frockinbrock@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I still find it absurd that Apple has to tie a full OS update with an app release. Granted, maybe the api updates couldn’t be included in previous 17 builds? But why not just use the App Store and push more frequent updates and fixes, without needing an OS upgrade?
      I assume it’s just so they can stick it on every device, maybe legally they can’t do that if it’s they the App Store?

      • ptc_yt@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        I think it is being released on the App Store. Apparently you can delete the app from your phone on the 17.2 Beta but there’s no way to get it back atm lol

    • Outlulz@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I thought the appeal of it was simplication for people that just want to write a few paragraphs at the end of the day. I’m speaking for myself, but as an end of the day, quickly write down your thoughts type of thing I can’t see a reason for multiple journals, tables, or note linking for instance. At that point use the Notes app.

      • ReneDickart@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Yeah agreed. I’m not sure that many users genuinely want tags and links because that feels a bit counter to the idea of casual journaling. That feels more like you’re taking down notes. I do hope they build on the suggestions though because that is truly the main appeal of Apple having control over this.

      • taxis-asocial@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        But it doesn’t harm anyone to be able to search through notes. It’s kind of surprising you can’t do that

  • K_Click_D@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I don’t love the floating plus button personally. I thought it’d look a bit nicer but maybe it’ll change throughout the betas - probably not but maybe

  • 3Snap@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    How long between beta and release usually? Im really wanting to use it, but not sure if I want to install a beta

  • luke_workin@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Serious question, what is the use case for an app like this? It’s a glorified notes app is it not?

    • J-F-K@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Regularly reflecting on my life has been a huge benefit for my mental health and motivates me to keep improving. Journaling is a form of meditation for me.

      I’ve personally been very excited for this.

  • tatsumi-sama@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I’m super forgetful. Maybe this can help me remember shit for once that I did the day before.

  • chowchowthedog@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I use pages to write down my personal journals everyday, (well, almost), wonder how this app stacks up against pages. I also use tables,highlights a lot, insert images a lot. So… idk. not to be dismissive about this app though. anyone else use pages daily?

  • Neat_Onion@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Do people really want a journal app? If the app had copilot and wrote a journal for you with pictures that I might use… or just enhance iPhotos AI capabilities even more 😂

  • Koleckai@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Not seeing the purpose but will look at it. At least it gathers some things. Hopefully, I can add things like average blood sugar, heart rate, and oxygen automatically.