Things - Detailed Review
Self Improvement Tools
Things - Product Overview
Introduction to Things
Things, developed by Cultured Code, is a versatile task management app that helps users organize their tasks, projects, and various aspects of their life. It is available on macOS, iPadOS, iOS, watchOS, and visionOS, making it a comprehensive tool for those using Apple devices.
Primary Function
The primary function of Things is to help users manage their to-do lists, projects, and ongoing tasks in a structured and intuitive way. It aligns with the principles of the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, allowing users to collect, organize, and schedule their tasks efficiently.
Target Audience
The target audience for Things includes individuals who need to manage multiple tasks and projects, particularly those who value organization and productivity. This can range from professionals looking to streamline their work tasks to individuals managing personal projects and daily chores. The app is particularly appealing to those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem, given its seamless integration with other Apple apps like Calendar and Reminders.
Key Features
Collect
The “Inbox” feature allows users to temporarily collect to-dos that have not been filed into specific lists yet.
Organize
“Projects” are collections of to-dos that contribute to the completion of a larger goal. Projects can be subdivided with headings and are moved to the Logbook once completed.
“Areas” group together projects and to-dos that correspond to ongoing themes, such as “Work” or “Family”.
Schedule
“Today” centralizes all due or scheduled tasks for the current day.
“This Evening” is a section for tasks planned for later in the day.
“Upcoming” contains tasks and projects with specific due dates or repeating patterns.
“Anytime” provides an overview of active to-dos not scheduled for a later date.
“Someday” stores tasks that are not time-critical or are on hold.
Additional Features
- Seamless integration with Apple’s Calendar and Reminders apps.
- Quick Find for searching within the app.
- Setting alarms for tasks.
- A calendar view for tracking due dates chronologically.
- Customizable folders and headers within projects.
Things is known for its user-friendly interface, simplicity, and the ability to handle both minor tasks and extensive projects, making it a valuable tool for anyone seeking to organize their life and work efficiently.
Things - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Things
The user interface of Things, a task management app, is renowned for its simplicity, elegance, and user-friendly design. Here are some key aspects that highlight its ease of use and overall user experience:
Design and Layout
Things boasts a clean and crisp design that makes it feel like using a piece of paper, ready for your thoughts. The app’s new design is not just visually appealing but also structured and clear in its concepts. When you open a to-do, it smoothly transforms into a clear white space, allowing you to add details such as tags, checklists, start dates, and deadlines without any distractions.
Interactions and Animations
The interactions within the app are delightful and smooth. Each animation is purposeful and adds to the overall tactile and fast experience, especially on iPad and iPhone. These animations help keep your place and make the app fun to use.
Flexibility and Organization
Things offers a flexible work environment, particularly on macOS. You can open multiple projects in their own panes, drag to-dos between them, and use multiple displays or desktop spaces to organize your tasks efficiently. On the iPad, you can swipe away the sidebar to focus on the current list, whether in portrait or landscape orientation.
Ease of Use
The app is highly intuitive and simple to use. It features a straightforward interface that does not force users into a particular way of thinking. Users can easily move to-dos across projects, filter lists by typing, and access frequently used commands quickly. The app also includes a super-fast search tool to help if you get lost.
Usability
Things emphasizes usability, ensuring that the interface is easy to interact with. The app’s design reduces cognitive load by keeping essential fields neatly tucked away until needed. This approach makes it highly usable, requiring little to no explanation for new users. The effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of the interface are well-balanced, making it enjoyable to use.
Features and Integrations
The app includes several features that enhance the user experience, such as Dark Mode, Widgets, Control Center & Lock Screen Buttons, Mail to Things, Siri & Shortcuts integration, and support for Markdown notes. These features, along with fast sync and excellent keyboard shortcuts, make the app versatile and convenient.
User Feedback
Users have consistently praised Things for its elegant design, ease of use, and the fun experience it provides. The app has received positive reviews for being adaptable enough for anyone, whether for daily routines or long-term goals. It is described as a “unicorn of productivity tools” – deep enough for serious work, yet easy to use and visually appealing.
