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Microsoft will shut down to-do app Wunderlist on May 6th
Over two and a half years after Microsoft said it'd one day kill to-do service Wunderlist in favor of its own To Do app, it has revealed when it'll drop the ax: May 6th. After that time, Wunderlist's to-do lists won't sync anymore and you'll have a limited time to export lists from there into To Do. As of today, Microsoft won't accept any more sign-ups for Wunderlist.
Windows 10 may soon tell you which apps are using your microphone
Microsoft is testing some privacy and notification features in its latest Windows 10 Insider preview for Fast Ring users. A previous build added an icon to the notification area that tells you when your microphone is in use, and the newest update will let you see which app is using it when you mouse over the icon. If more than one app is using your mic, the icon will tell you how many. It's a useful privacy enhancement, especially if you're concerned about eavesdropping.
Microsoft Word will automatically create to-do lists for you
Microsoft will start turning the notes you leave in Word documents into to-do lists. The company is testing a new feature in its word processor that will automatically detect notes and messages left for yourself and others and turn them into actionable lists. The beta version of the feature is available for some Office for Mac Insiders starting today and will roll out to Windows testers in the coming weeks.
Microsoft is replacing Wunderlist with a new To-Do app
Wunderlist is evolving. At least, that's how the Microsoft-bought team is putting the news that the list and task management app is headed for retirement. Not yet, though. In its place, Microsoft is announcing To-Do Preview, its early version of Wunderlist's spiritual successor that's already packing some improvements. It's available on iPhones, Android and web browsers now.
Todoist uses AI to suggest deadlines for your tasks
The folks at Doist, the company behind the popular productivity app Todoist, regularly add features to help boost its users' workflows. After tasking Alexa with the ability to add items to lists last month, the company has an update for its stable of apps that will help you stay on top of your obligations with the help of AI. The latest version of Todoist includes Smart Schedule, a feature that analyzes factors like task urgency, how you've completed items in the past and your upcoming workload before suggesting a due date for an item.
Wunderlist's iOS app uses 3D Touch to increase productivity
The company behind to-do list app Wunderlist may have been purchased by Microsoft, but that's not stopping it from churning out fresh updates. Following a new version of its Android app, Wunderlist for iOS now supports 3D touch, and the feature comes in quite handy. From the home screen on your iPhone, a long press on the app's icon gives you access to the quick add feature for easily logging those reminders. Thanks to Wunderlist's Smart Due Dates, that quick add tool automatically assigns deadlines when you include words like "today," "tomorrow" and "Friday." It also lets you know how many items you have due that day and selecting that option takes you straight to those most pressing tasks.
Todoist is bringing its popular productivity app to Windows 10
Todoist's take on the to-do list is handy for keep your daily agenda organized, and now it's available for Windows 10 users. The free productivity app is available for Microsoft's operating system as a preview, syncing those important tasks across mobile and desktop devices. And yes, it will update across operating systems too, in cause you need to tuck your Surface Pro 4 away and check your to-do list on your iPhone or Android handset. Many of the tools are held over from desktop, iOS and Android versions of the app including setting due dates, managing tasks and collaborating with your colleagues. Just like the add-on for Gmail, there's an Outlook extension that allows you to turn emails into tasks with a click or tap. For larger screens like the Surface tablets, Todoist offers a three-pane view to help keep things organized and easy to find. While the app supports Live Tiles now, it'll also play nice with Cortana in the near future. If you're looking to give it a shot, the Todoist preview is available in the Windows Store now.
Todoist's Android update makes it easier to stay organized
Todoist may be one of many to-do list apps available for your mobile device, but it's certainly a capable option. Today, the company announced a major redesign for its Android software that adds in features the iOS version received back in the spring. This means that rather than typing a reminder and having to tap a few different menu options to add a due date, assign to a project and more, you can just input all the information in the main task field. Once you do so, Todoist will sort out all of the info for you, right down to the necessary tags. In fact, the company says that users "can input almost any combination of details whatsoever into Todoist, and the app will know exactly what to do with it." It's a feature that should help you spend less time organizing and more time getting stuff done.
Microsoft buys the company behind to-do app Wunderlist (update: official)
Microsoft's quest to conquer the mobile productivity app world by acquiring it is still underway, it seems. A Wall Street Journal source claims that the folks in Redmond have bought 6Wunderkinder, better known as the creator of the to-do app Wunderlist. Neither company is commenting on the scoop at the moment, but the deal is reportedly worth between $100 million to $200 million. The question, of course, is what Microsoft will do with its new prize. The company turned Acompli into the new versions of Outlook for Android and iOS, but it hasn't done much yet with Sunrise's calendar app. Given how handy to-do lists can be when paired with email and schedules, our money's on Outlook and similar apps eventually doing a better job of juggling your daily tasks. Update: Sure enough, Microsoft has confirmed the acquisition. The company plans to "apply Wunderlist's innovations" to its apps and services, but stresses that it's going to leave the existing app and its pricing as they are.
