Logging tasks and obligations is a very personal process. Some users like apps with complex features so that they can better manage their tasks, but another set of users are just annoyed by the overload of features. That’s why software developer Adam Whitcroft created a dead simple app called Twodos this does not remind you of your pending tasks.
Whitcroft, who has worked on Rewind and Shopify with a16z support, wanted a noise-free app for his tasks.
“I tend to default to the native Apple apps most of the time (Notes, Mail, Calendar, etc.) – but I’ve never really fallen in love with Reminders. I can add items to a flat list or get into this almost overwhelming workflow of adding dates, times, tags, locations, sub-tasks… it’s too much. The other offerings in the App Store are also geared toward accumulating features over opinion,” Whitcroft told TechCrunch.
Twodos doesn’t have much in terms of features, and that’s probably an attractive factor for some users. There is only one screen with two parts for tasks: Late or Later. You can add tasks, mark them as complete using a swipe gesture, and check the file to delete all tasks. There is an arrow button next to each task to move it to the other folder.
Although there are no reminders, you can see the time between when the task was added and when it was marked complete in the filing section. You can also sync those tasks with iCloud, but Whitcroft said he’s not thinking about a Mac client anytime soon.
Twodos also integrates well with iOS with support for home screen and lock screen widgets, light and dark themes, and customizable accent colors.
Whitcroft built the app for himself, and his thinking was that this method is ideal for any task that isn’t bound by time. The developer doesn’t want to add a long list of features other than small improvements to the app.
Application developers approach task management in different ways. Earlier this month, Christian Reber, who sold his Wunderlist app to Microsoft in 2015, launched a new app called Superlist. The new app focuses on separating personal and work tasks and having a shared space with their family or colleagues. In an interview with TechCrunch, Reber said he thinks Superlist could be a decacorn.
Last decade’s hit single Clear, released a new version called Clear 2 last month. Clear developer Phill Ryu said the app still follows simple gestures for navigation and task management without overloading the app with features.