Overall, the user interface of Things is crafted to provide a seamless, enjoyable, and highly effective experience for managing tasks and projects. Its clean design, smooth interactions, and intuitive features make it a standout in the self-improvement and task management category.
Things - Key Features and Functionality
Things: A Comprehensive Personal Task Manager
Things, a highly regarded personal task manager for Mac and iOS, offers a plethora of features designed to enhance your productivity, work-life balance, and overall task management. Here are the key features and how they work:
Scheduling
Things 3 includes dynamic calendars that help you schedule events and manage daily activities. You can organize your to-do lists based on different calendars, such as separate lists for family and work. The app also allows you to set time-specific tasks that appear at relevant times, like when you’re leaving work or arriving home. This feature helps you stay on track with your daily and future commitments.
Task Management
The task management system in Things 3 is intuitive and comprehensive. You can create and edit to-do lists using a drag-drop interface, facilitated by the “Magic Plus” tool. This tool enables you to add headings, send tasks to your Inbox, and include checklists or in-app notes to ensure you don’t miss any steps or details. Tasks can be organized with customizable tags, headings, and searches, making it easy to keep track of your to-do items.
Searching and Tagging
The “Quick Find” tool is a powerful feature 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, which is useful for locating similar tasks or ensuring you haven’t missed anything.
Jump Start
The “Jump Start” feature uses natural language processing (NLP) to make scheduling easier. It appears as a pop-up that lets you schedule immediate or long-term dates, reminders, or put tasks on hold. This feature speeds up the scheduling process by offering relevant text suggestions as you type.
Reminders
Things 3 allows you to set reminders for specific times, which can be created using Siri voice commands or shorthand notes like “Thursday 2 pm.” These reminders are synced across all your devices, ensuring you never miss a task or event.
Organization and Planning
The app offers several sections to help you organize and plan your tasks:
- Today: For tasks that need to be completed today.
- This Evening: For tasks to be done later in the day.
- Upcoming: To view and plan tasks for the next weeks or months.
- Anytime: To see all tasks at a glance.
- Someday: For unscheduled tasks.
- Logbook: To review completed tasks and track progress.
Areas and Projects
Tasks can be organized into “Areas” and “Projects.” Areas act as folders for projects, while projects break down tasks into more focused goals. You can add deadlines to projects, which is particularly useful for setting future goals and working towards completing them.
Integration and Automation
Things 3 integrates seamlessly with other apps through Zapier, allowing you to automate repetitive tasks. For example, you can create to-dos in Things from new Google Tasks, Google Calendar events, Trello cards, or Slack messages. This integration helps streamline your workflow and save time.
AI Integration
While Things 3 itself does not heavily rely on AI for its core features, its integration with Zapier allows for AI-driven automation. For instance, you can use AI models like OpenAI or Anthropic to extract, summarize, and transform integration data, enhancing the automation of your workflows.
Syncing and Accessibility
Things 3 uses Things Cloud for syncing tasks across all your devices, ensuring that your data is always up-to-date and accessible. This feature is included with the app and does not require a subscription.
Conclusion
In summary, Things 3 is a powerful task manager that offers a range of features to help you manage your tasks, schedule events, and maintain a balanced work-life routine. Its integration capabilities and user-friendly interface make it an excellent tool for personal task management.
