Before I begin, let me state that I love Things, the To-Do app from Cultured Code. I started using it on the desktop when the first beta started a few years ago and I bought the iOS apps as soon as they became available (Things was the first app I bought for my iPad). As To-Do managers go, it's well designed and well thought through.
That is apart from one thing; cloud sync.
Whilst nearly every other To-Do app has managed to add some form of cloud sync, Things has failed to deliver. At present, if you want to synchronise your To-Do list between your iPhone and Mac, you have to do it by opening both apps at the same time on the same wireless network. If you have more than one device it gets more annoying as you constantly open and close apps to get them to play nice. Getting syncing working between multiple machines is possible with a Dropbox hack, but get it wrong and you'll lose items you've added.
Not having cloud sync a year or so ago was acceptable, but now it is one of the key requirements for any To-Do app. I can't count the number of times I've added things to the iPhone app only to forget to wirelessly sync when I get home and thus miss something important. Cultured Code have repeatedly said they are "working" on Cloud Sync but so far have come up with nothing apart from a few articles explaining why the solutions they were going to create wouldn't really work in the real world - despite the fact that revision management systems such as SVN and GIT have been around for ages, a simple xml file merge seems to be too complex for Cultured Code to develop...
Today, they proudly tweeted about a new page they'd launched which showed the "positive feedback we receive on Twitter". I find this grating purely because the URL has the phrase "what people are saying" in it yet is actually a completely biased feed which has been heavily edited (it's not real time). A couple of people have replied saying things such as "Can you do one for OTA-Sync requests?" so I thought I'd oblige with this script I knocked up in under half an hour.
The section below is a close replica of the new Things feedback page yet it instead shows up the negative tweets (in real time) that people have written about sync.
Note: make sure to look at it in a WebKit-based browser if you want the little cards to be arranged at annoying angles as per the original page
What unhappy customers say on Twitter
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@culturedcode Looking good with the cloud sync!!
February 22nd 2012 -
@culturedcode released #Things Cloud –worked perfectly in beta– for everyone to enjoy OTA sync. What's next? Sharing? Redesigned iPhone app?
February 22nd 2012 -
Only four years late @culturedcode releases cloud sync for Things app. Well, almost. http://t.co/sGGQrxKf
February 22nd 2012 -
never thought this day would actually come! i'm beta testing @culturedcode's cloud sync for 'things'. so far, so good.
February 22nd 2012 -
‘Things’ now has Cloud Sync feature, still in Beta [News] http://t.co/tdEhA9Ys (@culturedcode)
February 22nd 2012 -
I'm a fan of @culturedcode's Things and they finally unveiled their cloud sync beta: http://t.co/SXc2u6XZ
February 21st 2012 -
@culturedcode After years of waiting for cloud sync You tell me: "Sorry, you cannot use it because we are too lazy to use iOS 3 API." ?
February 21st 2012 -
Things Cloud Sync ist public, @culturedcode lebt noch! » http://t.co/81l470zM
February 21st 2012 -
Hurra!! Anschauen, sync ist super!!! RT @culturedcode Things Cloud is now in public beta: http://t.co/nF8VFZng
February 21st 2012 -
i might start to use @culturedcode Things again as they now open Cloud sync to public beta..
February 21st 2012 -
@culturedcode You mean there are people who haven't given up on you yet? #things #cloudsync. #wunderkit has had sync for ages & its free!
February 21st 2012 -
Things by @culturedcode got public beta of cloud sync! I've been testing for about a month and it's the best, smoothest sync I've seen.
February 21st 2012 -
Hah, @culturedcode finally makes an announcement about Things sync, and they make sure to close comments on the post. Way to go, guys.
February 21st 2012 -
@culturedcode why no iCloud sync?
February 21st 2012 -
@culturedcode Is there any plan to offer a web frontend? Loving the sync!
February 21st 2012 -
bad joke: 'Things Cloud will REPLACE the current Bonjour-based WiFi sync as the means of updating to-dos on all devices.' (@CulturedCode)
February 21st 2012 -
@culturedcode I considered switching to OmniFocus for cloud sync, but then I saw the UI. Thanks for doing it right. Import to beta soon plz?
February 21st 2012 -
Sad. @culturedcode Any news? RT @chartier Cultured Code launched its Things Cloud Sync beta six months ago. Last blog post was 8/22/11. Sigh
February 20th 2012 -
@culturedcode thanks. That was quick. re iCal, ill chk it out. Had thought of Cloud as sync, not backup (in case of a fail), so tks again.
February 20th 2012 -
@culturedcode loving the beta version..cloud sync working brilliantly. Thanks for the trial.
February 20th 2012 -
@culturedcode can I be in your cloud beta test? Really would like to try cloud sync
February 20th 2012 -
Things Cloud Sync is the longest beta ever. Starting to have doubts on whether @culturedcode will ever make this public.
February 20th 2012 -
@culturedcode It doesn’t bother me too much as I have access. With the influx of cloud sync services I feel you’re in danger of missing out.
February 20th 2012 -
@culturedcode No worries! Surely the cloud sync is ready for prime time though. I’ve not had any sync issues ever! :)
February 20th 2012 -
@culturedcode Cool, thanks. Was worriedI would loose my sync!
