14 DAY TRIAL // PhatWare has released the 4.1 version of its WritePad note taking and handwriting recognition software for iPad. The update adds a social component to the application, namely a Twitter client which allows users to compose Twitter updates in their own handwriting.
The new feature enables users to post updates to the microblogging service right from the iPad. And that's not all, social networking addicts can also view the Twitter timeline and replies to updates, making it possible to copy, retweet and reply to Twitter updates.
The idea to introduce the new feature came to WritePad's developers after learning that customers were posting updates to Twitter using the application's email feature. "Our customers are our most important asset we always try to improve our products based on their input," said Serena Perley, Director of Marketing at PhatWare.
For those unfamiliar with the software, WritePad is a application for taking notes on the iPad by simply writing text with a stylus pen or the finger. The application adapts itself to users' style of writing, improving handwriting recognition over time. Simple gestures can be used to perform various operations, such as select text, cut, copy, paste, insert special characters, and more. Moreover, WritePad comes with a spell checker with its own custom dictionary, a context analyzer which allows users to dial phone numbers or open URLs embedded in the text, auto-corrector, and a Shorthand feature that fills in frequently used words and phrases.
Other features include a built-in HTTP file server which allows users to exchange documents over Wi-Fi between the iPad and desktop computer (or another iPad or iPhone), and an interface to Microsoft's Bing Translator which can be used to translate documents to other languages.
The iPhone/iPod touch version of WritePad does not yet include the Twitter client, but an update adding the feature is likely to follow. In the meantime, iPad users can get the latest release here.