We are happy to announce that Things for iPhone and iPod touch is available now! If you own one of those devices you may want to watch for this icon in the iTunes App Store:
Developing Things touch has been an incredible experience. The capabilities of the device and the software development kit are amazing. With just over one month development time, meeting the deadline for the App Store’s launch seemed difficult, if not impossible. But we did it and we couldn’t be happier.
The code for Things touch comes in at a quarter of the size of the desktop version. And we couldn’t reuse a single line from the desktop version. Everything is new and shiny, almost as polished as the box depicted in the app icon :) By now we are so exhausted, it is doubtful we will be even able to finish this post… :).
There were a few trade-offs involved: for one, we have at least two completely different approaches to the tags interface, and there wasn’t enough time for real world testing to rule out either of them, or to find the perfect synthesis. So rather than delivering the next best approach, we decided to disable tags in 1.0.
Second, syncing with the desktop version of Things is not yet possible in 1.0. Based on your feedback we decided that seamless over the air sync with the desktop version is a must. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time to ready this feature in time for the App Store launch. Releasing a critical feature like this under time pressure without extensive testing is a big no no. Plus, iTunes automatically backups your to-dos every time you connect your iPhone, so data loss is not an issue. Of course, we could have delayed Things touch in order to implement full syncing. But considering the more than 100 amazing responses to our previous iPhone article, it was completely obvious that releasing Things touch even a single day later than absolutely necessary was not an option.
By now you can probably tell that version 1.0 of Things touch will not be around for very long. We will quickly add substantial features in a whole series of free updates. There are already two improvements that are not present in the desktop version. An extensive description of Things for the iPhone complete with screenshots will be available soon. We would be happy if you give us your support for our continued work and buy Things for the iPhone and iPod touch. As a courtesy to our avid Things users we decided to start at an introductory price of $9.99. Take advantage of it now, it won’t last for long. And don’t forget to rate and comment on our App Store page if you like to.
On the weekend we will be partying and relaxing, sharing some time with our families. But first thing Monday morning, work on the first update will begin. And then in a few days a badge on the App Store icon may tell you that a free Things update has arrived, one from many, that will make your task management even more enjoyable and effective.
Pinging is currently not allowed.
At the moment, the introductory price is not yet reflected in the AppStore. It should be updated shortly.
Congratulations of getting it rolled out!
I am now waiting for iPhone OS 2.0 to be up..
Definitely gonna download Things touch!
Cheers from Bonn, Oliver
Great news, already found it on the App Store and with introductory price i will be the first in line buying it.
I found Things Touch before reading this article but for sure I’ll buy it as soon the 2.0 will be released. Great work guys !!
More of an App Store question than a Things question, but what will be the policy on moving purchased apps if I continue using my iPhone 1.0 and, some time later, decide to upgrade to iPhone 2.0? Will I be able to transfer my purchased apps?
Thanks for all your hard work. Excellent to see the app as on of the 1st on the app store. My phone should be delivered tomorrow and I look forward installing Things on it.
Can I confirm that ‘Areas’ is implemented in this version?
Thanks for the hard work, looking forward to it already. To dos on the iPhone will be so much more useful than just the desktop.
Personally I don’t use the tags at all, just as a simple to do list.
How can we purchase a the introductory price? It says £11.99 on my iTunes Store.
Also are we able to buy this product before we buy the actual iPhone?
The icon looks pretty nice.
@Nick Toye
Yes you can. It will be uploaded when you sync your iPhone… ;)
Ok, so how do I get it for $9.99?
You guys are awesome! Thanks so much for all your work to pound this out. Things is the number one application I want to have on my (new) iPhone.
Tremendous work guys. I was totally shocked when I saw the Things icon on the AppStore as I didn’t expect to see it for a while.
PS - the icon is very nice. Way better than the desktop version!
CONGRATULATIONS !! WILL BUY IT ASAP !!
Can you make “Things” Sync with iCal to do lists? This is something I require to switch to iPhone. I use to dos on Treo 650 and they sync with iCal.
Wirklich gute Arbeit, ich denke das Verschieben von Features war hier die richtige Entscheidung. 9,99€ Finde ich gut :D
Really good work, I think that postponing features was the right decision in this case. I like the 9,99€ :D
@Jamie: Why do you like it better? The Things icon is really recognizable while the Things Touch icon looks too generic to me.
Things seems to be listed at £5.99 in the UK now. Just bought it. Strangely, inside the link on the things about page it is still at £11.99.
I have bought it anyway and just hope it didnt charge me more.
@ Jim Laurent:
Once Things Touch syncs back to Things, your ToDos will to iCal.
If you don’t use Things, I don’t know whether it will be possible.
@Tom, it says £11.99 to me?
If you go to productivity, then page 2, it is listeed at £5.99
By the way, if it charged me £11.99, I’m writing straight to cultured code for a partial refund!
Written a review for it as well.
Hi, Things is great, but the German Appstore says 15,99€? Wrong Price?
£11.99 on the UK store — is that right?
justin_stevens @culturedcode ‘Things’ is $9.99 in the US, based on today’s exch it is $23.70 in the UK. Well done though guys, look forward to using it. 3 minutes ago from web in reply to culturedcode
It’s still showing as $23.99 in the Australian App Store. Perhaps it takes a while to update other countries stores? Will check back in the morning.
I needed to restart iTunes.
Read the last comments - it is supposed to be £5.99 in the UK - still a little more than $9.99 in the US but a reasonable price.
@ Ludwig. I have never liked the perspective of the desktop icon. It is distinctive, but its not pretty (a lame reason I know)
Is it definitely £11.99 for the app on the UK store? Seems a bit expensive given that its $9.99 in the States. Thats basically a 100% premium.
Great job! It’s a shame that I have to wait until the end of August to get off my current cell phone contract. I hope that introductory price is still available. I had fun following the development of this project for awhile. Can’t wait to get it!
