The Blog

OmniFocus coming for the iPhone

by Ken Case on March 6, 2008

A few hours ago, Apple announced the iPhone SDK!  We're still trying to download it (Apple's servers are overloaded), but it looks like it has all the features we were hoping for.

We're eager to get started on our first iPhone app—and, yes, that first app will be…  OmniFocus.

(Now to find out just exactly what we'll be able to do!)

 

Comments

I'm sure that I speak for many when I say: “Woo hoo!”

SkylarP

03.06.08 6:46 AM

oh. my. gawd

wills

03.06.08 7:19 AM

Will the iTunes Store be the only Source for iPhone/iPod Touch Applications? In other words will we really have to wait till June? Ahhh…so long! Can't wait for OF on my iPod!


Never mind! Go for it! And remember iPod Touch Users without connection everywhere!

Chris

03.06.08 7:40 AM

Dammit!  I was sure your first iPhone app was going to be OmniDiskSweeper Mobile.

Chucky

03.06.08 7:44 AM

what about sync? did we hear anything today about third parties ability to sync data over? this is KEY

jon maddox

03.06.08 8:02 AM

Excellent.  My colleague and I bought omnifocus because we assumed Omni would do this and it would make perfect sense to do.

Darin

03.06.08 8:07 AM

“...and, yes, that first app will be… OmniFocus.”


Reason enough to get an iPhone!  I can't wait!

Sid

03.06.08 8:51 AM

The real issue is whether this can be wrapped up with some sort of sync solution.  I can see it working any number of ways.  Perhaps miPhone finds my laptop over bonjour and syncs the latest omnifocus tasks back and forth.


Ideally, OmniTeam gets SyncServices built-in, and accessed directly form the iPhone, not having to be tethered and using iSync, blech.  That would be *killer*!! To be able to have all my tasks on my work machine, home laptop, and iPhone would be the ultimate.  Frankly, I'd pay for 3 licenses, just for that feature.

Will

03.06.08 9:05 AM

YES! Go Omni. I just hate that I have to wait until June. But go anyway!

BZ

03.06.08 9:06 AM

Awesome!

OmniFocus is already pretty sweet.

If you can get this ready in time for 3G iPhone, I'll be the first in line!

Tim Hannigan

03.06.08 9:31 AM

I am EXTREMELY EXCITED! I can't wait! THANK YOU! :-)

Fox

03.06.08 10:18 AM
Team Member

Chris: From what I've seen so far, the only authorized way for third parties to get software onto the iPhone is through iTunes.  (Sadly, this might mean that there will be no good way for us to get customer feedback during our development process like we've typically done in our sneaky peek and beta cycles.)


Jon Maddox / Will: For OmniFocus 1.1, we're adding the ability to synchronize through a WebDAV server, such as .Mac.  What this means for the iPhone app is that you'll be able to do live synchronization over the air without having to be anywhere near your Mac.

Ken Case

03.06.08 10:35 AM

I worship you.


No.  Really.


OmniFocus on my phone with an over-the-air sync?


I worship you.

John Irvine

03.06.08 12:24 PM

This… is what will get me to buy Omnifocus. To-Do is no good without me carrying it with me on my iPhone and syncing it with the desktop version. I totally quit paying attention to it to OF, and will resume once an iPhone version is available. Same goes for Omniweb. Since iPhone, I've quit using it because of bookmark syncing (only syncs with Safari).

Walt

03.06.08 12:45 PM

[...] coming to the iPhone: OmniFocus. The ink was barely dry and the guys at The Omni Group were already announcing an iPhone application for OmniFocus. I like OmniFocus, but my big problem is that I don’t get [...]

Apple Briefs | Apple iPhone Event

03.06.08 1:18 PM

Awesome!  I will gladly sign up for the beta-test group if you run another one.

Gavin Weld White

03.06.08 1:40 PM

And then I read the bit about iTunes preventing the usual user-feedback-loop.  Oh well.


If you figure out a workaround (such as in-person installation at your offices in Seattle, for which I would totally make the trip) let us know.

Gavin Weld White

03.06.08 1:44 PM

Can dev/beta versions of apps be posted on a website and loaded in via the dev tools for the iPhone as binaries (i.e. no source being visible)?


