Marco Arment Launches Unforgetful, a New Reminders App for Procrastinators
Developer Marco Arment has introduced Unforgetful, a new task management application built for iOS and Mac users who struggle with task procrastination and missed notifications. The utility integrates directly with Apple’s existing Reminders database while offering an alternative notification and snoozing experience.
What Happened
Marco Arment, the creator of Overcast and Instapaper and former chief technology officer at Tumblr, announced on Friday the release of Unforgetful. The application serves as an alternative front-end to Apple’s built-in Reminders system, targeting users who find the default Reminders interface and alert mechanisms ineffective.
Arment explained that while creating tasks via Siri works well, the interface, design, and organization of Apple’s default Reminders app did not suit his workflow. He noted specific shortcomings in the default app, such as losing tasks by accidentally dismissing notifications rather than snoozing them, or missing tasks entirely when no specific time was assigned.
Key Highlights
- Direct Reminders Integration: The app connects directly to the user’s existing Apple Reminders database, eliminating the need to import or export task data or change how Siri creates tasks.
- Persistent Alerts: Notifications repeat continuously—even if dismissed or missed—until the task is marked as done and deleted.
- Scaled Snoozing: The snooze function dynamically scales intervals as tasks are repeatedly postponed, while managing alerts to prevent overwhelming the user with simultaneous notifications.
- Simplified Interface: To keep usage straightforward, the app omits complex organizational tools such as tags, separate modes, and different view styles.
- Built-in Features and Widgets: Unforgetful includes an in-app microphone for recording voice reminders alongside widgets tailored for the Lock Screen and Control Center.
- Pricing: The application is priced at $19.99 per year and functions across both Mac and iOS platforms.
Why This Matters
For users who frequently dismiss task alerts without completing the associated chores, standard reminder systems can lead to forgotten responsibilities. By syncing directly with the Apple Reminders database, Unforgetful allows users to replace default Apple notifications with persistent, escalating alerts without losing the voice assistant functionality provided by Siri or risking lock-in to a proprietary database format.
What to Watch Next
Users interested in the system can replace their Apple Reminders notifications with Unforgetful alerts across their Mac and iOS devices under the annual subscription plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms support Unforgetful?
Unforgetful is available for both iOS and Mac devices.
How does Unforgetful work with Apple Reminders?
The app reads and writes directly to your current Apple Reminders database. Tasks added through Siri or standard Reminders workflows automatically appear in Unforgetful, and users do not need to export data if they stop using the app.
How does the notification system differ from Apple’s default app?
Notifications in Unforgetful continuously repeat until a task is completed and deleted, and the snooze intervals scale progressively as tasks continue to be snoozed.
How much does Unforgetful cost?
The application is available for an annual subscription of $19.99 per year across both Mac and iOS.
Source: TechCrunch, reporting on Marco Arment’s announcement for Unforgetful.