Thanks for all your hard work.
Great news!! I intend to buy it as soon as it’s available!
However, it’s showing as $19.99 in the US.
@Besnan you can still buy Things before you get your iPhone to take advantage of the introductory price
What’s the timeframe on desktop Things sync? I need the sync most of all but dislike paying for the iPhone version that I won’t be using for some time.
@Bensan, you can buy it now and it will synch when you get your new iPhone, that’s what I have done.
“Purchase of this item is not currently available.
This item is being modified. Please try again later.”
I guess it takes the iTunes store a little while to update the price properly.
Oh right? I have mine already purchased, downloaded and waiting for me to buy the iPhone.
The introductory prices are as follows:
US $9.99
GB £5.99
AU $12.99
EU €7.99
Unfortunately the App Stores are quite slow to update. For example in Europe the price is still listed at €15.99 when you browse for Things. But when you go to the app’s page it correctly says €7.99. I am sure introductory prices will trickle trough soon.
We are constantly updating our Things for iPhone product page with new screenshots. Be sure to check it out.
it’s showing as 7,99€ on the category-list in the german store and ridiculous 15,99€ on the product page.
wtf?
What exciting news! This is one of the few products that I am looking forward to paying for! Can’t wait for the sync feature to be enabled.
Just to be certain — paying for the desktop version will not include iPhone version, correct? Any timeframe on when we will all have to pony up for Desktop Things?
Don
Just purchased, listed at £5.99
O2 had better have a phone for me tomorrow :)
Great news.!
Purchased it the second I read it,
as encouragement and thanks for the developers.
Indeed *very* much looking forward to the inclusion of tags and sync.
Good job, relax a bit and… hope to see the new features really soon.
Great work, guys!
And the best thing about Things: it’s from Germany. ;-)
I am really looking forward to upgrade my 1st Gen iPhone to Software 2.0 and liberate it from its Simlock again. As soon as this is done, Things Touch will be the very first app to be installed from the app store. Things Touch is going to be THE major app for my iPhone (and much more important for me than Things Desktop, as the iPhone is my major calendar & to-do device).
To me it’s a miracle that Apple sold 6 million iPhones with no proper to-do app installed …
Delighted to see Things touch come to the app store. You’ve done a great job so far.
Over the air sync is a must. I will not maintain 2 separate to-do lists.. As you said in your article, this feature is on it’s way.. I will buy Things touch then.
Thanks guys! Great work.
Fantastic! I can’t wait to start using it (once I get my iPhone tomorrow). It’ll definitely be a top app for me.
You can have a look at our product page here, just in case you haven’t done so already:
http://culturedcode.com/things/iphone/
We will be adding more screenshots soon.
Congratulations and thanks for all the hard work. I am looking forward to having Things with me on the go.
Great work, folks.
So, a quick question: While Things Desktop syncing is not available, are you saying that with the 2.0 firmware, I’ll at least be able to sync iCal to-do items with the iPhone version of Things? Or is there absolutely no syncing at all right now?
Just to be clear, even without over the air sync, the iPhone app will still be sync’d with my computer when I sync via iTunes, correct?
Wow! Thanks so much!
Does the Touch version support repeating tasks?
As much as I love seeing the app in the store on the first day, I think syncing with the desktop version was more important than getting it launched on day 1. I’ll hold off until that is added in. That’s the most appealing feature to me.
Nice work on the app though, it looks great!
Upon re-reading the OP, it is clear that there is no syncing at all with the desktop version.
While I understand your decision and I am still thoroughly impressed with and excited about the early availability of Things for the iPhone, unfortunately I won’t be able to use it. That’s because using it would imply having to re-enter all my To Do’s on the iPhone. It will be more useful for a new user of Things than for established ones with MANY To Do’s already entered.
I have my entire personal and working life in Things right now and synching with the desktop version is absolutely essential for me.
I wonder if, once synching is done, there will be two prices for the desktop application? I am thinking there would be a price for just the desktop version and another (higher) price for both the desktop and touch applications.
There is certainly value in the desktop application right now but I can’t imagine typing everything in again for the touch application. I would love to send you money now for the desktop application though!
Things works great on the iPhone! Although it’s fairly useless if I can’t sync. Kind of upset i purchased it knowing the limitations, but i had to support my friends at Cultured Code.
Great work. Can’t wait for syncing.
Am I right in thinking that I can’t sync anything from my Desktop with Things for iPhone? To me that’s 110% useless.
I found a little visual “bug” on your Things product page! :-p
Under the section title “Out of Your Head - Into Things” it says, “An add button is always available in the lower left of every screen in Things.”
That’s awesome but the screenshot to the left is missing the “add button”! OOPS! ;-)
Did I win something?
Me. My wife. My mother-in-law. We’re all getting Things.app today. :o) As David Allen said,
Having Things available in my hand is far more useful right now than having it on my desktop (as useful as that is!). You guys have done a bang-up job and deserve a rest. I look forward to the promised features, but for now, Things Touch is going to help immensely for a meeting I have planned for Sunday. Thanks, you guys, and I’ll be thanking you with my hard-earned dollar bills.
Am I correct in assuming that syncing with iCal todos over USB requires Leopard (Tiger won’t work)?
I sure hope not.
But even if so, I must say I am pleased as punch to see this available, and I intend to purchase it straightaway.
PLEASE add areas support soon, not having this hurts badly
im actually upset that syncing was not the priority than getting out day 1, i know that you probably lose some business due to omni focus having theres out. but if you look at the 2. 1 has syncing the other doesn’t. it makes your product look inferior (which we all disagree). i hope you add syncing and areas soon. i bought it today but there is no use for it until those are added
Really excited to see Things on the App Store. Congratulations on getting in there at launch!
