Productivity via GPS: how to load to-do lists based on your Android phone’s location
Using popular apps Astrid and Locale, users can automatically load to-do lists based on location or time of day.
To-do lists and action managers are staples of productivity, but carrying around lists for business and personal tasks isn’t always an option. Thankfully, mobile phones can hold those lists and automatically load them based on location. Imagine being able to see your tasks for the day upon entering the office or your home. Productivity via GPS is available if you have an Android phone like the LG Eve, HTC Hero, Dream, or Magic.
Astrid + Locale
Astrid is one of the most popular task managers available for Android, and it even includes a plug-in for equally popular app Locale. Here’s how to set-up your phone to open a notification for a specific tag.
- Download both Astrid and Locale
- In Astrid, create several tasks and categorize each by a tag. I like to tag my tasks based on project name, but you can simply set it to “Work” and “Home” and “Freelance” tags.
- In Locale, create a new situation. Then press “Add condition” and enter an address or turn-on GPS to have the location automatically entered.
- Press “Add Setting” and select “Astrid tag alert”. After saving, Locale will then provide notifications with task reminders when you enter the building.
The condition settings of Locale can provide additional support in case you want more intricate reminders. For instance, add a time condition so reminders don’t come in until 9:30 am, giving you time to settle into the office for the day and check your messages. Or, the alerts can be set-up for each job site or meeting with clients if you have a job that requires travel.
Astrid can sync with Remember the Milk, so use that service for additional task management on the desktop.
Filed Under: Productivity Tools
Tags: productivity, Smartphones