Things 1.1/Things Touch 1.3.5: Area Sync
Filed under: Software, Productivity, iPhone
Things Touch 1.3.5 has been released along with Things 1.1 and, among a heap of bug fixes and UI improvements, you’ll find a new feature for syncing Areas of Responsibility from your Mac to your iPhone (it’s not yet possible to create Areas in Things Touch). The feature requires Things 1.1 on the Mac side, which was officially released today, but has actually been available (sans release notes) for about a week (assumedly waiting for Things Touch to make it through App Store approval).
Another new addition (which is more exciting, to me) is full AppleScript support in Things on the Mac. I haven’t had a chance to dive into it yet, but it’s a topic I discussed with Cultured Code at the last Macworld Expo and I’m excited to see it come to fruition. People using Things in any kind of group setting will appreciate the reconsidered approach to task delegation, as well.
For those who aren’t familiar with Things in general, I’ll take a quick step back. Things for the Mac has been a staunch competitor in the Mac task-management colosseum. Battling it out with OmniFocus and newer gladiators like The Hit List, it’s been recognized by many for its simplicity and elegance. Things is powerful and flexible, while remaining reliable and simple. Things Touch is its iPhone companion, usable on its own or synced with Things Mac.
You may be asking, what’s an “Area of Responsibility?” This is one of the features of Things which was hardest for me to grasp. It’s not quite a GTD context, and it’s not a folder for projects. Basically, Areas provide a flexible means of handling tasks which aren’t part of a “project” and aren’t necessarily sequential in nature. In the words of Cultured Code:
With an Area of Responsibility (or simply “Area”), you don’t ask yourself about the desired outcome, but what standards you would like to maintain. An Area corresponds to an ongoing activity. These could be, for example, job responsibilities, roles you have taken on in your family, or personal responsibilities like health.
Things is available for download as a free trial, and can be purchased for $49.95US. Things Touch, the iPhone version, is available in the App Store for $9.99US.
TUAWThings 1.1/Things Touch 1.3.5: Area Sync originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 11 May 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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OmniFocus 1.6 checks off bugs and adds new features
Filed under: Software, Productivity
The Omni Group just released OmniFocus 1.6, and it’s a big, big update. Current users are going to be pleased, even if they don’t bother to page through the extensive list of new features and fixes in the release notes. I’ve never said anything to the contrary, but this is proof that Omni is listening carefully to users and working hard to evolve with user demands while still maintaining their original vision.
For the uninitiated, OmniFocus is one of the top contenders for your task manager dollar. Among the commercial options — along with Things and up-and-comer, The Hit List — OmniFocus is considered to be the powerhouse, at least as far as features. It’s been a bit too much power for a number of people looking for simplicity in both form and function, but for those who need the extra power, it’s a solid choice.
When I say “extra power”, I’m talking about advanced sorting based on just about any criteria, saved filter sets called “Perspectives,” AppleScript support, integration with Mail, iCal sync, iPhone sync (with separately purchased iPhone version) and some advanced capabilities to help you determine your “next action” with less input than some of the others. Things and The Hit List are still contending for my ultimate love, but I’ve used OmniFocus extensively and can honestly say that the only reason I tend to drift away from it is complexity — both in the UI and in general functionality.
As I mentioned, the 1.6 release notes are extensive, and the vast majority of the entries are of very similar importance, making “highlights” hard to do. There are changes and additions to the filtering options, a new “Flagged” collation type for Context view, a prodigious number of bug fixes and enhancements to existing functionality, UI improvements, AppleScript fixes and improvements … seriously, it’s a long list. If you’re a current user, you should be notified of the update within the application (check your update settings in Preferences), and new users can download a free demo. OmniFocus will hit your pocketbook for $79.95US … competitive in the GTD arena and fitting for the punch it packs.
TUAWOmniFocus 1.6 checks off bugs and adds new features originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Appigo Todo: Detailed Task Management on the iPhone
My recent look at Appigo Notebook for the iPhone and iPod touch had me reevaluating my choice of task management app for the platform. Conveniently, Appigo also offers Todo ($9.99, App Store), one of the leading task management apps in the App Store. While the “integration” Appigo offers between the two apps is more of a basic export function, it still does save some typing, which is nice on a device whose primary virtue is not text entry.