However, as other posters have already said, I’m not interested in installing it until I can actually use it. You definitely have my £5.99 (+$39 for the Desktop version) …just as soon as some sort of sync is working.
I don’t mind waiting longer for over-the-air (I don’t think Apple is allowing this through their Push servers until September time), but syncing with the local machine via USB is a must for me.
Anyway, thanks for creating such an amazing application, and I can’t wait to use it to its full potential!
so excited about this! Things has changed my life!
i just went to purchase on itunes but it would not let me said to try later.
i don’t really need it if it doesn’t sync but i am going to purchase just to support all your hard work on such a great application.
HURRY UP AND SYNC!!!
Great!
But in future versions of both the desktop, please implement subproject possibility. Several levels. That is a must for me.
I would like to sponsor you by buying the app, but first I need to know that this will be implemented soon, otherwise it is of no use for me.
Things is the *only* app that I have been anxiously awaiting. Although I’m thoroughly disappointed that sync is not immediately available, I’ll put my trust in you guys that it will arrive shortly…and try to exercise some patience. :)
Very happy to pay…thanks for all the fast work guys!
Congratulations!
Although I’m bummed that over-the-air sync with desktop isn’t implemented yet, I will be one of the first to buy this over the weekend. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons why I’m buying a 3G iPhone tomorrow - primarily for this app integration!
Congrats again and much success in the future.
[…] went back to the CulturedCode.com site and linked over to the iPhone App Store, bought Things, installed, and now–after a full year […]
Thanks guys for your support and amazing comments! Yes, we are sorry that despite our hard work, sync didn’t make it into Things touch yet. But we will have some remedy in place soon…
I do believe though that we have a great win-win situation here. Not only can you get an incredible discount, but you can also express your support by taking advantage of the early adopter pricing. $9.99 for eventually getting the whole goodness of the desktop version into your pocket (updates are free!) still seems like a hell of a deal to me. Don’t forget that this is meant as a deliberate gift to all you brave early adopters :) !
While the interface is much cleaner than OF, you can’t help but appreciate OF using Location services and being able to enter text, take a picture or make a voice recording. Are there any plans for this? OF is making it compelling to switch despite their atrocious desktop interface.
Tremendous accomplishment is such a short period of time!
Happy to hear you’ll be celebrating this weekend. I told Oliver in a thread that Things is as addictive as a good game but more fun and certainly more useful. What a difference Things has already made for me and it’s great fun dealing with you guys.
I stayed up late to buy this but I was charged $19.99. In addition to not having sync yet I feel like I wasted my money. The app looks great but like many people I have been using the desktop app heavily so no sync kills any chance of me using it. Who do I about getting a partial refund from?
No Sync?? I wouldn’t think an application like this would be released without this fundamental requirement.. whats the point?
I am guessing its not possible, but I am contacting Apple for a full refund.. and I loved Things on the desktop.. this just ruins it.
I’ve been using Things for a while now and it has greatly improved my productivity and helped me organize many of my life’s projects.
It’s great to now have that same set of features when I’m on the go. Thanks!
I just bought Things touch to express my support although I have to wait for my iPhone till october – I need to port my current mobile number from Vodafone!
I really need sync to mobileme for my two Macs and my future iPhone. I want to be synced on all of my machines.
Thanks for your hard work!
I was so excited when this came out, but I have to admit, I was disappointed for the lack of syncing as well… to me, this is worthless until that happens:(. Good luck, and thanks for the great app - I’ll keep with the desktop version for now atleast and hope the change comes fast!
Just tossing this out again.
Does this sync with iCal todos?
And if so, must it be on a Leopard system, or will iCal on Tiger work?
Matt, I’m not sure if you read the post or not before you bought it (I would have been disappointed if I bought it thinking I was getting sync) but I think the point is that we are getting a sweet program for $10 instead of $20 and syncing is coming soon. There’s no question that syncing is hugely important and Things won’t be nearly as useful until that’s working, but they are giving us a great discount and working their tails off I’m sure.
Could you talk about bundle pricing, or pricing in general?
Specifically, will there ever be a bundle of Things Desktop and Things Touch, with a lower price? Will that be cheaper / similar to buying each today at the introductory prices?
I’m not asking for specifics, but it would be useful for you to write “Buying the separate apps today, at the introductory prices, will be your best deal. ;-)” if that is indeed true.
woohoo!!! iPhone app! love it love it love it! buttt…. no syncing?!?! whats the point? I was really bummed to pay $10 and that wasn’t already built in. At least a direct connect sync option! :( well I hope this changes fast and i don’t have to pay more!
Despite the lack of syncing (even with a cable - I don’t care much about wireless syncing), I will buy this application tonight to show my support and thanks. Please follow up with wired syncing as soon as possible.
Keep up the good work!
I’m with you Silverado - I work from a MacBookPro and carry an iphone, thus I have physical access to both almost all the time. Wireless syncing would do nothing to aid that workflow if it will resemble OmniFocus’ crazy WebDAV dependency.
Thanks so much guys or what you are doing for the mac community. Your app is truly top notch. It is BY far the best GTD application and remains one of the best applications for MAC OSX period.
Good luck on further development of THings and Things touch.
Thanks,
Marco
Now I just need an iPhone to run it on.. :) Good work guys!
I’ve seen this question asked but I don’t see an answer. Will there be syncing in this version eventually? I’ll gladly pay $9 now if I get syncing with this paypoint. If syncing isn’t coming until the next major upgrade and I need to pay for that upgrade then that’s $9 I wasn’t using.
Just like its desktop counterpart, this is a great app…and just like its desktop counterpart it’s only available in English…!?! WTF!?! You guys are a German group of developers and even you don’t bother including a few localizations…?!? That’s really disappointing…!!! :(((
I updated to OS 2.0 earlier today, and what a pleasant surprise to see Things in the iTunes store! I’ve been using Things.app on the desktop, but I haven’t been following the blog so I wasn’t aware it was coming out.
