Google Tasks: Get Things Done 4+

I was very excited to learn that Google Tasks was finally available as an app yesterday, so I downloaded it right away and was pleased by the simplicity and functionality. I wonder what took so long.

It is super satisfying to watch the to-do list item "pop" away when you check off the bubble. I can switch between my personal and work accounts. It remembers the specific list I selected to view last and loads that one vs. requiring me to change it each time.

Previously, I had been using a mix of my Google calendar, another calendar app only for its tasks feature, the iPhone reminders app, and an old-school index card to combine all the specific features I like from each. I am glad this app helps sync some of that up in one central place now ☺️

When wunderlist disappeared, I moved to Microsoft To Do. After a year or so, I moved to Google Tasks a couple months ago. From the desktop, it’s great! Everything we do is through Gmail and the google calendar, so the desktop interface is very accessible. However, it’s really lacking a daily view.

I have multiple lists or “projects” with numerous item within each list. I use this for home, personal use and multiple small businesses. I’ve overlooked several things because I didn’t open that particular list that day. I really need a daily and/or weekly snapshot of everything that is due regardless of what list it is on.

Also, there’s no assignment.... meaning it’s not great for collaboration. If you want to assign something as simple as “take out the recycling” or something more complex like working on a project with multiple tasks that need to be completed by different people, forget it.

Also if you don’t set a due date and you don’t take the time to read through every list every day, those items that are just free floating will probably never get done. Reading through all the lists takes too much time and leads to human error which seems counterproductive to the app. Please update the app interface with a daily view and assignment/collaborator capability. Until then... on to another to do app.

Edit: they’ve added a widget thankfully :) Original review: Used the website for a while, just downloaded the app and so far okay but a few features are left to be desired. 1) on the app it would be nice to be able to collapse the sub tasks. They (sub tasks) take up a lot more space and it’s overwhelming to see every single thing. 1-b) it would be helpful to be able to manually change the order of Lists. 2) please work on adding a widget for the iPhone Home Screen. 3) please add the ability to add layering subtasks. I mean in a way where let’s say your task is - “Write a paper” > complete 1st draft [sub task] > create outline [2nd sub task] >> find sources [sub task for create outline]. Also slightly annoying that on the website most of the actually useful ways to organize lists (tags, colors, etc) are pay-walled. Especially the ability to have more than one board. At least give us one of those things please.