Right away, I can tell that Appigo Todo has done the basic things right. When it comes to task management, I am a man of very simple needs. I want an easy way to check off items as completed, some sort of task prioritization ability, and the ability to sort tasks by group. All of these things are there, with the added benefit that you can both mark a task completed and delete it from the home view, something which is not always possible with apps in this category.
Todo also offers a quick task option, which is great when you just want to remind yourself of something without getting in to too much detail. It’s the advanced functions that make Todo stand out from the pack, though. When creating a new task, you can choose from a number of preset types, which change the appearance of the task’s icon. Choosing one of these presets opens up additional options, like choosing a contact from your address book or entering a website URL.
You can also add Tags and Contexts to your tasks, above and beyond organizing them by lists, which are also fully customizable. If you’re an obsessive task tracker, your inbox can become pretty cluttered fairly quickly, so being able to filter in three different ways from very broad to very specific really adds to your ability to organize and drill down.
Appigo Todo offers a variety of synchronization options. If you’re partial to locally stored data, you can go the desktop route, using the Appigo Sync desktop application, which allows Mac users to sync their Todo tasks with Apple’s iCal. No Windows version exists, although Appigo reports that one is currently in the works. If you’re more of a cloud kind of user, you can sync with either Toodledo.com or Remember the Milk, making this the app of choice for those who want to keep their options open.
Aside from being one of the most robust task management apps available for the iPhone, Appigo Todo is also one of the most expensive. That said, if you’re serious about getting things done, it might be just what you’re looking for. Anyone interested can also try out Todo Lite (App Store) for free before they lay down any serious cash.
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Done goes live, Chillix announces winners
Filed under: Productivity, iPhone
Done, the $0.99US iPhone task list manager we mentioned a little while back, is now live in the App Store. It’s pretty slick, and falls right in the middle between a simple task list and a robust task management application like Things or OmniFocus. We hosted a contest in that last post, passing on a request from the developers for witty lists, the best of which (chosen by the developers) would be used in the App Store marketing materials. You all came through, and winners were chosen from the ranks.
The winners, chosen by Chillix, are KJP, Chad, Kevin, Todd, Gary & Kurt!
Some of the winners posted directly on the Chillix site, some posted here. If your list was chosen and you haven’t been contacted yet, expect to hear from the developers soon. Thanks to everyone who participated!
TUAWDone goes live, Chillix announces winners originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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TimeXchange offers a time-tracking API
Filed under: Productivity, Internet Tools, Developer
TimeXchange is a relatively new addition to the pile of available online time-tracking applications. Its current incarnation on the web is pretty standard, covering bases like multiple time entry, report and invoice creation, and Quickbooks integration. The developers have been fielding a lot of feature requests … more than they have the capacity to handle. Their solution: an API, announced today, which will allow third-party developers to create applications, mashups and integrations with other tools.
A version of TimeXchange is already available for the iPhone, in both a $2.99US version and a free Lite version (iTunes links). The mobile applications make use of a private API, and demonstrate only a tiny bit of what could be accomplished with the new API. The “hooks” in the API are to be exposed as needed to developers, and custom hooks can be created to meet developers’ needs. Beyond task management and mobile time/expense tracking, the API provides the opportunity for industry-specific applications, language localization, multiple currencies, and corporate branding. With no license restrictions, developers can customize an application with TimeXchange as its engine and keep 100% of the profits made on distribution.
The idea of opening an API to third-party development is not a novel one. Harvest (my current time-tracking app) and some others already provide access to an API. Tickspot, which also provides an API, has just released an iPhone app (iTunes link) as well. It’s an excellent trend, and things such as desktop widgets, Basecamp integration and mashups allowing time tracking through Twitter and IM have become possible. By providing custom-built API’s to developers, TimeXchange hopes to be able to meet any need which might come up.