I was a beta tester and purchased a copy of OF right when it came out, but I switched to Things desktop after giving it a short try. Before throwing away any more money, I carefully looked at the iPhone version before deciding. Even without desktop sync, I believe Things is the better application.
You should be receiving my $6.993 whenever Apple gets around to paying.
@Jody:
Syncing will be provided in a *free* update.
Great news and probably one of my main reason for wanting an iPhone today. But like many other no sync means its useless for now, will buy ready for the update but will have to hide it away so I don’t see it everytime I look at my iPhone home screen!
Horrible I know, but I can’t wait for the next update with any kind of syncing :-) Sorry!
Congrats on shipping guys. I just bought it and it looks great. Keep up the incredible work, and have a hell of a weekend. You’ve earned it.
I’m going to have to join the chorus saying “it’s useless without sync.” I want to implement your system but come on guys. We need sync! I’ve bought the app on faith that it won’t be long until you start bootstrapping in sync and other functions. Please make sync your number one priority.
-Joe Kavanagh
Thanks for the good work. Just bought it this morning, happy to see Things on my iPod touch (as soon as 2.0 firmware is available)…
How exactly will syncing be implemented later? Can we have it sync to our own servers (via webdav, ftp, sftp, etc) or does it have to be MobileMe?
[…] auch so geht, würden jetzt also erst mal viele auf Things verzichten, wäre da nicht das nette Angebot das uns CuturedCode macht. Erst mal Things für 9,99$ kaufen die updates der genannten Features […]
3rd times the charm:
Does Things touch actually sync via USB to iCal todos (as I’ve heard mentioned), and if so, does on need to be running Leopard?
I’m a fairly new user to Things and have been anxiously awaiting the iPhone app. I bought it last night, not realizing that sync would not be available. I’m pretty bummed. I love Things and have been using it daily for a few months. And I can’t wait for sync. But in the meantime, the first thing I’m going to do is look for another app at the iTunes app store that DOES sync. I need a to-do list that works. I kind of hope I don’t find a better app than Things b/c it’s so great, but until there is syncing, I’m going to be looking for something else. Anyone have a suggestion for a stop-gap program that is similar? Sorry guys, but unless syncing comes out in a week or so, this is kind of a big deal…
@Ben: Whenever you connect your iPhone/iPod touch to your computer via an USB cable, iTunes automatically syncs all your applications and their content from the iPhone.
What this means is that, should you loose or damage your iPhone, you can plug a new one into iTunes, sync all your applications back, and everything is back to normal. This includes all the to-dos that you entered into Things.
This does not mean, however, that the to-dos sync up in iCal. In fact, a direct synchronization between any iPhone app and iCal is technically not possible. You would always need a helper program on the desktop that mediates between the two. And in our case, once it’s implemented, Things for the desktop will be the link.
@Werner
Thank you for the response. That clears things up for me!
I just bought Things for IPhone and love it. I have a PC so syncing isn’t necessary though I wish Things worked for PC. I also wish for:
Integration with iCal on the iPhone, a way of repeating tasks, and moving or deleting multiple to dos at once. This works beautifully with Do It Tomorrow so thanks!
I am now happy that I have Things in my iPhone! 80% of the time, I use my iPhone for my ToDo list since I am out and about most of the time. I can live, for now, without the sync option. To compliment Things, I also bought SplashShopper for my Grocery, shopping, etc. checklist that re-uses the items (items you buy regularly, etc).
Cheers!
andyv
Hi there. I was the guy who wrote the first note under your iTunes Store, and I’M proud of that!.
Guys is there any way that I can help with the Spanish translation of Things and Things Touch?
If so. Please let me know.
Greetings from Argentina.
The iPhone app - a huge disappointment that there is no sync with my desktop. What do I do? Manually transfer my entire to do list over? I paid £5.99 for what? This is useless without any syncing. Over the air is not a priority - some kind of sync is!
Have a rest guys but get this feature in early next week or give me my money back so I can buy a product that syncs.
Not your best hour.
I’d be glad to buy and use Things for the iPhone but I won’t because the iPhone isn’t sold in Vermont. And the 8Gb iPod touch I could buy here costs $100 more than an 8Gb iPhone costs everywhere else!
Replacing my iPod with an iPod touch just to use Things would cost $300! In my opinion, a bit too expensive no matter how great Things becomes.
Rick
Awesome job guys–rest up this weekend. And then, can you get back to finishing the original Things! You know, the desktop version, the one that most of us have been waiting since December to reach version 1.0.
I hope you guys will keep the special price around for a while.. The iphone isnt even launched in India yet :(
Sorry Van Ness, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. We’ve got to get going on a version of Things for the ShoePhone 3G–Things Step!
Just bought Things touch — my first app ever on the App Store. Won’t use it, though, as there is no point in working with it unless my tasks are synched from desktop Things.
Just roll the desktop thing (pun) out, it’s fine as it is, get some cash, and then focus on synching exclusively.
Cheers,
Klaus
The desktop app isn’t quite fine as-is… it has quite a few UI issues like the fact that you can’t arrange projects in the sidebar… it throws up a dialog ;-)
The natives are getting restless…
I’d say… (in order)
1) Skip the weekend with the family….
2) Hack something that syncs.
3) Spend the rest of your life rich with family.
Remember as made famous by Spock in the Wrath of Khan:
“Were I to invoke logic, however, logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. “
I downloaded this app thinking it would sync with my desktop version of Things. It doesn’t. How do I go about getting a refund? I’ve contacted Apple but I’m yet to hear from them.
