Things 3 - Detailed Review
Collaboration Tools
Things 3 - Product Overview
Introduction to Things 3
Things 3, developed by Cultured Code, is a highly acclaimed task management and organization app exclusively available for Apple devices, including Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Here’s a breakdown of its primary function, target audience, and key features.Primary Function
Things 3 is designed to help users manage their tasks, projects, and daily schedules efficiently. It serves as a comprehensive toolkit for organizing both minor tasks and extensive projects, making it an essential tool for streamlining life and work.Target Audience
The target audience for Things 3 includes individuals who need to manage multiple tasks and projects, whether for personal or professional purposes. This can range from students and freelancers to business professionals and anyone looking to improve their productivity. The app is particularly suited for those who value a clean, intuitive interface and powerful organizational features.Key Features
User Interface and Design
Things 3 boasts a new, timeless design with smooth animations and clear, structured content. The app allows users to open multiple projects in separate panes on Mac, and on iPad, users can swipe away the sidebar to focus on the current list. This flexibility makes it easy to organize tasks across different projects and devices.Task Management
Users can create to-dos with additional details such as tags, checklists, start dates, and deadlines. The app also features headers, subheadings, and checklists within projects, enhancing task management. The Today tab provides a snapshot of the daily schedule, highlighting appointments and tasks.Integration and Syncing
Things 3 seamlessly integrates with Apple’s Calendar and Reminders apps, allowing easy import of events and reminders. It also offers Things Cloud, which syncs tasks across all connected devices, ensuring that users have access to their to-dos wherever they go.Search and Filtering
The app includes a Quick Find feature for searching within the app and filtering down lists by typing. This makes it easy to locate specific tasks quickly.Additional Features
Things 3 supports Siri and Shortcuts integration, allowing users to add tasks or show lists using voice commands. It also includes features like Dark Mode, Widgets, Control Center & Lock Screen Buttons, and Markdown support. For advanced users, there are possibilities for automation using custom shortcuts. In summary, Things 3 is a powerful and user-friendly task management app that caters to a wide range of users looking to improve their productivity and organization skills. Its intuitive design, seamless integration with Apple services, and extensive features make it a valuable tool for managing both simple and complex tasks. Things 3 - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Things 3 is renowned for its simplicity, elegance, and ease of use, making it a standout in the task management category.Design and Layout
Things 3 boasts a minimalist design that is both beautiful and functional. The app’s interface is clean and uncluttered, with a focus on letting users quickly capture and manage their tasks without distractions. When you open a to-do, it transforms into a clear, white space ready for your thoughts, with additional details like tags, checklists, and deadlines neatly tucked away until needed.Ease of Use
The app is highly intuitive, receiving positive feedback for its user-friendly nature. Users appreciate the simple and straightforward interface that makes it easy to create, manage, and organize tasks. Features like the “Today,” “This Evening,” “Upcoming,” “Anytime,” and “Someday” views help users plan and prioritize their tasks efficiently.Key Features and Interactions
Quick Entry
This feature allows users to quickly add tasks using a keyboard shortcut, making it easy to capture thoughts on the go. On Mac, you can set up Quick Entry with a custom shortcut, such as Control-G.Drag-and-Drop Interface
The app uses a drag-and-drop interface, facilitated by the “Magic Plus” tool, which enables users to create and edit to-do lists, add headings, and send tasks to the Inbox.Tags and Filters
Users can categorize tasks using tags and apply filters across all tasks, which is particularly useful for organizing and prioritizing tasks.Calendar Integration
Things 3 integrates with your calendar, showing daily to-do lists and upcoming events, helping you manage your time effectively.Reminders and Notifications
The app allows you to set reminders for specific times, which can be created via Siri voice commands or shorthand notes. These reminders sync across all your devices.User Experience
The overall user experience of Things 3 is highly praised for its smooth interactions and delightful animations. The app feels responsive and engaging, with features like Handoff, Split View, and Haptic Feedback enhancing the user experience. The addition of Dark Mode, Widgets, and Siri & Shortcuts Integration further enriches the app’s functionality.Customization and Automation
Things 3 offers various customization options, such as using Markdown for notes, creating custom shortcuts, and automating workflows. The URL Scheme feature allows advanced users to create to-dos, view lists, and perform searches using a URL-based system.Conclusion
In summary, the user interface of Things 3 is characterized by its simplicity, ease of use, and a well-thought-out design that makes task management efficient and enjoyable. While it is not a collaborative tool and lacks some advanced features found in other apps, it excels in personal task management and productivity. Things 3 - Key Features and Functionality
Things 3 Overview
Things 3, developed by Cultured Code, is a powerful task management tool primarily designed for Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac. Here are the main features and how they work, though it’s important to note that Things 3 does not incorporate AI in its functionality.