Things - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Things is known for its user-friendly interface and efficient organization features. Here are some points that highlight its performance:Organization and Structure
Things allows users to organize their tasks and projects into areas, projects, and to-dos, which helps in maintaining a clear and structured workflow. This organization makes it easier for users to manage their tasks efficiently.Speed and Responsiveness
The app is generally responsive and quick, allowing users to add new to-dos, switch between different views, and use features like Quick Find without significant delays.Integration with Other Tools
Things integrates well with other tools and services, such as Siri, Calendar, and other Apple devices, which enhances its overall performance by providing seamless interactions across different platforms.Accuracy
Accuracy in task management involves how well the app tracks and updates tasks without errors.Task Tracking
Things accurately tracks and updates tasks, ensuring that users can rely on the app to keep their to-do lists up-to-date. Features like tags and headings help in categorizing tasks accurately.Reminders and Notifications
The app sends reminders and notifications as set by the user, ensuring that tasks are not missed. This feature is crucial for maintaining accuracy in task management.Data Syncing
Things syncs data across all connected devices, ensuring that the user’s task list is always accurate and up-to-date, regardless of the device being used.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Things is a highly regarded task management tool, there are some areas where it could improve:Customization
Some users might find the app’s customization options limited. For example, the ability to customize the layout or add more advanced automation features could be beneficial.Advanced Features
Compared to some other task management tools, Things might lack advanced features such as AI-driven task suggestions or automated task allocation, which are becoming more common in AI-driven self-improvement tools.Cross-Platform Compatibility
Although Things integrates well with Apple devices, its compatibility with non-Apple platforms might be limited. Users who prefer using multiple operating systems might find this restrictive.Engagement
Engagement is a crucial aspect of any self-improvement tool, as it motivates users to continue using the app.User Interface
Things has a clean and intuitive user interface that makes it easy for users to engage with the app. The simplicity of the design helps in reducing friction and keeping users engaged.Quick Actions
Features like the ability to create new to-dos quickly using shortcuts (e.g., `Ctrl` `Space` on Mac) enhance user engagement by making it easy to add tasks without interrupting other activities. In summary, Things performs well in terms of organization, speed, and accuracy, but there are areas such as customization, advanced features, and cross-platform compatibility where it could be improved. However, the app’s user-friendly interface and efficient task management features make it a reliable choice for those seeking to improve their productivity. Things - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of Things 3
The pricing structure of Things 3, a task management app developed by Cultured Code, is straightforward and based on one-time purchases for different platforms, without any subscription fees or free plans.
Platforms and Pricing
- Mac Version: This version is available for $49.99.
- iPad Version: The iPad version costs $19.99.
- iPhone and Apple Watch Version: This combined version is priced at $9.99.
Features and Plans
There are no tiered plans or different levels of service. Each platform’s app is purchased separately, and once you buy it, you have full access to its features without any additional costs.
Key Features
- Sleek and intuitive user interface
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Effective task organization and categorization
- No subscription fees, just a one-time purchase.
No Free Options
Things 3 does not offer a free plan or trial version. You need to purchase the app for each platform you wish to use it on.
Summary
In summary, Things 3 is a one-time purchase app with no recurring fees, but it lacks a free option and is primarily limited to the Apple ecosystem.
Things - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Things, a popular task management app from Cultured Code, integrates with several other tools to enhance its functionality and user experience.
Quick Entry Autofill with Agenda
Things has recently been updated to support quick entry autofill with the Agenda app. This integration allows users to quickly create tasks in Things directly from Agenda, leveraging AppleScript support to facilitate this feature.
Zapier Integrations
Things can be connected to over 7,000 other apps through Zapier, an automation tool. This integration enables users to automate various tasks, such as creating to-dos in Things from starred emails in Gmail, new Google Tasks, Trello cards, or Slack messages. These automations can significantly streamline workflow and reduce manual input.
Apple Ecosystem Integrations
Things is deeply integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, allowing seamless interactions with other Apple apps and services. For example, you can create to-dos using Siri, import tasks from Reminders, and integrate with your calendar to see events and to-dos together. The app also supports Shortcuts, enabling users to automate their workflows further.
Upcoming Integration with Apple Intelligence
Things is preparing for integration with Apple Intelligence, a new AI system introduced in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. While the specifics of this integration are not yet fully detailed, it is expected to enhance the app’s capabilities with features like automated task summaries and AI-enhanced content checks.
Compatibility Across Devices and Platforms
Apple Devices
Things is compatible with a range of Apple devices, including Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Each version of the app is optimized for its respective device, ensuring a consistent and functional experience across all platforms. The app syncs data seamlessly between these devices using the free Things Cloud service.
Platform Limitations
Things is exclusively available on Apple devices and does not support Windows, Android, Linux, or any non-Apple device. It also does not have a web-based version.