As an OmniFocus refugee (I still can’t figure out how to sort my list of folders after seven months), I hope Things Desktop will ship soon. I echo the concern of some that you need both versions to really manage your tasks and they need to talk to each other in some fashion. I could live with cable sync for a little while.
Just purchased the iPhone app. Nice BUT I won’t be using it without sync to desktop.
I’ve just paid 5.99 GBP for what? I’m investing in you guys! Please get a sync’d update out asap.
Hell, you can take my money for v1.0 desktop NOW if it means you can get it out both versions running together.
This is deception.
If you can’t sync back to the computer then it’s not really functional. I hope people take note of this and abstain from purchasing this in the future. Supporting these types of practices encourages more developers to dump crapware on our devices with nothing but promises to update in the future.
I don’t purchase software hoping that the developer might update it one day. I expect it to work on day 1 with a main feature that’s specific to each application. It’s like purchasing an FTP software that only can transfer files on a local network, with developer promising to “update it” in the future where it puts files on remote servers.
I’m disappointed.
I want to give you my money. Please implement sync as soon as possible.
since it’s on the phone, will it someday be possible to add call reminders at certain times of day?
Wow, lots of negativity in these comments for such a wonderful product.
Thank you for creating this iPhone app. I’ve already switched over all of my most urgent items to the iPhone app, and while I do look forward to the syncing, it’s certainly not a deal breaker for me like it seems to be for others.
You’ve got my money for the iPhone app, and I look forward to the 1.0 release of Things for the desktop. You guys are superb.
NO SYNC?! You’re kidding right?
Why would I want to pay $10 for this app if it does not sync. I think this should have been made a little more clear.
I would have paid double the price or more. Get some rest. I look forward to MobileMe Push support.
Thanks
Great job.
Have a great weekend.
Add me to the fan list.
Will buy the desktop app.
Will rec to clients, friends, and family.
@Shawn It says it clearly if you read the whole page. You are also getting it at a discount if you buy now. Wait till sync is implemented and you’ll be paying more. Buy now and you’ll get sync as a free upgrade soon.
the iPhone application is great. I use windows (sorry, but work demands it). Are there plans for a windows version of Things, and would this support sync? I’d be happy if it did no more than the touch version, I just would like a way to type properly, and copy and paste.
This is a great product even without the sync, so well done guys. Rome was not built in a day. And for £5.99 its a steal. Enjoy your weekend! One very happy customer.
Bought this one today, I am really looking forward to the Sync with the Mac Desktop Client.
Good work so far! Enjoy your party this weekend, then back to work first thing Monday!
Geoff
Great work! I just bought it and it looks great!
Of course I miss the Sync too but I can live with it because you offer the preview of Things for free and the iPhone app for just $9.99.
So, guys who are not fully content: Be happy, enjoy Things and your life. :-)
Thanks for the great app!
I understand, but miss the sync. I got so excited when I saw the app for sale at the iTunes store I paid $19.99. Then the sale price was listed after purchase. So I probably should have shown a little restraint, but love your desktop app so much I jumped at the missing link of portablity. Now I’m out the money I could have spent on crash bandicoot kart racing. ;)
One thing I hope get add soon is recuring events. I miss it almost as much as syncing with the desktop app. Cheers and thanks again
Apologies if this has been answered, but is it safe to assume that the over-the-air sync will also sync desktop versions between computers? Things is the best productivity manager I’ve found to date, with the perfect mix of complexity and ease of use, but the lack of a sync option is a HUGE letdown that actually prevents me from using it (my time is split basically equally between a desktop and a laptop).
I bought the iPhone application, even though I don’t think I’ll use it at the moment. I did it mostly out of support for you guys. Please make sync across all versions (desktop AND iPhone) your #1 priority!
I hope that it will be possible to also sync via USB cable, not only via over-the-air thing. The latter might be convenient and useful in a corporate environment, but is a very bad solution for any personal/private todos. After all, I really don’t feel like sharing my private life with the IT stuff maintaining my corporate Exchange server or, God forbid, with the Apple’s MobileMe IT administrators!
I really would like to have an option for *my* todos to stay only on *my* computer’s hard disk and in *my* iPod/iPhone memory.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
I know it has been said a hundred times before, but still: sync! Everybody is complaining about Things for iPhone not syncing, but we should not forget that also the desktop version does not sync well (between Macs). I am using Foldershare as a substitute for true sync between my Macs at home and at the office. It works, but it really should not need these kind of solutions. I like Things; I have tried a couple of other applications, and have always come back to Things because it’s so clean and easy to use. But I am getting worried that you really don’t assign sync the priority it should have.
@Wolfgang
2nd That- Reliable sync, whether via .Mac/MobileMe/etc. is a MUST.
It’s incorrigible for a productivity app to be on “one computer” or device only, and not talk to the same program on another machine or iPhone.
c’mon!
Why is everybody getting so upset over not having sync in 1.0, if they’ve clearly said that the feature will be included in a soon-to-come _free_ update?
On another note, kudos on the excellent interface design. Really feels like a native iPhone app, much nicer than any others I installed. Even without sync, I find it very useful for my on-the-go todos.
Thanks for the good job - and do take the weekend off. Don’t start coding now because of what’s been said here, you’ve done well. I hear the weather is nice in and around Berlin this weekend… if that’s where you’re based.
Okay….
Update via twitter:
culturedcode Just started working on the missing sync for Things touch. (js) about 4 hours ago from twitterrific
I want to throw money at these great guys… Give us a product to buy!
It’s kind of funny that you are giving away a (nearly) perfectly working desktop program and are now selling a (nearly) non-working iPhone program.
Btw, what happened to the App Store comments? Yesterday there were tons of comments for most apps. Today most of them disappeared.
Reasons why I DON’T complain about not having sync in 1.0:
1. They had only 4 months with the iPhone SDK to make sure they met Apple’s deadline for launch.
2. They had to start from scratch. They had to design the interface for a smaller screen, decide on touch interactions, do actual coding and base testing. (this takes a lot of time when you also have something called ‘FAMILY’).
