Filed under: Software, Productivity
OmniFocus 1.6 checks off bugs and adds new features
The Omni Group just released OmniFocus 1.6, and it's a big, big update. Current users are going to be pleased, even if they don't bother to page through the extensive list of new features and fixes in the release notes. I've never said anything to the contrary, but this is proof that Omni is listening carefully to users and working hard to evolve with user demands while still maintaining their original vision.
For the uninitiated, OmniFocus is one of the top contenders for your task manager dollar. Among the commercial options -- along with Things and up-and-comer, The Hit List -- OmniFocus is considered to be the powerhouse, at least as far as features. It's been a bit too much power for a number of people looking for simplicity in both form and function, but for those who need the extra power, it's a solid choice.
When I say "extra power", I'm talking about advanced sorting based on just about any criteria, saved filter sets called "Perspectives," AppleScript support, integration with Mail, iCal sync, iPhone sync (with separately purchased iPhone version) and some advanced capabilities to help you determine your "next action" with less input than some of the others. Things and The Hit List are still contending for my ultimate love, but I've used OmniFocus extensively and can honestly say that the only reason I tend to drift away from it is complexity -- both in the UI and in general functionality.
As I mentioned, the 1.6 release notes are extensive, and the vast majority of the entries are of very similar importance, making "highlights" hard to do. There are changes and additions to the filtering options, a new "Flagged" collation type for Context view, a prodigious number of bug fixes and enhancements to existing functionality, UI improvements, AppleScript fixes and improvements ... seriously, it's a long list. If you're a current user, you should be notified of the update within the application (check your update settings in Preferences), and new users can download a free demo. OmniFocus will hit your pocketbook for $79.95US ... competitive in the GTD arena and fitting for the punch it packs.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
chumsdock said 1:10PM on 3-13-2009
Yay, when I close all windows, the badge no longer disappears!
That was the most annoying problem ever.
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Quine said 3:22PM on 3-13-2009
I love omnifocus. I tried things and the hit list but they just aren't powerful enough for me. Sure, omnifocus is more complex to set up, but I'd like to see a simpler setup than this:
^G: GTD Mode - displays all my tasks due soon, sorted by date, with only the data visible that I need.
^P: Project Mode - displays all my tasks sorted by project for easy management of the whole system
^R: Rapid Task Mode - displays my inbox sorted by add date. To add a new task to the queue I just enter its name in the quick entry and poof, it's on the list. Great for when I'm in a group study session and I hear "hey can you do _____" from 4 diff people with 4 diff requests at once.
Perspectives and advanced sorting are great. I urge everyone to check out omnifocus' advanced features a bit before deciding what to buy.
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BK said 1:29AM on 3-14-2009
And I was soooo hoping they would modify recurring tasks to enable the selection of weekdays only. Boooooo!
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