Additional Features
Control Center and Home Screen Integrations
With iOS 18, Things has added new controls to the Control Center and support for Dark and Tinted Home Screen appearances. These features allow users to quickly create to-dos or access specific lists directly from the Control Center or Lock Screen.
Widgets and Share Extension
The app includes widgets for the home and lock screens, providing quick access to your to-do lists. The Share extension allows users to create to-dos from content in other apps, such as links or emails.
In summary, Things integrates well with various tools and services, particularly within the Apple ecosystem, and offers a seamless experience across multiple Apple devices. However, it is limited to Apple platforms and does not support non-Apple devices.
Things - Customer Support and Resources
Support Articles and Guides
The Things support page offers a comprehensive collection of articles and guides to help you get the most out of the app. These include detailed instructions on how to schedule to-dos, repeat tasks, connect your calendars, and set reminders. You can find guides on specific features such as Quick Find, writing notes, using tags, and gestures like swipes and taps.
Things Cloud and Device Integration
There is extensive support for setting up and using Things Cloud, which allows you to connect all your devices and sync your to-dos across them. You can learn how to create a Things Cloud account, reinstall the app, and handle any issues related to calendar integration.
Automation and Shortcuts
The support resources also cover advanced features like using Apple Shortcuts to automate your workflows, natural language input for quick scheduling, and integrating with other apps such as Apple Reminders and Microsoft To-Do. Additionally, you can find information on using Siri to add or show to-do lists.
Troubleshooting
For any issues you encounter, the support section provides troubleshooting guides. This includes help with reinstalling the app, resolving cloud app store issues, and addressing any problems with data import from other apps.
Contact Support
While the primary support is through the detailed articles and guides, if you need direct assistance, you can contact the support team through the Cultured Code website. However, the exact contact method (e.g., email, contact form) is not explicitly mentioned in the provided resources.
Additional Features and Tips
The support pages are rich with tips on how to use various features effectively, such as using headings in projects, creating widgets for your home and lock screens, and styling notes with Markdown. These resources are aimed at helping you maximize your productivity with the app.
Overall, the support for Things is well-documented and user-friendly, providing a wide range of resources to help you use the app efficiently.
Things - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Things in the Self Improvement Tools Category
Organizational Structure
Things offers a well-structured approach to task management, aligning with the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. It allows users to categorize tasks into sections such as Inbox, Projects, Areas, Today, Upcoming, Anytime, and Someday, making it easier to manage and prioritize tasks.
Integration and Syncing
The app integrates seamlessly with various Apple services, including Calendar, Reminders, Siri, and Shortcuts. This integration, combined with Things Cloud, ensures that tasks are synced across all devices, keeping the user’s schedule and tasks up-to-date.
User-Friendly Interface
Things boasts a clean, intuitive design with smooth animations and clear interactions. The app is built to be simple yet powerful, making it easy for users to focus on their tasks without distractions.
Customization and Flexibility
Users can add details such as tags, checklists, start dates, and deadlines to their tasks. Features like Repeating To-Dos, Quick Entry, and Add to Things extensions allow for flexible and efficient task management.
Accessibility and Convenience
The app includes features like Widgets, Control Center & Lock Screen Buttons, and Mail to Things, which enable quick access and management of tasks from various parts of the device. Additionally, Siri and Shortcuts integration allows for voice commands and automated tasks.
Disadvantages of Things in the Self Improvement Tools Category
Lack of AI-Driven Features
Unlike some other task management apps, Things does not incorporate advanced AI features such as predictive analytics, personalized recommendations, or automated task suggestions based on user behavior. This might make it less adaptive to individual user habits compared to AI-driven apps.
No Automated Task Generation
Things relies on manual input for task creation and does not have the capability to generate tasks automatically based on patterns or user data, which could be a drawback for users seeking more automated assistance.
Cost
While the app offers a free trial, it is a paid service, which might be a barrier for some users compared to free or more affordable alternatives.
Limited Cross-Platform Compatibility
Although Things is available on multiple Apple platforms, it is not compatible with non-Apple devices, limiting its use for users who prefer or need to use different operating systems.