3. They released a working version that does the minimum of at least managing your tasks. Do you think it is better to release nothing than something?
4. They had to concurrently work on their other projects (ex. Things for the Mac).
5. You can pay NOW a discounted price and get sync FOR FREE on a future update, or you can pay the MORE later for the same features.
6. Not even OmniFocus iPhone version has proper sync. (You need their ‘Sneaky Peek’ build but it is not official.)
7. Not even MobileMe (for push sync) is working properly this weekend (it’s intermittent).
I understand how much work it is to develop reliable software with highly important deadlines. I’m sure if they added a early version of sync some of you would be complaining about something else. I’m not even sure how they could have tested OTA sync with MobileMe and push when the service was not even running properly!
Hats off to them for their excellent work and I look forward to both the updated desktop and iPhone version.
@Hendrik
I don’t know what happened to the reviews in the app store, but I noticed that many people “reviewed” apps without buying them, which is really can’t be called a review. I hope they the disappearance has something to do with trying to cleanup that. (It’s unfortunate that you cannot try before you buy, but that’s a different issue.)
And regarding your first point, they probably weren’t allowed to give an expiring free beta on the app store so they had to do it this way. I don’t really blame them, they were in a tough spot. They worked really hard on the desktop app but can’t make money from it yet and having a seat at the table at the launch of the app store is very significant, but they probably couldn’t have released an expiring beta in the app store. Tough position to be in.
Felicitaciones!
Acabo de comprar el mio.
Espero el sync!!!
Awesome product. I’ve already been getting use out of it. I look forward to being able to sync, but in the mean time, I’ll enjoy it as an away from home ToDo list. Much more efficient than throwing together a list in Notes.
Sure, I want sync so bad I can taste it. However, I purchased the app in the store as I wanted to offer my support and encouragement to the cultured code team for all the hard work. I love Things and cringe every time I try to use OF instead. So fingers crossed for sync soon. Sync is sooo much more important to me than tags. Looking forward!
[…] and I have been lusting after iPhones and will be getting 3G iPhones soon, so this week’s announcement of Things for the iPhone was a trigger to take another look […]
I bought also the Things iPhone version directly.
I read here many negativ comments because Things-Sync.
For me it is also important, that the app looks very nice (auf Deutsch “die Augen essen mit”). After examining the Omni-Version, for me no need to change ( I don’t like the Icons etc.). I will wait for the next Things update and it’s ok.
I agree with the Things iPhone website: “Things instead has the right balance between ease of use and powerful features. With Things’ elegance and beautiful design…”
Btw. I am using the iPhone for the tasks, and actually there is no need for me to sync.
I use Things on the desktop now. It is fantastic, much more useable than OF, which is a very good program. While I agree with many others here that syncing is an essential feature, I’m going to buy Things Touch today because you guys should be rewarded for,and encouraged to continue, your great work on Things (and I won’t be getting my iPhone until August). I have no doubt sync will be coming soon.
@Silverado:
Totally agree with you about the useless initial reviews on the App Store. Really bad decision on Apple’s part to allow reviews from people who did not buy an application. It seems that is still how it works though?
There were tons of reviews along the line of “This should be free. I am not paying money for this.” for pretty much every program that wasn’t free.
And your reasons for releasing the incomplete iPhone version on App Store launch date certainly make a lot of sense. If I had an iPhone or iPod touch I would likely buy it. But I am in Canada, so the iPhone is sadly not an option for me (ridiculous rates).
i really love the desktop version of things
and yesterday i bought the iphone version :)
and i love it too :) great app…
can’t wait the over the air sync :)
keep making this fantastic job guys…
and sorry for my bad english :D
greets from switzerland
I find it ironic that people complain about Sync not quite being there yet for the iPhone version of Things and are going to “Ask Apple for a refund”. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but the desktop version of Things that you want to sync with is (and has been for a long time) free. Sure one day it will be $40, but then in time you’ll look on $40+$10 for desktop+phone as a real bargain.
@ complainers
a. Do you think that sync won’t be out in the next few weeks?
b. Cut the guys some slack - they’ve made some awesome code, and at worst by buying early you’ve saved yourself $10 on the full price and they’ve made 0.05c in early adopter interest
c. Relax more
Great product. Bought it yesterday from the AppStore and already have plenty of business and private tasks organized with it. You have managed to provide a great balance between ease of use and a good feature set. One can right a away get started w/o a manual and “it just works”.
Top on my wish list are sync capabilities with the desktop version and the new MobileMe service. And tagging would be great to have as well. … and BTW I would really like to rename projects and email all the information associated with a project
BTW, I think you hit the sweet spot on the price. A price tag of €7.99 is just low enough to give it a try w/o worrying about the money. In comparison, OmniFocus have chosen a price tag that’s just above the “let’s try how it works” price tag.
Keep up the great work :-).
I bought Things in the store to show my support, even though I’ll wait for Sync of any sort (desktop, over the air -couldn’t care less about mobile me) to use it more significantly.
I think the team at culturedcode, who have been letting me use the Desktop version for free, at least deserves my vote of confidence and $10.
I’m rooting for you guys.
I’m another buyer here and thinking that if the development cycle for Things Touch is the same as the rest of the stuff here that it will be soon enough. Thanks for the good work here and I’m actually thinking that having the app on my phone will actually expedite my use as all of that time on the bus and in transit is going to be put to good use planning.
Then when sync works, I’m all done!
Thanks again folks!
Wishlist:
1. Syncing with desktop app
2. Use GPS to determine contexts (like in omnifocus for iphone)
3. no third wish.
No syncing with desktop means no point using it.
