Up for review today we have MarkO, another entrant in the already-crowded space of task management apps. For what it’s worth, I already use two task apps: Google Keep and Todoist.
I first tried to download onto my Samsung Tab 3 tablet but ran into issues. Once installed on my phone I checked to see if it has a widget to place on my home screen. As it turns out it does not. Not a big deal but something I’ve come to appreciate in the stuff I’m using.
As you might expect, users have to create an account upon opening up for the first time. In a bit of a disappointment I discover it does not allow you to use your Google+ or Facebook account to sign in. Ok, not another deal-breaker but, again, something I’m partial to.
After creating your login/password, the next screen says it would help you find some of your friends using the app by verifying your phone number. What if I do not want to provide my phone number. No problem, just simply hit the skip link on the bottom of the screen. However, if you want to share tasks with others, you would need to have your phone number verified. For some reason, whether I have a bad my Wi-Fi or data connection I cannot get my phone number verified. So, until I can figure that part out I have to take screenshots and share via text or email. Groan.
I created a task list and I really liked how it appeared; I can separate tasks in different cards. Tasks are nicely displayed and organized so it does not feel like too much information thrown out at you.
Once creating your task list you’re going to itemize what you need to do, however, MarkO gives you the option to add in location of where you need to be in order to complete the task. A Google map pops up in the background, while a list of possible locations pops up. Select the location, and a little arrow places a point on the map.
In testing this out I set a reminder to visit the nearby Ross store to buy a new work bag. As I was walking, though, I forgot I needed to to buy a new shirt as well. What do I have to do in this case? Create another task. It was a bit more work than I wanted to as I really just wanted to add it to a list I had already created.
A noteworthy feature is the notifications system. Once you are almost at the location of the place you added to your task, an alert is supposed to pop up. I happened to pass by Ross’s but no alert popped up. I could not figure out if this was related to my connection or not. (Sprint’s data hasn’t always been the strongest here where I live).
I tried to go on the MarkO website and attempt to change things around, play with my options, create tasks, etc. I was hoping it would sync to the mobile app. Alas, it didn’t!
While I may still be biased towards Google Keep and Todoist for now, MarkO really looks to have potential. The ideas and principles behind it is great, but execution was lacking. To me, at least, it didn’t function as promised. All of this doesn’t mean I will never again consider the app. A few tweaks (and perhaps a better connection) and things could be much improved.
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What we like:
- It’s free for download on Google Play.
- When it works, the notification location alert is really nice to have.
- The way the tasks are organized and displayed. Nicely done!
- The use of Google maps to place pointers on the map to show where the task is to be completed.
What we did not like:
- Not able to create tasks on the website/sync to app
- Lack of social media account log-in.
- Once you hit save on your task list, you cannot go back and add something to it. Must create a new separate task.
- I’d like to see a time element added (i.e. 12:00 p.m. Go to the doctor’s).
For more information, check out their website
MarkO (Playboard) | MarkO (Play Store)
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