TimeXchange provides an aggressive pricing scheme and a unique model. For a one-time fee of $19.95US, you get a lifetime membership. There are monthly and yearly payment plans, but a one-time fee is a pretty sweet deal. The major difference in models is that TimeXchange uses a peer-to-peer mentality, rather than a company setup. Every user has an account, and users can invite other users to join a project. It might not be a great model for larger companies, but for a freelancer, contractor or small company, this can be an ideal situation, given that the members of the team change frequently from project to project. Today’s API news will hopefully spark some creative development on the Mac, iPhone and web to take advantage of the engine. Interested developers can visit the affiliate page for more information. To check out the service itself, just visit TimeXchange.net.
TUAWTimeXchange offers a time-tracking API originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The Hit List enters public beta
Filed under: Software, Productivity
A few weeks ago, Brett wrote about his first impressions with The Hit List from Potion Factory, a task management application that goes toe to toe with OmniFocus and Things. He was extremely impressed with what the release, then just entering private beta, offered. “We haven’t seen a lot of waves in the advanced, visually polished task manager wars lately, but this one is going to storm the gates,” he said then. I have to agree.
Brett is a power user for this sort of program, but I’m brand new to it. After investing $100 into the OmniFocus applications only to wind up frustrated with them weeks later, I had started to look to Things when the private beta for The Hit List came out. I wanted a place where I could keep complicated to-do lists for projects alongside simple lists for basic tasks such as a to-read list and what books I wanted from the library.
The Hit List hits that sweet spot where it’s got enough features for power users, but the absolute beginner can tailor it to their own needs — much like Literature and Latte’s Scrivener for the writing crowd. Some of the included features that beta testers enjoyed include being able to navigate the program almost completely via keyboard (think Quicksilver) and a slick timer that lets you know exactly how much time you’ve spent on a task, a tagging system that syncs well with iCal (at least from my experience), tabbed interface and more.
The Hit List is moving from private to public beta with the official release candidate now available. A Google Group for users has also been set up. The Hit List will retail for $69.95, but the pre-order price is $49.95 and will be available at that price until version 1.0 is released. The Hit List’s future does include an eventual iPhone app.
And, a great little Easter Egg: While examining the package’s contents, I discovered audio cues set to Super Mario Bros. and Star Wars. I haven’t figured out where in the application they’re used yet, but if you’ve tested it and figured it out, let us know in the comments!
TUAWThe Hit List enters public beta originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Chilli X seeks the savage wit of TUAW readers
Filed under: Humor, Productivity, App Store
iPhone developers Chilli X are looking for a little help with the App Store promo materials for their new ToDo list app, Done. First, though, a little bit about Done.
You’re probably thinking, “there are too many task lists available for the iPhone, and they all do the same thing.” You’ll get no argument from me there. For me, it’s a matter of how well they do it, and Done has the potential to be very fluid to use, taking a little more advantage of the iPhone platform as a user interface. Not having tried it yet, I’m judging by the features listed on the promo page: multiple lists, priorities, colors, shake to sort, as well some more novel innovations. It looks simple … maybe too simple for some, but potentially ideal for those who shudder at the mention of GTD (sorry, did I say that too loudly?).
One novel feature which I don’t believe exists in other task managers, yet, is a snapshot capability which will replace your iPhone/iPod touch wallpaper with an image showing your top 6 tasks. The app was recently submitted to the App Store, and is awaiting approval. That’s where you — with your highly-developed sense of humor and savage wit — come into play.
Chilli X would like to have clever task lists in the promo shots for the app. They are — by their own admission — developers and not comedians. You can see their prior attempts at their website, but — and I say this with love — they’re not great. If you think you have the comedic chops to write a truly fun, interesting and humorous list, leave a submission here in the comments. Chilli X will be watching and picking their favorite entries, the authors of which will receive free copies of Done, in addition to the glory of having their carefully-crafted task sequences displayed in the screenshots of the app in the App Store.
I’ve heard rumors indicating that App Store glory is often accompanied by prolonged health benefits and above average success with dating prospects, but your results may vary (the TUAW legal department kindly asks me to inform you that TUAW makes no such promises, and takes no responsibility for this post).
Chilli X does offer one stipulation: “keep them clean(ish) and don’t say nasty things about anybody.” Easy enough.
TUAWChilli X seeks the savage wit of TUAW readers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Things 1.0rc now available
Filed under: Software, Productivity
Cultured Code has issued the 1.0 release candidate for Things, its popular GTD application, a little more than a week ahead of its official launch on January 6.