@Brett
Can you please point out to us where on the App Store product page or ‘Things for iPhone’ web page that it is even eluded to that the identically named desktop app does not sync with the iPhone app. I guess everybody who made that assumption is stupid!
Look, ‘Things’ is a great program and I don’t fault CC for not being accomplish all features for version 1. It just would have been nice to put such a vitally important nugget of information in plain veiw.
Just a heartfelt THANKS. I will be deliriously happy when it syncs and has tags, but I have patience, and much faith in you guys.
Congratulations on the release!
Let me tell you how I did it: I’ve chosen one kind of projects, entered it into Things touch and deleted it from the desktop version. These project’s needn’t be checked on a daily basis, they’re perfect for trying out the features of Things touch, without sacrificing productivity.
And when sync is released, it all will merge again (hopefully ;) ).
I could crash the application repeatedly in my Touch. When opening the “next” category with different projects inside, dragging an item over the border of a project crashed the application.
When I did this really slow, it didn’t crash, but fast it crashed on and on.
Other things that need improvement is the return-button that should act like a save in single line edits.
I’ve bought it but am not using it. Good price! I’m trusting sync will come in time.
I can’t believe I have paid for the iPhone version, am not using it, and am still on the free desktop version.
Thanks for all the hard work guys! I can really see this software making my life much easier to handle data.
To the complainers:
Don’t you people see you’re saving money!
Sure they could have released Touch Things at a later date for $19.99, but instead they gave us the option of buying it without sync for only $9.99 with a free sync update in the near future.
You can blow $10 waiting for the sync version if you want. Me, I’m buying my Touch Things NOW!
Just got it. Looks good but I look forward to further refinement. I just wanted to say that I’m a new “Things” user and have no plans to use the desktop version. I hope they keep it a full featured program on the iPhone that doesn’t require users to sync..
Hi Guys,
Yep, without sync it’s not much good to me but I decided to buy it anyway. a) I have had good use out of your desktop app so far and b) hopefully every little bit of money you get from initial sales will decrease the time we wait for the updates.
Great work.
I’m sure you know exactly what you’re doing there at CC. But please don’t settle on using MobileMe for sync! (I can’t imagine you will, since I don’t think this is available to developers until September.) Most people do not want to pay Apple £59 every year.
Some sort of WebDAV sync would be great and a (pretty much) open standard. WebDAV works brilliantly with iCal. The best hosting providers out there all allow WebDAV access, but maybe you could also offer a competitively priced WebDAV service yourselves for those that can’t use their own server.
Pleasey! Now stop reading my comment and get on with it. ;-) LOL
I agree that not having the ability to sync was a big miss, but understandable under the circumstances, and offset nicely by CC by offering the product at a reduced price.
However, while over-the-air sync is what you should strive for, let’s get some sort of sync ASAP. I’d rather plug in my iPhone to sync Things with the desktop version soon than wait 6 months to be able to sync over-the-air.
Syncing is mission critical to this app (IMHO) - over-the-air sync - nice, but not critical.
I personally would NOT use Mobile Me because a) I don’t want to pay $100 for it and b) I don’t want all my information stored at Apple Inc.
Other than that, simple local WiFi or Bluetooth wireless sync is more than sufficient if not strictly necessary. After all, if all we care about is syncing to our Macs, which we’ll presumably be sitting at while the iPhone is in our pockets (or purses), we don’t need anything more elaborate than local WiFi or Bluetooth sync (a la the Apple Remote app or SplashID).
True to my word (from previous post), Things was the first application I purchased and downloaded from the App Store. I think interface is great, the included features are all the necessary ones, and the price was right.
I’d like to voice my support for an implementation of cable-sync ASAP…followed by inclusion of tags on the iPhone version…then the full 1.0 release of the desktop version. WAY down the priority list is over-the-air sync (IMHO).
Thanks again for the great work!
Will you share the link for buying the iPhone app?
@Dr. J
Incorrigible?
If not yet having syncing capabilities were really “incorrigible”, that means we’d never get them!
Kudos for the big word…
if only you knew what it meant!
Hi guys,
I’m a new Things user (iPod Touch, no Mac) and I absolutely love your app. I was hoping for a great To-Do app on launch day you have delivered. The introductory price was a great idea: I would have purchased the more-publicized OmniFocus if Things was the same price. The only feature I need is recurring events, which I’m sure will come in an update. Tagging and Areas are nice too, but non-essential for me.
Keep up the fantastic work CC!
- A New Things Fan
People complaining, demanding a refund, etc:
SYNC IS COMING. By buying this app now at a discount, you are supporting development work that you’ve already been benefiting from (if you’ve been using the desktop app) and will benefit from in the future. Those who wait until after sync is included (which is already being worked on) will pay more. Your paying in advance means you get a price break. Deal.
I’m SO happy with this release, that I bought it immediately, even although I haven’t got an iPhone 3G yet!!
Now I’m longing for the syncability…
Will there also be a share-possibility; to post my grocery-list, enabling me, my wife or somebody else doing the shopping, to have a quick look on the internet, or add items on the internet, while Things being updated real time?
And what about GPS-awareness… wow…
If I read the word sync again I will need therapy. Is the world really like this ? Dare I ever try to produce a product that does anything after reading these posts.
I’d hate to have some of you as neighbors.
I agree that not having desktop sync makes Things far less useful, but some of you should definitely lighten up. I wonder if the Cultured Code team should have called this “Things Preview” or something, to calm some people down.
In 6 months time, the iPhone version will no doubt be amazing, the desktop version will be complete with a lightweight new engine behind the scenes, and we’ll all be happily managing our lives with these amazing new tools.
Oh, screenshots with German texts in the app store. Seems that there will be an update shortly… very nice!
I second Bill’s comment re: needing therapy if one more person says the word ’sync’!