In summary, while Things is highly regarded for its organizational structure, user-friendly interface, and integration with Apple services, it lacks the advanced AI features and automated task generation that some users might find beneficial.
Things - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Things and AI Life Coach Apps
When comparing Things, a task management app by Cultured Code, with other self-improvement tools, especially those that incorporate AI, it’s important to highlight the unique features and strengths of each.
Things
- Task Management: Things is primarily a task management app that helps users organize their to-dos into various sections such as Projects, Areas, and the Today list. It integrates well with Apple’s ecosystem, including Calendar and Reminders, and offers features like Quick Entry, Add to Things, and Siri integration.
- Organization: It follows the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, allowing users to collect, organize, and schedule their tasks efficiently.
- Syncing: Things Cloud ensures that all tasks are synced across all Apple devices, providing real-time updates and push sync technology.
- User Interface: The app is known for its clean design, smooth interactions, and structured content, making it user-friendly and distraction-free.
AI Life Coach Apps
Rocky.AI
- Personal Development: Rocky.AI focuses on personal growth through daily prompts, goal setting, and mindfulness training. It uses neuroscience-based techniques and offers voice input for real-time feedback.
- Unique Feature: It stands out for its structured yet highly personalized experience, helping users improve clarity and decision-making.
- Comparison: Unlike Things, Rocky.AI is more focused on emotional and mental well-being rather than task management.
TextMei
- Emotional Support: TextMei provides emotionally intelligent conversations, habit tracking, and AI journaling. It is designed to offer emotional support alongside practical coaching.
- Unique Feature: Its ability to respond to the user’s mood with tailored guidance makes it a strong option for those seeking emotional support.
- Comparison: TextMei does not offer the same level of task management as Things but excels in emotional intelligence and support.
Replika
- Companionship: Replika is an AI app that acts as a companion, offering conversational coaching, mental wellness tools, and personality customization.
- Unique Feature: It creates meaningful emotional connections with users, making it ideal for those seeking a blend of coaching and companionship.
- Comparison: Replika’s focus is broader than task management, emphasizing emotional connection and mental wellness.
Key Differences
- Task Management vs. Life Coaching: Things is specialized in task management and organization, while AI life coach apps like Rocky.AI, TextMei, and Replika focus more on personal development, emotional support, and mental well-being.
- Integration: Things integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, which is a significant advantage for users within this ecosystem. AI life coach apps, however, are generally more platform-agnostic.
- User Interface: While Things is known for its clean and structured design, AI life coach apps often have a more conversational interface, which can be more engaging for users seeking emotional support.
Potential Alternatives
If you are looking for a more holistic approach to self-improvement that includes both task management and emotional support, you might consider using a combination of tools:
- Use Things for your task management needs due to its robust features and integration with Apple devices.
- Supplement this with an AI life coach app like Rocky.AI or TextMei for emotional support and personal development.
Each of these tools has unique strengths, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences. If task management is your primary focus, Things is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for AI-driven personal development and emotional support, the AI life coach apps might be more suitable.
Things - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Things
What are the core features of Things 3?
Things 3 offers several key features to enhance task management and planning. It includes dynamic calendars to manage daily activities, integrating events from various calendars such as personal, family, and work. You can create task lists, add reminders, and use tools like Magic Plus for drag-and-drop task management. The app also features checklists, in-app notes, customizable tags, and headings to keep tasks organized.How does the scheduling feature work in Things 3?
The scheduling feature in Things 3 allows you to manage your daily activities by integrating events from different calendars. You can view upcoming priorities and reevaluate them as needed. The app also includes a “This Evening” list to separate tasks that you can only do later in the day. Additionally, you can use natural language processing with the Jump Start tool to quickly schedule dates, reminders, or put tasks on hold.Can I use Things 3 across multiple devices?
Yes, Things 3 is available on both Mac and iOS devices. The app uses Things Cloud for syncing, which is included with the one-time purchase and does not require a subscription. This ensures that your tasks and projects are synchronized across all your devices.How does the task management system work in Things 3?