Task Management
Things 3 allows you to add tasks easily using a visible text bar. These tasks can be organized into various categories such as “Today,” “This Evening,” “Upcoming,” “Anytime,” or “Someday,” depending on their urgency and scheduling.
Project Organization
You can group tasks into projects with subtasks and sections for better management. Projects can have deadlines, and you can track progress and repeat projects if necessary. Areas act as folders for projects, helping to keep your tasks well-organized.
Quick Task Entry
Tasks can be added quickly while working in other apps. The Quick Entry feature, especially on Mac, allows you to add tasks with a shortcut. Additionally, you can use Siri for hands-free task entry.
Reminders and Deadlines
You can set reminders for your tasks and assign deadlines. The app also allows you to use the due date as a start date or adjust it as needed. This feature is particularly useful for people who work with deadlines.
Tags and Labels
Tasks can be categorized using tags and labels, which helps in easy filtering and searching of tasks. This feature is useful for organizing and prioritizing your tasks.
Calendar Integration
Although Things 3 does not have a built-in calendar, it allows you to connect your existing calendars to see your events next to your to-dos, helping in effective planning.
Cross-Device Syncing
Things 3 uses Things Cloud for syncing tasks across all your Apple devices. This ensures that your tasks are updated and accessible everywhere, without the need for a subscription.
Additional Features
- Inbox: Tasks are temporarily stored here until you group them under a list, area, or project.
- Notes and Comments: You can add notes and comments to tasks to provide additional context.
- Repeating To-Dos & Projects: Tasks and projects can be set to repeat at regular intervals.
- Widgets: You can view custom sets of to-dos from your Home and Lock Screens.
- Mail to Things: You can send new to-dos to Things via email from any device or operating system.
- Apple Shortcuts: The app supports Apple Shortcuts to automate your workflows.
- URL Scheme: For advanced users, the URL scheme allows for automation using a URL-based system.
No AI Integration
It’s important to note that Things 3 does not use AI for any of its features, such as intelligent scheduling or natural language processing. The app relies on manual input and user-defined organization methods.
Conclusion
In summary, Things 3 is a user-friendly and feature-rich task management tool that helps individuals manage their tasks and projects effectively across their Apple devices, but it does not include any AI-driven features.
Things 3 - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Things 3 is highly praised for its performance. The app runs smoothly and efficiently on both iOS and macOS devices, with users describing it as “fluid and fast”.
- The app’s syncing capabilities, facilitated by Things Cloud, are exceptional and nearly instant, ensuring that tasks are updated across all devices without delays.
- The user interface is intuitive and well-designed, making it easy to add and manage tasks quickly, even on the go.
Accuracy
Things 3 is accurate in its task management features, particularly in how it handles task dates and deadlines.
- It allows users to set both an action date (the date you plan to work on a task) and a due date (the date by which the task must be completed), which is a unique and valuable feature compared to other task management apps.
- The app’s date picker is refined, making it easy to reschedule tasks accurately.
Limitations
While Things 3 excels in personal task management, it has some limitations, especially in the context of collaboration:
- No Real-Time Collaboration: Things 3 does not support real-time sharing or collaboration on tasks. Users cannot share tasks or work on the same tasks simultaneously with others.
- No Web Version: The app is limited to iOS and macOS users, with no web version available. This restricts its use to those within the Apple ecosystem.
- No Sub-Areas: Users have expressed a desire for the ability to create sub-areas within areas, which could enhance the organizational capabilities of the app.
Areas for Improvement
Given its strengths in personal task management, here are some areas where Things 3 could improve:
- Collaboration Features: Adding features that allow real-time collaboration or task sharing would significantly enhance its utility for team-based projects.
- Web Version: Developing a web version would make the app more accessible to users outside the Apple ecosystem.
- Advanced Organization: Introducing sub-areas within areas could further refine the organizational structure of the app.
Conclusion
In summary, while Things 3 is highly effective and accurate for personal task management, its limitations in collaboration and platform availability are notable. However, for individuals within the Apple ecosystem seeking a powerful and well-designed task management tool, Things 3 remains an excellent choice.