Seriously, it’s this simple:
1. Buy now, save $10-15, and wait for sync with FREE update.
2. Buy later, spend $10-15 more, have sync.
3. Grow up and love what you have! Remember when there was no GTD, no iPhone, no Things?
4. Either way, congrats on such great work.
I think this is great, I too have paid for it now (even though my phone is on backorder). For me synching to the desktop is not nearly as important as having a fully featured iphone app, my things to do on my phone is all I’ll ever need :)
Sync, sync, sync, sync! Seriously though, people are frustrated about sync because they want this application to be as good as it will be! It’s just a bit of impatience leaking through to the surface. And I’m afraid you have to listen to customer rants and requests (and take them on board) when you are trying to run a successful business. It’s clear to me that CC don’t underestimate the importance of sync.
Interesting tweet for us all earlier:
culturedcode: Just uploaded 1.0.1 update, is being reviewed by Apple. Brings bugfixes, german localization. Syncing is… still being worked on :) (c,j,w) about 12 hours ago from twitterrific
Great app guys, well done. I use the desktop version and have been very impressed with the iPhone app. It does everything that I need. Tags would be a nice bonus as would the “s-word”. But great start from you guys! Thank you.
i left a review in app store, but wanted to add it here as well.
2 things i would REALLY LOVE to have added as features:
- reminder alerts able to be set by minutes, hours, days, and weeks before the task or project
- setting tasks to recur
i think this is a nice, solid app - especially in comparison to some of the rush jobs thrown into the app store. looking forward to the updates!
I’ve got to join the “you messed up by not releasing with sync” crowd. That’s a microsoft style move to release a less than fully functional product just so you can make some early $$. The whole point of a “things” management system is to have a trusted system to get things out of your head. If you expect people to use a stand alone iPhone app as the centerpiece of the trusted system, then you don’t understand your customers or the issue you are trying to solve through your application.
I suspect you knew this but also new some people would spend the $10 bucks just to have it, even though they can’t really use it for the purpose it was intended. You just couldn’t pass up the $$$.
Over the air sync is critical for me. If Things isn’t able to do this over the coming weeks then I am going to have to switch to OmniFocus.
I’m really looking forward to trying mobile Things but I can’t because I still don’t have an iPhone. The phone was released almost a week ago and the lines at the apple store as still four hours long. Will the introductory price stay at $10 until iPhones are readily available?
Christian, there’s nothing stopping you buying it now in iTunes :-) and when you get your iPhone just sync Things to it.
I bought the app at the iTunes store. It looks great, but like many, it will not be useful until I can sync with my Mac. Nice job. It was very intuitive. I love tapping check boxes.
Things is really useful for me and it will be even better if i can sync it with my iphone.
Now, if you want to turn Things into a real killer app: Add a simple Notes-Feature to both the Desktop- and the Phone-Version that you can sync as well.
i really can’t believe that apple still didnt implement that simple feature in the new 2.0 software. you guys have to do it!
Even though I’m disappointed by not being able so sync, I purchased it because I’ve been so happy with the free beta version of the desktop that I wanted to support the development of such a great app.
I’m hoping a simple usb sync will be supported quickly which will make the app at least usable for many before getting mobile me over the air sync to work.
I am just curious if you can talk a bit about how you intend to implement sync. Are you going to use MobileMe in some way? Or will you have your own online presence? is the calender sync of todo’s in the iSync stuff helpful to you at all?
I bought the touch Things to show some support, and am happy with the discount and look forward to sync and other features (tags, areas). Until now I was using Mobile ToDoList (via jailbreak) so had no synchronization anyways.
I just started using Things desktop, so I guess my perspective is a bit different.
Can’t wait for more! Thanks! Steve
Things touch - hurrah! The icing on the cake will be the S word … like so many ‘thingy’ people i bought this version to support CC is their quest going forward, and very much appreciate the free version of things that we have all enjoyed for the past months.
Keep going! I support the plan to get the whistles and bells perfected at some point in the near future whole heartedly.
Those of you who are disappointed not to have sync right off the bat - yes it’s a shame, but there’s nothing else to touch Things out there at present. I’ll bet Chris, Jergen, Oli and Werner want the full all singing and dancing version launched more than any of us!!!
Hang in there. It’ll be amazing!
Will the iPhone version be an open format like the desktop app?
I am now taking recommendations for counseling. A therapist that specializes in recurring dreams about people whining in shock about things that they are told will happen would be a preferred specialization.
I only hold onto sanity from the positive and rational posts that have increased in number over the last 24 hours.
Please bring that sync update soon :D
6 days since the last blog entry… I hope it will come today!
I want sync and I want tags but I’m flabbergasted at the negativity in some of these comments.
The commenters who are having a go at you should step back and think about the decision you made. If they’d bothered to read the OP they’d have seen that you know how important sync is to us but decided to get the app out there on day 1 without it (at a special price, no less).
I imagine you decided that if your app wasn’t there on day 1, those shopping the App Store for GTD apps would probably have bought OmniFocus or something else instead.
FWIW, I agree with your decision, I am using Things Touch, and look forward to my free update. :-)
Reading through your comments, I just wanted to thank you all for your kind words and your support.
To all of you who mentioned that sync is sorely missing, we hear you, and we fully understand you. We are working as hard as we possibly can to implement this feature.
Some of you asked how exactly we are going to implement syncing. Just like @Silverado suggested, at first, the iPhone will be able to sync with the desktop version using WiFi. There will be no need of having a MobileMe account or WebDAV. All you have to do is to have both your Mac and your iPhone in the same network so that they can find and talk to each other using Bonjour. Once this form of syncing is implemented, we will release an update in the AppStore. Note that this solution will only allow for the synchronization of one iPhone/iPod and one desktop version of Things at first.
Your other questions:
@roy, @infinitme: There is currently no way for an iPhone app to start an alarm at a s