The Artist's Picks: Any.DO

So I recently discovered the joys of owning an Android. Having a smartphone is absolutely incredible; it's like an extension of your brain. However, one of its best features is also the worst thing: the apps.

Have you, like me, ever searched for good apps? Cast vainly around the Play Store for good applications which will hold your attention? Do you as often as not immediately uninstall any applications that do make the cut, because they just don't live up to your expectations?

Well fear not, because I, the Cake Loving Artist, have gone through that exact same process many times. Throughout it, I have found several applications that I really like and which I have bestowed the honour of 'The Artist's Picks'. Every Friday I will be updating the blog with a new app that I've added to my list, so be sure to check it out!

One more thing: I'm a big cheapskate, so all of these apps are absolutely free!



We're starting off strong this week, with an app that will help you get organized and stay on top of the many things that you have to do in life.

Any.DO:

http://dft.ba/-anydo

This app is pretty. That's one of its best features, and it suceeds in that regard. It also contains some really great features under the hood, as it provides a great interface for adding tasks, supports sharing to-dos with others, and you can set repeating alarms for tasks if the need strikes you.

It also contains a smart algorithm for predicting what you're going to write for a task. For example, if you start typing in: "Call mom," it will pop up a whole bunch of predictions, such as 'Call back mom', or 'Call mom and dad'. I write very specific tasks and in my experience it doesn't come in useful that often, but it's nice to know it's there if I ever need it.

You can set reminders and due dates as well, but it also has a neat feature that you don't see on too many of these to-do list apps. You have the option to place a notification in your status bar up top, and it serves as a constant reminder of things you have to do.

Any.DO syncs with both Google Tasks and www.any.do (its website). You must create an account to use the latter, but in case you don't feel like creating yet another user account, there's always the option to sign in with Facebook. Signing in can come in really handy, as Any.DO also boasts of a Google Chrome extension, and an iOS app. This multi-platform functionality works very nicely, I find. For example, if you're browsing on your computer and remember something you have to do, you can just click the icon (or highlight some text and right-click), and your task is set. If you now leave your computer and go on your phone, the task you made will be right there in the app.

For a basic to-do list manager however, it excels. If you're looking for an app that will manage your everyday tasks and doesn't look too bad while doing it, feel free to check it out.