Things 3 - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure
The pricing structure of Things 3 is straightforward and based on a one-time purchase model, rather than a subscription-based approach. Here are the key points to consider:Plans and Pricing
Things 3 does not offer multiple tiers or plans; instead, it is sold as separate applications for different Apple devices. Here are the costs for each version:- macOS: $49.99
- iPad: $19.99
- iPhone and Apple Watch: $9.99
Total Cost
To use Things 3 across all Apple devices (macOS, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch), the total cost would be approximately $80.Features
While there are no different tiers, the features available in Things 3 include:- Task management with areas, projects, and deadlines
- Integration with Apple Calendar
- “Today,” “This Evening,” “Someday,” and “Upcoming” sections for task organization
- Checklist and label options for tasks
- Cloud syncing via Things Cloud (included with the purchase)
- Quick Entry feature for fast task addition
- URL scheme for advanced users
Free Options
There is no free plan available for Things 3, but it does offer a 14-day free trial to test the app before purchasing.Collaboration
It’s important to note that Things 3 does not support task-sharing or collaboration features, making it a personal rather than a collaborative tool.Summary
In summary, Things 3 is a one-time purchase with no ongoing subscription fees, and it is optimized for use on Apple devices without any additional costs for cloud syncing or other features. Things 3 - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Things 3 does not have a web API, which makes integrating it with other services more challenging. However, it is technically possible to achieve some level of integration using workarounds such as AppleScript, database-level access, and URL schemes. For example, some developers have managed to integrate Things 3 with other apps using these methods, even though it is a bit “hacky” and primarily works on desktop environments.
Things 3 does offer integration with some Apple ecosystem tools:
- It supports Siri for creating to-dos.
- It has Shortcuts integration, allowing users to automate workflows.
- Users can import tasks from Apple Reminders.
- The app also integrates with Apple Watch, enabling users to manage their tasks directly from their wrist.
Compatibility Across Devices
Things 3 is highly compatible within the Apple ecosystem:
- It is available for Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro, each sold separately but with a free trial option.
- The app syncs tasks across all these devices using the free Things Cloud service, ensuring that your to-dos are always up-to-date regardless of the device you use.
However, Things 3 is not compatible with non-Apple devices:
- It does not work on Windows, Android, Linux, or any other non-Apple platform.
- There is no web version available, so you cannot access it through a web browser.
Additional Features
The app is known for its refined feature set, balancing simplicity and functionality for both casual and professional users. It includes features like drag-and-drop interactions, swipe gestures, and reliable sync across devices. The URL-scheme system is particularly powerful and well-documented, making it a favorite among power users.
In summary, while Things 3 lacks a web API and thus direct integration with many third-party services, it integrates well within the Apple ecosystem and offers a seamless experience across Apple devices. Its compatibility is limited to Apple products, but it provides a highly functional and user-friendly task management solution within that ecosystem.
Things 3 - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support and Additional Resources for Things 3
Support Page and Search
Things 3 provides a comprehensive support page where you can use a general search engine to find answers to specific questions. Popular searches include topics like “discounts,” “password,” and “Android” compatibility (though it’s important to note that Things 3 is not compatible with Android, Windows, or Linux operating systems).Troubleshooting Guide
The support page also includes a troubleshooting guide that offers simple prompts to help resolve common issues. This guide directs you to applicable user documentation to address your concerns.Contact Form
If the self-service options do not resolve your issue, you can use the contact form on the Things 3 website. This form requires you to enter your email, message, and device type. The form also provides information on the company’s business hours and timezone, as they are based in Germany.Additional Resources
Tutorials and Guides
There are various tutorials and guides available online that demonstrate how user-friendly and intuitive the app is for organization and productivity.Drag & Drop and Share Sheet
Things 3 supports adding content from other apps using features like Drag & Drop and the Share Sheet, making it easy to capture information from other sources and integrate it into your to-do lists.Quick Entry and Shortcuts
The app offers features like Quick Entry, which allows you to add tasks quickly using shortcuts, and integration with Siri and Shortcuts for more advanced users.Community and Feedback
While there isn’t a dedicated community forum, users can submit feature requests and other inquiries through the contact form, which helps the developers gather feedback and improve the app. Overall, Things 3 focuses on providing a simple, intuitive interface and reliable support options to ensure users can effectively manage their tasks without needing extensive technical support. Things 3 - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Elegant Design and Intuitive Interface
Things 3 is praised for its minimalist and intuitive design, making it easy to use and visually appealing. This design helps in reducing stress and improving productivity.
Comprehensive Organization
The app allows you to organize tasks into “Areas” and “Projects,” which helps in segregating tasks for different aspects of your life, such as work, personal life, and more. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining a balanced overview of your tasks.
Project Breakdown
Large projects can be broken down into smaller, manageable tasks using headings and sections, making them less overwhelming and more achievable.
Timely Reminders and Deadlines
Things 3 enables you to set time-based reminders and deadlines, ensuring you stay on top of your tasks. The “Jump Start” feature, with its natural language processing, makes scheduling tasks easier.