Things 1.0rc has a huge list of changes including new icons, the ability to reorder to-dos in the Today list across project and area boundaries, the ability to edit titles and reorder projects in the sidebar (my biggest pet peeve prior to this), fixes to syncing and compatibility issues with the iPhone version of Things, and numerous big fixes. A complete list can be found here via MacUpdate due to site difficulties with Cultured Code. An official mirror detailing the release notes can also be found here.
Things 1.0rc is available at the mirror of the Cultured Code website, since the main site is either being sluggish or not responding at all due to demand. An alternate download location can be found through MacUpdate, along with the complete list of changes. Full price for a Things license is $49USD, but a coupon for 20% off can be used until January 15 - even if you missed out signing up for the newsletter. That code is THINGSPRESALE20.
Things requires OS X 10.4 or later. It is also recommended for those who own the iPhone version to update to version 1.3 once it becomes available through the App Store.
TUAWThings 1.0rc now available originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The Hit List takes aim at OmniFocus and Things
Filed under: Software, Productivity
The Hit List, from the Potion Factory, is a new task management application set to go head-to-head with Things and OmniFocus. We haven’t seen a lot of waves in the advanced, visually polished task manager wars lately, but this one is going to storm the gates. I tend to get overexcited about new productivity apps, but after test driving the beta release of The Hit List for a day, I’m convinced it’s worthy of all the excitement I can muster. A few of us here at TUAW, in fact, have been trading notes and are in agreement that this one is a serious competitor.
The Hit List combines my favorite aspects of Things with some of the niceties of OmniFocus, and then adds some visual polish and usability tweaks. It works in a single, tabbed window; nice, because I’ve always been bothered by the floating palettes in OmniFocus. Beyond my personal tastes, though, the interface is beautiful both in aesthetics and simplicity. I can see immediately what each item on the screen means and infer what each button is going to do. For those with advanced needs, The Hit List provides a full-fledged tagging system, filtering and sorting, contexts and projects, notes, links … the only thing I haven’t seen yet is repeating tasks, but the application is still in development. Despite its beta status, though, it’s been stable and highly usable.
The system-wide Quick Entry window is as simple and powerful as any on the market, and the tagging and context system is based on keyboard symbols (”/” and “@”), so adding them is easy: you just type them at the end of your task name. The interface is almost 100% keyboard-navigable; tasks can be moved and filed with a few keystrokes, and tags, contexts, start and due dates can be added to a highlighted task with their respective shortcuts.
A projected retail price of $70 places it between Things and Omnifocus on the cost scale. Given the features and ease-of-use it provides, I’ll gladly pay in that range. The biggest problem for The Hit List is going to be that most of its target users have probably already shelled out for Things and/or OmniFocus. I think that a test drive will prove pretty convincing for a lot of folks, though.
The Hit List just went into private beta recently, but Andy from the Potion Factory is welcoming new testers. If you have the time to file bug reports and feature requests, head over to Google Groups and sign up for the discussion and get the download. [Google Groups link fixed, sorry!]
TUAWThe Hit List takes aim at OmniFocus and Things originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Friday Favorite: Curio
Filed under: Software, Features, Productivity, Reviews
I’ve been looking for a project management solution for a long, long time. I’ve tried everything from homemade systems — based on folders and Spotlight tagging — to attempting to bend applications such as Bento to do what I really want: collect my notes, work-in-progress files, communications and brainstorms in one place with a fluid way to associate them, organize and rearrange them, and find them quickly … without forcing me into a single mode of thinking.
The first time I looked at Curio, I had what I’ve learned is a fairly common reaction to it: I balked at the apparent lack of structure. As every designer knows, a blank page is a scary thing. It was a few months later that I was reading an article about it which re-sparked my curiosity (no pun intended), and I dug back in. It was at that point that I realized that Curio was the project management, note-taking and brainstorming solution I’d been looking for, or at least as close as I’ve found so far. Read on for an in-depth look at Curio’s possibilities … and a 10% off coupon code!
Continue reading Friday Favorite: Curio
TUAWFriday Favorite: Curio originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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