Todoist redesigns its iOS app to save you time, increase productivity
There are plenty of to-do list options out there, ready to equip your phone with software to help you meet deadlines. Todoist is one of those, and the iOS version of the app just got a massive redesign. First, instead of typing in an item, and then having to tap a few more menus to assign a due date or tack onto a project, composing all of that info in the text box will automatically complete the necessary tags. The app inputs the date and makes sure that the item appears in the correct project. Not only is it handy, but it'll surely save you some time. There's also a button at the bottom right of each project screen for quickly adding new tasks. Need that reminder in a specific spot? Pull two existing items apart and you'll be able to add it right where you need it.
Any.do adds collaboration, sharing features to its to-do app
Productivity-focused app Any.do, which is available on iOS, Android and the web, has gained popularity largely because, well, it helps people get things done. But, with households and businesses being about more than just one particular user, the to-do application knows that catering itself to only a single person per account isn't enough. Accordingly, Any.do is introducing its Team Management and Group Sharing features, allowing you to create, distribute and assign tasks among a number of different people -- with as many as you want, in fact, so long as you have a new Premium account, which costs $5 per month (though right now there's a promo for $3 monthly).
Wunderlist now lets you attach Dropbox files to tasks
Wunderlist has long been a popular choice for folks looking to wrangle both individual and collaborative to-do lists. With today's update though, the productivity app gets a major boost from Dropbox. When creating a new task, you can attach files from that cloud-based repository, and they're accessible right from the to-do list. From an item's detail menu, simply clicking the paperclip or Dropbox icon allows you to hunt for the file(s) you'll need, added as links for easy grabbing later. Update a document that's attached to a task? No worries. It'll automatically sync, ensuring that the latest version is available when needed. As TechCrunch notes, this is Wunderlist's first third-party integration and it's one that'll save some time searching for and opening up files. TC also reports that Evernote and calendar syncing could be next up. If you're anxious to give it a try, the new version is available now on iOS, Android and on the web.
To-do app Wunderlist gets a fresh coat of paint and real-time sync
The folks at 6Wunderkinder have been quite busy as of late, releasing version 3 of the Wunderlist productivity app on top of Pro and Business options for power users. Keeping up the pace, this third installment of the to-do list manager rolls out with over 60 improvements in tow. Notable additions include a visual overhaul to clean up the UI, real-time sync (insures tasks will show up on all of your devices immediately) and public lists for widespread sharing. The latest version is now available for iOS, Android, Mac and on the web with an update for Windows pending for the recently-announced universal app option.
Evernote for iOS gets related notes, shortcuts and Skitch integration
Many habitual Evernote users have giant stacks of notes that can be difficult to sift through. Mercifully, Evernote's updated iOS app has come to their rescue: it now lets users create shortcuts to favorite notes and surface related notes. It's easier to mark up those scribbles, too -- the update integrates tightly with Skitch, dropping users directly into the companion app for annotations and drawings. Premium users can jump directly to Skitch for PDF editing. There isn't a corresponding Android update just yet, but serious iOS note takers can get the new Evernote build today.
Wunderlist Pro goes live for iOS, Mac and web, priced at $50 per year (video)
6Wunderkinder let us know last week that it was entering the big leagues of task management with Wunderlist Pro, and today it's possible for us to follow along. The company's first premium service is now available for those running the iOS, Mac and web apps, albeit with a slightly higher than anticipated $50 yearly subscription price alongside the $5 monthly option. As a reminder, Pro users get the ability to assign tasks to others, add an unlimited number of subtasks and choose from eight more backgrounds. Both file attachments and sharing are coming soon, 6Wunderkinder adds, while Android and Windows iterations of the Pro version are also on the company's very own to-do list.
Daily iPhone App: Text file to-dos make the leap to iPhone with Todo.txt app
Sometimes the best to-do list apps are the ones that keep things simple. These basic list-making apps are perfect for those times when you need to jot down something quick like a phone number, a song you heard or an app you want to remember. One lightweight to-do manager with syncing support is the Todo.Txt app from Gina Trapani. Todo.txt is a universal iOS app that uses the to-do file many of us keep on our computers. Instead of storing your task list locally on your hard drive, you can move your text file to your Dropbox folder and use the Todo.txt app to sync the list to your iOS device. The app pulls down your task list from Dropbox and allows you to view and edit it on the go. Any edits you make on your mobile device will be synced back to the text file on your computer. Since the list is a text file, you can edit it with any text editor under the sun. Todo.txt is a basic list -- there are no checkboxes, drop-downs, reminders or date pickers. All you have to do is add an item and then mark it completed when you are done. If you need to organize your list a bit, Todo.txt lets you prioritize your tasks and tag them with project names and contexts. You can also search or filter your list. Todo.txt is available in the iOS App Store for US$1.99. It requires a Dropbox account.