Syncing Across Devices
The app syncs seamlessly across Apple devices using Things Cloud, which is included with the purchase and does not require a subscription.
Logbook and Task Tracking
The Logbook feature allows you to review completed tasks and track your progress, which is helpful for personal task management.
Disadvantages
Lack of Collaboration Features
One of the significant drawbacks of Things 3 is its inability to share tasks or collaborate with others within the app. This makes it unsuitable for team-based project management.
No Web App
Things 3 does not have a web version, limiting access to only Apple devices. This restricts users who need to access their tasks from other platforms or computers.
No Free Version
Unlike many other task management tools, Things 3 does not offer a free version. It requires a one-time purchase, which can be a barrier for some users.
Apple Exclusive
The app is only available on Apple devices, making it less versatile compared to cross-platform compatible tools. This is a significant limitation for users of Android or Windows devices.
Customer Support Limitations
While the app is generally intuitive, customer support is limited to email during business hours and lacks live chat or phone support.
Conclusion
In summary, while Things 3 is an excellent tool for personal task management with its elegant design and comprehensive organization features, it falls short in terms of collaboration and cross-platform compatibility.
Things 3 - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Things 3
When comparing Things 3 to other task management and collaboration tools in its category, several key points stand out, particularly in terms of its unique features and limitations.
Unique Features of Things 3
Personal Task Management
Personal Task Management: Things 3 is highly optimized for personal task management, offering features like the “Today,” “This Evening,” and “Someday” sections, which help users organize tasks without specific dates. It also includes an “Upcoming” area for planning future tasks and an “Anytime” view to see all tasks at once.
Project and Area Organization
Project and Area Organization: Things 3 allows users to organize tasks into projects and areas, which act as folders for projects. This structure is particularly useful for breaking down larger goals into manageable tasks. Additionally, you can add deadlines to projects, a feature not commonly found in other apps like Todoist or TickTick.
Quick Entry and Keyboard Shortcuts
Quick Entry and Keyboard Shortcuts: The app features a Quick Entry system, especially useful on Mac, which allows for fast task entry using keyboard shortcuts. This makes it easy to capture tasks quickly without disrupting your workflow.
Calendar Integration
Calendar Integration: Things 3 integrates well with your calendar, showing calendar items in the Today view, which helps in planning daily activities without needing to check multiple apps.
Limitations and Alternatives
Lack of Collaboration Features
Lack of Collaboration Features: One of the significant limitations of Things 3 is its lack of collaboration features. Unlike apps such as Trello, Asana, or Todoist, Things 3 does not support task sharing or collaborative work, making it less suitable for team projects.
Cost
Cost: While Things 3 offers a one-time payment model, which can be appealing for some users, the upfront cost can be high, especially for the macOS version. This might make it less accessible compared to subscription-based models offered by competitors.
Alternatives
Todoist
Todoist: Todoist is a popular alternative that offers more advanced collaboration features, including task sharing and team projects. It also has a more flexible pricing model with both free and premium subscription options. However, it may lack some of the personal task management features that make Things 3 unique.
Trello
Trello: Trello is another option that excels in collaboration, using a board-based system to organize tasks. It supports team projects and has a free version, making it more accessible for those looking for collaborative tools.
Asana
Asana: Asana is a powerful tool for team task management, offering advanced features for project tracking and collaboration. It has a more complex interface compared to Things 3 but is highly suitable for large-scale team projects.
Conclusion
Things 3 is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a powerful personal task management tool with a clean and intuitive interface. However, its lack of collaboration features makes it less suitable for team environments. For those needing collaborative tools, alternatives like Todoist, Trello, or Asana might be more appropriate.
Things 3 - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Things 3
Q: How do I add and organize tasks in Things 3?
Things 3 allows you to add tasks easily and organize them into various sections. You can place tasks in “Today,” “This Evening,” or “Someday” if they don’t have a specific date. Tasks can also be assigned to a future date or given deadlines. You can use labels and checklists to further organize your tasks, and tasks can be grouped into areas and projects for better management.
Q: Can I share tasks with others in Things 3?
No, Things 3 does not support task sharing. It is designed as a personal task management tool, not a collaborative one. If you need to share tasks, you might need to consider other task management apps.
Q: How does Things 3 handle scheduling and reminders?
Things 3 offers dynamic calendars to help with scheduling events and managing daily activities. You can set time-specific tasks, view upcoming priorities, and reevaluate them as needed. The app also allows you to add reminders for specific times, which can be set using Siri voice commands or shorthand notes. These reminders sync across all your devices.