I'd love to help test this app if such a procedure is at all possible!


-Mark, an OF user since the beginning of the public beta

Mark S

03.06.08 2:28 PM

[...] Webware : Cool Web apps for everyoneTag-based versus log-based… Pardon? - Ressac Media | Le BlogueThe Omni Mouth » OmniFocus coming for the iPhoneMacRumors iPhone Blog: OmniFocus Coming for iPhoneiPhone SDK Details, First Look - Mac [...]

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03.06.08 5:46 PM

Fantastic News!


Please also, at some point, work on OmniOutliner for the iPhone b/c it is THE perfect app for taking notes and organizing ideas.

unleashthesnake

03.06.08 7:38 PM

LOL at the people who think that the app will be done by June 08.

Tom

03.06.08 10:01 PM

But this distribution method will be great for Omni and other independent developers. You will see a lot less pirated software on the iPhone and millions of consumers who will actually consider paying for software for the first time in their lives.

Tom

03.06.08 10:04 PM

[...] Webware : Cool Web apps for everyoneTag-based versus log-based… Pardon? - Ressac Media | Le BlogueThe Omni Mouth » OmniFocus coming for the iPhoneMacRumors iPhone Blog: OmniFocus Coming for iPhoneiPhone SDK Details, First Look - Mac [...]

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03.07.08 1:13 AM

[...] to the newly-opening platform. Among applications of interest to web workers, at least Twitterific, OmniFocus, TypePad and Adium have announced their intent to produce native iPhone versions - and I [...]

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03.07.08 2:00 AM

Ken: Here's an idea.  You'll likely need a new version of desktop OF to support iPhone and desktop syncing.  So give the beta versions for both away for free ( zero cost on the App Store ) with sync functionality timeouts on the desktop version to promote regular updates.  Then when you're ready with the production release for both, fix it so the desktop production version only syncs with the iPhone production version. 


And if in the future you can work out how multiple users can share and sync projects via .Mac, then my wife and I would be delighted :)

John

03.07.08 4:00 AM

This make synchronization OmniFocus' #1 priority.  Having OF on any mobile device by itself isn't nearly as useful as taking your tasks with you wherever you are.

Ross

03.07.08 5:21 AM

Another request for iPod Touch integration - for those who live in countries without iPhone.  Thank you.  You rock.

Simon

03.07.08 7:20 AM

[...] … via the Omni Mouth Blog. [...]

OmniFocus Coming For The iPhone | MirthLab

03.07.08 10:12 AM

[...] OmniFocus coming for the iPhone (OmniGroup) - I really get by okay without OmniFocus on my iPhone, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be thrilled to see it! [...]

Creativityist » lazy saturday links - 03.07.

03.07.08 1:16 PM

[Insert blissful dance here]

Reid

03.07.08 9:50 PM

Ken, I may have a solution for you in terms of the AppStore breaking your usual SneakyPeek development cycle: why don't you register an “Enterprise” with Apple (costs a whopping $299/year) in order to distribute “internal” software direct from your own “Internal” AppStore?


if you do go that route, I have to say that I personally would want to see some pretty clear guarantees that you guys couldn't pull that “remote wipe” routine on MY iPhone if I signed up as a beta-tester! ;-)


J

J Thompson

03.08.08 1:09 AM

Omnifocus for iPhone… RESULT!

I know you guys were wanting this too, as I recall reading many of you use the iPhone yourselves. I just can't wait to see this running, syncing etc. on my iPhone. Be nice if this all synced through .Mac or some such, my ideal would be my Omnifocus tasks in sync and available on all my devices. Deep Joy!

David McDonald

03.08.08 4:51 AM

I seriously CAN,T wait for that app! I can't… hurry! :P

Yann

03.08.08 7:05 AM

[...] pic was attached to a post saying they’ll be developing an iPhone version of Ominfocus.  Good news … Technorati Tags: iPhone SDK, Omnifocus, Mac, task manager application, [...]

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03.08.08 5:58 PM

[...] also obvious that there will be a race to develop killer iPhone apps. The Omni Group has announced their first iPhone project will be OmniFocus. I would love to be able to have my GTD (Getting Things Done) app with me all the time, instead of [...]

