TaskFocus 2.0 is a massive update, that brings support for the new operating systems plus all of the remaining features I had planned for this year. And while I still have a couple of minor improvements planned, I can finally say it’s a complete and powerful task manager now.
It now has all features and options that I personally need, and while I’m absolutely open to supporting more possible workflows in it, going forward new features and customisation is going to based more on feedback from other users than me, so please do give it a shot and let me know if there’s something specific you’d like to see.
Kanban Views
The first new feature is a Kanban View Mode for any list, tag or area in the app. The app already supports Later, Next and Planned states, so this is just a natural next step.
(I’ve never actually been using Kanban Boards much before, but I have to say those Kanban people really were on to something. It does give a good overview like this.)
Inspector on macOS
The task edit view is completely redesigned, with expandable sections to make everything fit onto a single screen, which also works well in a right sidebar view on macOS, as pictured above.
Additionally I’ve reworked the multi selection logic in lists. It’s now possible to select multiple tasks across different columns (and, in calendar view, across different days) and quickly edit them in the new inspector. Or the bottom bar. Or context menus. Or drag and drop.
Locations Support
You can create custom locations, and assign a locations to tasks. This allows two features:
- Notifications when arriving or departing from the selected location – both can be turned on or off for each task individually.
- You can hide tasks in the Today lists, for locations you’re not currently at. For example a “Mow the lawn” task, that has “Home” assigned, will not be shown in your Today lists, while you’re at the office – since you can’t do it there anyway.
Reminders Import
It’s now easier to get tasks into the app, even from apps that don’t directly support the share sheet. After allowing access to Apple Reminders your Reminders will appear in TaskFocus’ Inbox where you can import or delete them with a single click.
You can even set up automatic import from specific reminders lists into specific projects in TaskFocus.
Calendar Events
Similar to Reminders Import, you can give access to your Calendars. Today’s events will be displayed at the top of the Today view, and the calendar view will display your events on the corresponding days. Of course you can pick and choose which calendars will be used.
A deeper integration, like editing, moving and creating events is planned for next year. For now the app only displays your events – which is really helpful to me already.
Timed Notifications
TaskFocus had a fairly simple approach to notifications in version 1.0: One toggle to show notifications for all due tasks for the day, which made sense when it was a simple calendar with a limited number of tasks per day.
In 2.0 this has been replaced with configurable notifications for each task, including a configurable time of day.
Apple Watch App
Add finally, there is now a companion Apple Watch app, that gives you access to your different lists and tasks. You can quickly jot down new tasks, edit existing tasks, or view what’s planned for today.
It’s not yet an app that should be used standalone on your watch, but it does cover the basics and the supported features feel like the right size for a Watch app.
You can download TaskFocus 2 for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Vision Pro here.