Q: What is Things Cloud, and how does it work?
Things Cloud is the syncing service for Things 3, which allows you to sync your tasks across all your devices. Once you’ve paid the one-time fee for the app, you get access to Things Cloud for life, without any additional subscription. This ensures that your tasks are always up-to-date across your iOS and Mac devices.
Q: Can I import tasks from other apps into Things 3?
Yes, you can import tasks from other apps, such as Apple’s Reminders app. This makes it easier to transition to Things 3 if you are already using another task management app.
Q: How does the search function work in Things 3?
Things 3 has a Quick Find tool that allows you to search for specific tasks, projects, or notes by typing in any term. This tool applies a filter throughout the app to find relevant tags or data, making it easy to locate specific tasks or information.
Q: What are the different sections available in Things 3 for task organization?
Things 3 offers several sections to help you organize your tasks: “Today” for tasks due today, “This Evening” for tasks to be done later in the day, “Upcoming” for planning tasks in the next weeks or months, “Anytime” to see all tasks at a glance, “Someday” for unscheduled tasks, and a “Logbook” for completed tasks.
Q: Can I use keyboard shortcuts and automation in Things 3?
Yes, Things 3 supports powerful keyboard shortcuts and automation features. You can use Markdown for notes, and the app integrates with Apple’s Shortcuts app to automate your workflows. There are also ready-made shortcuts available to streamline your task management.
Q: Is Things 3 available on multiple platforms?
Yes, Things 3 is available on both iOS and Mac, ensuring you can manage your tasks across different devices seamlessly.
Q: How does the Jump Start feature work in Things 3?
The Jump Start feature is a pop-up tool that helps you schedule tasks quickly. It uses natural language processing (NLP) to offer relevant text as you type, making it easier to set immediate or long-term dates, reminders, or put tasks on hold.
Q: Can I use Siri with Things 3?
Yes, you can use Siri to add tasks, show lists, and set reminders in Things 3. This integration makes it convenient to manage your tasks using voice commands.
Things 3 - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Things 3
Things 3 is a highly regarded task management and productivity app specifically designed for users of Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs. Here’s a comprehensive overview of its features, benefits, and who would most benefit from using it.
Key Features
- Task Management: Things 3 allows users to create, edit, and manage tasks with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. You can add tasks, insert comments, and group them under various lists, areas, or projects such as “work,” “leisure,” or “fitness.”
- Scheduling and Reminders: The app integrates dynamic calendars to help with scheduling events and managing daily activities. It also supports setting reminders using Siri voice commands or shorthand notes.
- Search and Tagging: The Quick Find tool enables users to search for specific tasks, projects, or notes by typing in any term, making it easy to locate relevant information.
- Jump Start and Quick Entry: Features like Jump Start and Quick Entry facilitate quick scheduling and task creation without interrupting your workflow. Jump Start uses natural language processing to speed up the scheduling process.
- Syncing Across Devices: One of the standout features is the seamless syncing of tasks across all your Apple devices, ensuring you can manage your tasks anywhere, at any time.
Ease of Use and User Sentiment
Things 3 is known for its simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to learn and use for daily needs. The app receives positive reviews for its design and user-friendly nature, with many users appreciating its ease of use for organization and productivity.
Customer Support
While Things 3 does not offer extensive direct customer service, the app is generally simple enough that most users do not need to contact support. There is a support page with a search engine, troubleshooting guide, and a contact form for any issues that may arise.
Who Would Benefit Most
Things 3 is ideal for individuals who need to manage their to-do lists effectively across multiple aspects of their lives, such as work, family, and personal activities. Here are some key groups that would benefit:
- Professionals: Those with busy work schedules can use Things 3 to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and manage work-related projects.
- Students: Students can organize schoolwork, assignments, and study schedules efficiently.
- Family Managers: Individuals managing family tasks, such as planning holidays or daily chores, can find Things 3 very useful.
- Anyone with Multiple Responsibilities: Anyone juggling multiple roles or responsibilities will appreciate the app’s ability to keep tasks organized and synced across all their Apple devices.
Pricing
The app is available for purchase on a per-device basis, with prices ranging from $9.99 for the iPhone and Apple Watch versions to $49.99 for the Mac version. There is also a 14-day free trial for the Mac version.
Recommendation
Given its features, ease of use, and positive user sentiment, Things 3 is a highly recommended task management app for anyone using Apple devices. It is particularly beneficial for those who need a reliable and intuitive tool to manage their tasks and schedules across different areas of their lives. While it may not be the best fit for users of non-Apple devices, for those within the Apple ecosystem, Things 3 is an excellent choice for enhancing productivity and work-life balance.