Apple discounts OS X task managers in new Get Stuff Done promotion
Apple launched a new three-week promotion on OS X productivity apps. The Get Stuff Done offer starts this week and features a handful of task managers. We've already told you about Things 2, which is available at 50% off its regular price of $49.99. Also included in the sale are Todo ($6.99), Due ($4.99), The Hit List ($24.99), BreakTime ($2.99), TaskPaper ($11.99), 2Do ($14.99) and Clear ($6.99). The sale starts today, January 24, and ends January 31.
Things 2 for Mac now on sale for 50% off
Cultured Code has a treat for Mac owners looking for a new task manager. Starting today, Things 2 for Mac is on sale for US$24.99, a 50 percent discount off the app's normal $49 price tag. Things is a fantastic to-do manager that appeals to a wide range of users. With tags, projects and areas of responsibility, it's robust enough for power users looking for a nimble task manager. At the same time, it's not loaded down with lots of extra options, so even beginning users can jump right in and start managing their tasks with minimal effort. This limited-time sale applies only to the Mac version and ends January 31. This is only the second time Cultured Code has discounted Things for the Mac, so grab it while you can.
Review: Shopping Pro for iOS
Shopping Pro is a new app from Quinn Genzel, the creator of Packing Pro. Shopping Pro (US$2.99) is what I would call the mother of all shopping list apps. It follows the detailed template of Packing Pro, with the ability to create templates from hundreds of items you might need from the grocery store. The app supports iCloud, so you can sync your shopping lists with your other iOS devices. You can also share list with family and others via email or iTunes sharing. The design can be customized with different color schemes and fonts. There is also a powerful search feature. Getting the app working is a matter of creating basic lists and checking things off as you go. You can input price and have the app generate a sales tax estimate. In testing, I noticed that you can go far beyond the standard grocery list, adding things such as appliances and electronics. My only real knock on the app, and it is a slight one, is the overall look. It reminds me of old DOS screens. That should be easy to fix, and I hope the app will adopt a more modern look and feel to show off its power and flexibility. Shopping Pro requires iOS 5 or later and is universal. The app is optimized for the iPhone 5. %Gallery-176880%
Lifehack: Use a to-do app for cooking inspiration
I'm a pretty keen amateur cook; perhaps unusually so (I have a sparsely updated food blog, Objection: Salad!, if you want to see the gory details). However one aspect of my cookery that is probably utterly typical is running low on inspiration for the daily grind of weekday dinners. I've been tried a few things to solve this to this, including recipe apps with "why not make this?" suggestions and food blogs with stunning photography of intricate creations. But to be honest, after a long day at work, I don't want to think too hard about what I'm making. I usually just want to crank out one of my standby dishes. You probably know what I mean -- the two dozen or so quick meals you've made lots of times before and you know you can always turn to to find something you fancy eating on any given day. The problem is, I'm forgetful. I do my grocery shopping during my lunch breaks and I often find myself heading out to the supermarket with no idea what I should be picking up. I forget entirely what I've eaten lately or what I haven't had for ages. I've even tried proper week-ahead full-on meal planning, but that is, frankly, not a lot of fun. I don't particularly enjoy being that organised. It feels too much like work. I needed something less formal. So that's my problem, which perhaps you share. And here's my solution, for your consideration: I created a list in my favorite to-do app, Realmac Software's Clear (you can use any to-do app for this, I just happen to like Clear). That list stores my rotation of standby meals: the ones I know I can cook in a reasonable amount of time, and the ones I know my wife and I will always enjoy eating. That's a screenshot of my current list up at the top of the article. The trick is, I never mark any of those meals as "complete." I'm not using the app to track what I've done. Instead, after cooking any particular meal, I merely drag it down the priority order to the very bottom (you can do this with a simple tap-and-drag in Clear, which is one of the reasons I really like the app). Then, when I find myself pondering "what am I making for dinner tonight?", I look at the top of the list for my inspiration. That way, I get a natural reminder of the things I haven't cooked in a while. When I cook something new that fits in, I add it to the bottom of the list, so I'm naturally expanding my repertoire as time goes on. Occasionally, I go a little further, and where I have some specific ingredients to use up before they go off I add extra annotations to the top of the list. That's as close as I get to formal meal planning. I've also added specific one-off reminders of recipes I see that I want to cook soon but know I'll forget about, and sometimes I delete those rather than move them to the bottom if they didn't turn out great or if they were too much work to be reasonably tackled in a weeknight after work. I'm all about the practical compromises. Since adopting this technique, I've rarely run dry for inspiration, and I've found that there were a surprising number of recipes I cooked once and promptly forgot about that were actually things I wanted to be cooking every few weeks. It's only a small thing -- I'm not claiming this is going to change anyone's life -- but I thought I'd share it with you in in the hope that you might find it useful too.
