A note-taking app that works like iMessage shouldn't work, but it does

Every week I’m despatched apps that are supposed to assist or clear up a scenario for customers that haven’t been executed earlier than. But I used to be despatched a specific app this week that made me rethink how a note-taking app ought to work.Created by Rihab Mehboob, Note Yourself was launched this week (January 20) for iOS for $2.99 / £2.99 / AU$ 2.99 the place you'll be able to observe down your ideas and your plans, but in a chat interface.

You might imagine, as I did in the beginning, that this sounds like a mixture that merely can’t work. It sounds like having sugar in your Weetabix, or taking part in Banjo Kazooie on an iPad. But the more I’ve used Note Yourself, the more I’ve been impressed.You’re dropped at a structure that seems to be as if you’re going to begin a dialog with your self, and you may jot down one thing that you'll be able to set to remind you after a sure period of time. You can even pin a few of these entries to simply return to, all in a quite simple but elegant structure.I’ve been utilizing the app already for a buying listing on the weekend, and, unashamedly, the each day duties I would like to finish for Fortnite. It wasn’t lengthy earlier than I promoted the icon to my primary dwelling display screen on my iPhone, and after chatting with among the SociallyKeeda group alongside some household, I used to be stunned to seek out that some do certainly jot down notes by sending messages to themselves over WhatsApp, WeChat, and that iMessage. Is this the app they, and so many others, have been ready for?And when you think about a messaging structure with notes, might the identical logic be utilized to a music app? Or a storefront? It’s apps like Note Yourself that really feel recent, 14 years for the reason that App Store first appeared, and it makes me marvel what different apps may very well be coming in 2023. I reached out to Mehboob to ask what made him design Note Yourself within the first place.

A chat with Note Yourself’s developer

I spoke with Mehboob after final evening’s launch to ask why he thought this structure would work higher for a notes app. “To keep track of various tasks, I used to message myself through iMessage, and after realizing I could make a dedicated app, with many features, I began making this app,” Mehboob explains. “I personally really like the idea of themed apps, where an app takes the style of another genre – and I think this was a great demonstration of that.”

Note Yourself

(Image credit score: Rihab Mehboob)

After attempting out many apps on this class over time, I needed to know why he thought this stood out, other than the completely different structure. “It may not be as serious or feature-filled as some great note-taking apps, but it's a fun attempt at changing things up.” Mehboob continues. “I really like the UI/UX myself, and I love adding interesting features like the new iOS 15 Communication Notifications (to make it seem as if the notes you are receiving are being sent by others) and pinned messages, which to stand out I decided to make it seem as if the note is being sent by you as opposed to being sent to you.”

Note Yourself on iPhone

(Image credit score: Rihab Mehboob)

Using the app for reminders – due to the message notification characteristic – I can obtain a slight nudge between 1 minute and 24 hours, much like somebody messaging me again. I requested Mehoob what different conditions this may very well be used for.“In fairness, they could be used in any situation! If you want some motivation, they could be used to act as if others are giving commands or letting you know what tasks are left.”Already I’m utilizing Message Yourself as a substitute note-taking app for sudden to-do lists, but there’s loads of alternative for enhancements. I needed to know what was developing subsequent for options.

“I’m currently attempting to add Siri Shortcuts, where you could let Siri know of any tasks or notes you might want to jot down but do let me know what you’d like to see.”