Planny has predictive AI features in addition to a to-do list, calendar, and reminder app rolled into one, but it’ll take time to see if it’s useful or irritating.
The Planny app can increase productivity on all iOS devices
The Planny app launched in October 2017 and has remained under the radar despite earning the App of the Day badge in the iOS App Store. It helps you plan tasks and gives you little boosts of motivation when you get them done, and you can set up workflows to stay on track and get things done.
To help you assess and optimize your productivity, Planny also shows you detailed stats on how well you stayed on track and completed tasks ahead of deadlines. These features can be useful for anyone, but especially for freelancers, students, and users with ADHD.
Predictive AI
A compelling feature of the Planny app is its predictive AI capabilities. Creating specific active tasks will cause the AI to suggest subtasks to add to the list just created.
For example, if you create a list titled “Wedding,” Planny’s AI will ask if it should add tasks for you. When you tap Add, you’ll see an AI-generated list that saves time and might even remind you of forgotten tasks.
These wedding tasks were created by Planny’s predictive AI
Time will tell if Planny’s AI features are helpful or irritating, especially when the AI-suggested tasks are bad. Also, there’s no indication of which subtasks were created by the AI or entered manually, which could be confusing.
AppleInsider reached out to Planny’s developer, who said they plan to release a major update in Q2 with something that works similarly to ChatGPT. Although Planny couldn’t provide any details at the moment, they are actively working on the development of AI features, one of which is a list of supported AI-generated lists in the app, due to be released in March.
Multitasking Planner
Apps that try to be a calendar, to-do app, and habit/reward tracker usually don’t do it well. The Planny app is better than most for this combined work. The intuitive interface guides you through each task based on what you need most, be it a calendar, list, or habit tracker.
Planny opens up to categories that can be customized based on what you use often, like Calendar, Uncategorized, and Routines. To add a task, tap a category under Favorites or Lists.
The user can start working on a task without browsing the app and simply select a category on the home screen instead. However, it can be cumbersome for those who want to open the app and put a bunch of tasks right on the home screen.
When adding a new task, you can set parameters like priority, duration, and reminders. After you create a task, you can add subtasks, set it as a routine, or assign a day and time to add it to your calendar.
As far as the to-do aspect of this app goes, Planny is mid-range and doesn’t offer as many features as heavyweight task managers like Todoist, Things, and OmniFocus. Planny may not have all the tools you need if you often come across highly complex projects.
Pomodoro Technique
Now that you’ve listed or scheduled your tasks, it’s time to get to work. Planny has features to help you stay on track and meet your deadlines, including the Pomodoro Technique.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method to optimize productivity. It usually involves repeated timed intervals of 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of rest until the work is completed.
Make a list of timed subtasks and press start to start editing. Planny rewards your productivity every time you complete a sub-task with festive confetti on your screen.
Planny rewards you with confetti after completing a task in your workflow
Planny doesn’t require you to use its Pomodoro Technique timers. However, set intervals of work and rest, rather than languishing for endless hours, can help maintain sharpened focus and optimized energy.
To further improve your productivity, Planny tracks your daily goals so you can see how good you are at completing tasks and what your upcoming workload is.
These productivity stats give you an overview of your performance over a period of time. It also helps you prepare in advance if a particularly busy period is ahead.
Planny+ and iCloud sync
The free version is limited and only allows features like lists, reminders, a calendar and statistics. Even so, the free version is still a step up from Apple’s less-featured calendar.
Upgrading to Planny+ unlocks all features, e.g. B. Cross-device synchronization, adding subtasks, collaboration and unlimited lists. Syncing devices via iCloud was buttery smooth, which is essential for a productive workflow.
iCloud syncing was a breeze with Planny
Planny was a pleasure to use with its vibrant colors and straightforward interface. It’s robust enough to help you get things done faster without slowing you down with excessive features. Keep an eye on Planny’s predictive AI as it evolves, as it could potentially skyrocket your productivity.
Planny Pros Predictive AI To-do list, calendar and reminders in one app Set up workflows using the Pomodoro method iCloud sync was fast and seamless Planny Pros Can’t add tasks right from the home screen Free plan has limited features 4 of 5Wo to download Download Planny
free from the App Store with subscription options for individuals and families. Pricing starts at $5.99 for 3 months of an individual plan and goes up to $79.99 for a lifetime family plan.
