<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-Q2MC6HHGTH"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Q2MC6HHGTH'); </script><script id="Cookiebot" src="https://consent.cookiebot.com/uc.js" data-cbid="9a575506-32c3-4ed2-8123-3527a9a1f3a7" type="text/javascript" async></script> ![[Supernote Update - October 2026.jpg]] # Introduction [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) just released one of the most innovative software updates in the history of the platform. When I purchased the A5X, I did so because it offered everything I needed in a tablet. It has since evolved to include more useful tools than I ever could have imagined. However, with this update, the team at Ratta has delivered on a longstanding promise to include a curated app store experience, while still maintaining brand identity. In this article, we will talk about the most important features and highlights from this new update. We will also think about what this could mean for the future of the platform. # Why This Update is Important During a recent livestream, I had a conversation with [Kit Betts-Masters](https://www.youtube.com/@kitbetts-masters), David from [TabletTech](https://www.youtube.com/@davidtablettech), and [Vladimir Kostek](https://www.youtube.com/@VladimirKostek) about whether [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) was in danger of falling behind other e-ink manufacturers who release new devices on a more regular schedule. Ratta stands apart from most companies in not offering either color device options, new refreshed models, or advanced AI capabilities. However, they also stand apart for their embrace of community partnership, focus on sustainability, enhanced repairability, and modularity. They are one of the few companies that actively encourage users not to purchase multiple devices. Rather, their thought is to purchase the best device for you and they believe that device should be built to last, while also being upgradeable over time. One of the best things about being a long-term [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) owner is that you can expect to continue to have your devices supported (for over five years in my case). Even with this latest update the A5X and A6X are still receiving the latest firmware updates. The only time there is a difference is if the version of Android does not support it or a hardware limitation (e.g., missing the left sidebar). Fast forward to the Nomad and Manta, all of a sudden you can add upgradeability, expandable storage, and modularity to the mix. This update is the culmination of many of the things that Ratta has been promising to the community, while also (in true [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) fashion) throwing in a couple of extras along the way. See what the Ratta team has to say about the update here:  # Plugins So, why are plugins so important? Plugins are more than just apps developed by [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR). They are community driven enhancements that make use of the existing infrastructure. They are not only sanctioned by [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR), but a partnership between the development team and anyone who wants to attempt something new. This is so much the case that Ratta has introduced an entire [r/Supernote_dev](https://www.reddit.com/r/Supernote_dev/) subreddit to encourage innovation. Combined with their already well developed [r/Supernote_beta](https://www.reddit.com/r/Supernote_beta/) community, this combination led to months of testing, refinement, and collaboration. The result of this approach was already over three dozen different plugins, even beyond the ones officially in InkHub ([Supernote's](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) community sharing platform). The beauty of this approach is that plugins are not apps, they are integrations directly into the software architecture. Instead of having to navigate to a separate app, you can access plugins from the toolbar, a popup icon, or directly from the lasso in some cases. This makes them singularly unique in the e-ink space. It is almost poetic that I am writing this blog in Obsidian, which also allows for a community plugin approach to development. To see some plugins in action, check out my video below:  # Customizing the Toolbar & Popup Menu Options While I was always a fan of the toolbar in [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR), I do agree that having to always navigate to "more" was not an ideal user experience. The team at Ratta listened and now you can customize your experience. You can tinker till your heart's content if that is your inclination. However, they also went a step further and simplified the toolbar by grouping "like items" for users who do not want to fuss about with their toolbar configuration. For a lot of users, the standard configuration will be more than enough, making the already great user experience that much better. In addition to customizing the toolbar, they have added a contextually aware set of popup menus that allow users to access the most common features by holding down the stylus in the center or edge of a note or document. A tremendous benefit is that the tools are customized to what type of environment you are operating in. The video in the last section also talks to this important feature. # Pen Enhancements In the release notes, Ratta mentions two new pens coming soon. They include a new [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) X LAMY AL-Star EMR Pen Plus and a [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) X LAMY Safari Vista EMR Pen Plus. While nothing has been announced publicly about these new pens, we can expect them to potentially have a side button based on the behavior mentioned in the update. So, why is this such an important innovation, new pens, so what? This is a big deal because this has been a consistent ask from the community. [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) has arguably the best styli in the business between their Heart of Metal, Heart of Metal 2, and LAMY collaborations. Their ceramic nib to many is best in class and the pinnacle of EMR technology implementation. What has been missing until now is the combination of the ceramic nib and a side button. If they get these to market soon, they will bring affordability to what has been an expensive hack that required sourcing materials from multiple vendors and then manually configuring a stylus. # Ratta's One More Thing The tech world is famous for "one more thing." This year, the iPhone Duo was Apple's one more thing. For Ratta, it was unveiling two newly approved third party apps that were not even made available to beta testers. So, what are they are why are they important? - [KOReader](https://koreader.rocks/) is a an immensely popular reading app for a multitude of reading different document types owned by individual users. It allows far more functionality compared to [Supernote's](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR) onboard reading app, while not having the native integration with the Digest or being able to write on the documents. What it does provide is a more robust reading experience. - [EinkBro](https://www.reddit.com/r/eink/comments/1vfajri/reviewing_the_most_e_ink_focused_browser_einkbro/) is perhaps the only current internet browser that is optimized for e-ink devices. The browser is a light weight internet experience that allows for faster viewing of websites without the bulky configuration of many current browsers used on more powerful tablets and computers. These are important because of the community requests that I have personally seen over the last several years. While the native apps are fine for my needs, the ability to add more powerful apps for reading and browsing are a wonderful value add for other users. This is especially true in the case of [KOReader](https://koreader.rocks/) because it allows a Kindle-like experience (not as user-friendly in my opinion) for documents you already own. # Conclusions & Final Thoughts While I do not have time to go into all of the new features and optimizations in this new update, I would encourage you to to take the time and visit the posts below: - [Chauvet 3.30.45 Release for Manta and Nomad](https://www.reddit.com/r/Supernote/comments/1x3qwcr/chauvet_33045_release_for_manta_and_nomad/) - [Chauvet 2.27.42 Release for A5 X and A6 X](https://www.reddit.com/r/Supernote/comments/1x3r4tr/chauvet_22742_release_for_a5_x_and_a6_x/) I would also suggest watching this podcast episode where [David](https://www.youtube.com/@davidtablettech), [Kitt](https://www.youtube.com/@kitbetts-masters), [Vlad](https://www.youtube.com/@VladimirKostek), and I talk about all things e-ink:  Most importantly, think about what matters most to you in e-ink tablets. Is it intentionality, continuous software updates, and a movement towards sustainability? If so, check out [Supernote](https://supernote.com?sca_ref=5405083.rmKBHKIeVR). You might just find it is the perfect device for you. Until next time, thank you for visiting my site and please feel free to read other [[Blog]] articles. If you are interested in more information on the the products and services I use to create my content, visit my [[Things I Use]] page. Also check out my various videos, podcasts, and social media links below. Just remember, keep moving forward. 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