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03.09.08 3:49 PM

wow cool - this is something at the top of my wishlist…


if you are looking for alpha/beta tester contact me :-)

Carsten

03.10.08 3:10 AM

Glorious! I'm breathless with anticipation for the ability to carry my OmniFocus info with me wherever my iPhone and I go. I can't wait for you to check put a green check on this project, Team OmniFocus!

Shalom

03.10.08 5:02 AM

OMG … this is the first thing I'm going to install onto my iphone! I'm speechless!

Matt

03.10.08 5:42 AM

Yes, yes, yes!


Another thing you guys should do is build an iPhone template for OmniGraffle ... would help us in making apps for the iPhone.  All the interface elements and what not.


I would give much, much love and +5 mana!

Chris

03.10.08 8:46 AM

SWEET!

Ian

03.10.08 8:56 PM

I never got an iPod because I hate having to carry around all these different devices. After years of prayers, Apple has finally released what I always deemed to be the right features in a phone. (Now if only they would officially release it here in Thailand where I am currently living….)


I've been putting off implementing a proper GTD-type system for the same reason. For that to be effective, I need something where I have access to capture thoughts and look at my tasks. For that, I need it to be on something I always have with me. That one thing is my phone. Great combination. Looking forward to learn more details about what you're building.


I'm holding off on getting an OmniFocus license until I know what the iPhone version will do, how it ties into (if it does) the desktop version, if it will (please, no!) require a .mac account, when it will be available, etc.


Promise me the world, sell me a license today ... :-)

Rob

03.11.08 3:31 PM

I am considering buying omnifocus right now, but I want to know that, if I buy it, will I have to shell out more to get it with the iPhone sync in June (I know I need some kind of gtd app, but the point of it for me is to eventually take it with me)? Will it be a bundle? Can I sync between my laptop and my desktop already?

Mike Manh

03.12.08 4:38 AM

What a distinctly alluring notion!


Where do I sign up for alerts on this project?

Dinah Sanders

03.12.08 2:23 PM

OmniFocus????????????????...


OmniFocus????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????...

????.jp

03.13.08 2:03 AM

THANK YOU!!!

Evan

03.14.08 10:38 AM

I don't have an iPhone yet, but this is the app that will make it mandatory that I get one.

Jon S

03.14.08 2:32 PM

Go forth and conquer!!!!!!!!!!!

Cardo

03.15.08 9:07 AM

Great news, love OmniFocus and cannot wait to take it with me on my iPhone. Interested to see how the sync issues pan out.

Andrew Mason

03.16.08 6:47 AM

[...] the OmniGroup, makers of OmniFocus have announced on their blog, and via there forums that they are already working on a iPhone and iPod touch native version of [...]

OmniFocus on the iPhone - GTD to Go! | Did I Get T

03.16.08 7:13 AM

Bring it ONNNNNN!!!!!!

MacBernac

03.16.08 8:45 AM

THIS is what will get me to buy an iPhone!  Bu-bye Blackberry Pearl, you were very good to me, but daddy needs a new pair of shoes!

Jeff Bridges

03.17.08 1:34 PM

Thank you very much! 


And for those of you looking at this, check out the other Omni Apps - all very cool.  I use OmniGraffle and OmniOutliner a lot - very good planning tools.

Brian

03.19.08 9:13 AM

To the good folks at Omni -


Please consider a webapp for Outliner, too.  That would be a huge help and enable me to continue with my Omni-centric life.

JLabaree

03.19.08 11:35 PM

Booh iPhone. OmniFocus on Symbian 60 please!

Raj

03.27.08 7:40 AM

Is there any news on when OF for iPhone will be released?

kustav

04.02.08 3:00 AM

[...] life. A set of them have to do with expected features and applications. One is Omni Group’s intention to release their OmniFocus task management software through the iPhone SDK. As an enthusiastic user [...]

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06.05.08 1:20 PM

[...] that I’m particularly excited about: Being able to run applications that help me do my job (OmniFocus for the iPhone is what I’m most excited about), and fill gaps in the toolset on the iPhone (where are [...]

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06.08.08 10:32 PM

[...] we have our own bit of news, now that the Great App Store Reveal has officially taken place. As we mentioned back in March, we’ve been working on OmniFocus for the iPhone — a native, [...]

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