Things 3 allows you to add tasks and organize them into various sections such as “Today,” “This Evening,” “Someday,” and “Anytime.” You can assign tasks to specific dates or add deadlines. Tasks can be labeled and filtered, and you can create projects with focused goals and deadlines. The app also includes an “Upcoming” area for planning future tasks and a “Logbook” to review completed tasks.Can I share tasks with others using Things 3?
No, Things 3 is designed as a personal task management tool and does not support task sharing with others. It is ideal for individual use rather than collaborative projects.What are some of the additional features and integrations in Things 3?
Things 3 includes several additional features such as Dark Mode, Widgets, Control Center & Lock Screen Buttons, Mail to Things integration, Siri & Shortcuts integration, and support for Markdown notes. The app also supports keyboard and trackpad on iPad, dynamic type, and a URL scheme. It integrates well with other Apple features like Handoff, Split View, and Home Screen Quick Actions.How does the search function work in Things 3?
The search function in Things 3 is facilitated by the Quick Find tool. This tool allows you to type in any term and applies a filter throughout the app to find relevant tasks, projects, or notes. This is particularly useful for finding specific tasks or copying similar tasks.Can I customize the appearance and interactions of Things 3?
Yes, Things 3 has been redesigned with a new, timeless design and delightful interactions. The app features smooth animations, structured content, and clear concepts. You can also customize your view by swiping away the sidebar on iPad to focus on the current list, and the app supports multiple displays and desktop spaces for flexible work environments.How does the reminder system work in Things 3?
The reminder system in Things 3 allows you to set reminders for specific times. You can add reminders via Siri voice commands or by using shorthand notes like “Thursday 2 pm.” These reminders are synchronized across all your devices to ensure you don’t miss any tasks.Is Things 3 user-friendly and easy to use?
Yes, Things 3 is designed to be simple to use while still offering powerful features. The app has a clean and crisp interface, similar to a piece of paper, which helps minimize distractions. It includes features like fast search tools and convenient access to most-used commands, making it easy to manage your tasks without feeling overwhelmed. Things - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Things in the Self Improvement Tools Category
Things, developed by Cultured Code, stands out as a highly effective and user-friendly task management app that can significantly aid in self-improvement and productivity. Here’s a comprehensive look at its features and who would benefit most from using it.Key Features
- To-Dos and Projects: Things allows you to create and manage to-dos, break them down into smaller steps, and organize them into projects with clear headings and deadlines.
- Areas and Organization: You can categorize tasks into different areas of your life, such as Work, Family, and Finance, keeping everything neatly organized.
- Reminders and Repeaters: Set time-based reminders and automate repetitive tasks with the repeaters feature, ensuring you never miss a deadline.
- Integration and Accessibility: The app integrates seamlessly with your calendar, supports Markdown notes, and includes features like Quick Find, Magic Plus, and widgets for easy access.
- Siri and Shortcuts Integration: Things supports Siri and Apple Shortcuts, making it easy to create and manage tasks using voice commands or automated workflows.
User Experience
The app is praised for its elegant design, smooth animations, and intuitive interface. It feels like using a clean, crisp piece of paper, ready whenever you need it. The search tool is super-fast, and the app never feels messy or overbearing, regardless of the length of your task list.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Busy Professionals: Those with multiple tasks and projects to manage will appreciate the app’s ability to organize and prioritize tasks efficiently.
- Students: Students can use Things to manage assignments, study schedules, and personal tasks, helping them stay on top of their academic and personal life.
- Individuals with Multiple Responsibilities: People managing work, family, and other responsibilities can benefit from the app’s ability to categorize tasks into different areas of life.
- Anyone Looking for a Simple yet Powerful Task Manager: Anyone seeking a user-friendly yet feature-rich task management app will find Things highly beneficial.
Overall Recommendation
Things is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their productivity and task management skills. Its combination of elegant design, ease of use, and powerful features makes it a standout in the self-improvement tools category. Whether you’re a professional, student, or simply someone looking to get more organized, Things can help you plan your day, manage your projects, and make real progress toward your goals. With its seamless integration with other Apple services and its user-friendly interface, it is highly recommended for those seeking a reliable and efficient task management solution.