Joel - I couldn't agree with your more! Actually, that's why over a year ago I set out to create GQueues (http://www.gqueues.com), a full-featured task manager that integrates with everything Google and also has the missing features from Google Tasks, such as sharing lists, assigning tasks, repeating tasks and tagging. If you want something that works with your Google Account, is easier than a Google Spreadsheet and more powerful than Google Tasks, you might consider checking it out.
-Cameron
These days it seems that everyone is trying to maximize their efficiency, especially when it comes to computer use. To that end, Google has amassed quite a collection of tools, all aimed at improving your workflow.
With the above in mind, it’s hard to understand why Google has not spent any time revamping its Tasks product. To be fair, it does do what it needs to, at least at the basic level.
The first thing you’ll notice when using Google Tasks is how barebones it is. You start by creating a list, and then you can add tasks. Inside of the tasks you can put notes, a due date, and assign it to a list–that’s it! It’s basic, easy, and from what I read a long time ago, it does exactly what it was designed to do. That said, there are tons of other products out there that do a lot more. What about sharing a Task? Assigning it to someone else, or even exporting or importing an existing Task list? Sure, Google’s version can show up in Gmail, on the iPhone / Android, and in your Calendar, but I need more features, not more areas where I can see my Tasks.
So, why isn’t Google improving Tasks? It’s the next logical move for the company, considering it just revamped its web-based Contacts area just the other day. Perhaps there’s too much competition? That hasn’t stopped Google in the past, so maybe the company is going to acquire one of the many web-based Task management systems out there.
Since I’m completely Google-ified, it would make sense for me to use a robust, Google Task program, too. Right now I’m using a Google Sheet, since I can instantly sort it by priority, title, description, and whatever other field / column I may want to add. However, I’m still hopeful that one day soon, I can give the Google monster all of my Tasks, too.
Do you use Google Tasks? If not, what program do you use and why?