February 20th 2012 -
@culturedcode If I get an iPad 3 or an iPhone 5 this year, can I swap over my UDID for the OTA sync easy enough?
February 20th 2012 -
@culturedcode LAN sync is fine, can I do LAN sync between two macs? Or is that Dropbox only?
February 20th 2012 -
@culturedcode Any techniques (or sneaky tricks) for copying from TM into Beta? Seems solid so far and IOS sync is fast.
February 20th 2012 -
@culturedcode What's the recommended strategy for using Things on two Macs,an iPad and an iPhone,and keeping it all in sync?(got all 3 vers)
February 19th 2012 -
@culturedcode When will cloud sync finally go live for Things?
February 18th 2012 -
@suivezgeo it's awesome im beta testing the cloud sync version it's SWEEEET. @culturedcode
February 18th 2012 -
Giving #Things from @culturedcode a last try with the cloud synced beta. Used to love it, but left ages ago due to missing sync.
February 18th 2012 -
Downloaded Osfoora for Mac. I'm worried that if I like it, all I have left to complain about is no cloud sync in @culturedcode's Things.
February 17th 2012 -
Every time I see a new to do app for iOS or Mac I think: nice, but does your app sync to the cloud? Yeah, neither does mine... @culturedcode
February 17th 2012 -
@culturedcode Hi, I'm from China, because of the Great Firewall in China, I can't sync.
February 17th 2012 -
@bwahacker I can't believe that @culturedcode still doesn't have a decent cloud sync solution out. Everyone and their mother has it now
February 16th 2012 -
@culturedcode hey, if you don't finish cloud sync before Mountain Lion goes out, I guess I'm not gonna miss you.. It's taking _really_ long.
February 16th 2012 -
@culturedcode any update on the cloud sync? Getting a little impatient here! ;)
February 16th 2012 -
Thanks @culturedcode for cloud sync in Things! Liking it way better than sync in Omnifocus.
February 15th 2012 -
@culturedcode @AisleOne Wait, are we allowed to say that Things w/ cloud sync is awesome? I thought there was an NDA on the beta.
February 15th 2012 -
My wish list for @culturedcode's Things: Cloud sync Will actually complete tasks for you Huh. Just got into the cloud sync beta.
February 15th 2012 -
@culturedcode Blog post soon? We would all love to hear how cloud sync is progressing.
February 15th 2012 -
@culturedcode ok, Things cloud sync between iOS and Mac apps is phenomenal. Things is, once again, my favorite GTD app!
February 15th 2012 -
Just got @culturedcode things beta sync, and I'm loving it. Omnifocus was just too clunky and ugly for my tastes, and now I sync w/ things!
February 15th 2012 -
Finally got my to-dos into @culturedcode’s Things Beta (with cloud sync). Immediately made Things on my phone 10x more useful.
February 15th 2012 -
I thought @culturedcode may surprise us all today with cloud sync to combat @UseClear and steal thunder. I over estimated their competence.
February 15th 2012 -
@culturedcode could you possibly resend me the info/link on how to enable Cloud Sync beta in iOS app? i lost the email from the other day :/
February 15th 2012 -
On that note: hey @culturedcode, will you ever have a better way to sync w/ iCloud or your own service? I hate having to try other apps. :(
February 15th 2012 -
Hey @UseClear, I'm considering using this to replace @culturedcode but I'm interested in cloud sync. Are there any plans? If so, timeline?
February 15th 2012 -
Hey @culturedcode! Just tell us if/when you'll add Things cloud sync. The competition is getting better (@UseClear) & I'll leave you soon!
February 15th 2012 -
I was sent an beta invite for Things Cloud Sync. Well done @culturedcode.
February 15th 2012 -
@culturedcode meant Things Cloud, not iCloud. That doesn't change the fact that you've taken way too long to implement a real sync option.
February 15th 2012 -
Wow, things beta with sync works like magic. Nice Job by the guys from @culturedcode
February 15th 2012 -
@culturedcode love the cloud sync beta. Added a task on my iphone on the drive home, boom it's on my ipad and desktop #shipit :D
February 15th 2012 -
@DaveHamilton @UseClear They must be following in the footsteps of @culturedcode Things still doesn't sync between iOS devices.
February 15th 2012 -
@keziz Yes I'm sure the chaps @culturedcode get a lot of requests for cloud sync. The Wifi sync isn't quite as convenient! :)
February 15th 2012 -
Whew. Got a @culturedcode Things cloud sync beta invite today and @UseClear also launches. #right_tool_4_right_job
February 15th 2012 -
Just got accepted into @culturedcode's beta testing for cloud sync of Things - so happy!: http://t.co/t9TOHhY9
February 14th 2012 -
@culturedcode Bought Things for Mac/iPad/iPhone 2 weeks ago. Desperately need cloud sync since I don't use wifi (Mac 4G others 3G) please :)
February 14th 2012 -
Woohoo! @culturedcode Things beta with cloud sync!
February 14th 2012 -
Thanks at @culturedcode for the Invitation for #Things cloud-sync beta. Looks very solid and promising! #ilike
February 14th 2012 -
lol, I finally got an invitation to the Things cloud sync beta. Sorry, @culturedcode, you're about a week too late. https://t.co/stj4s9tN
February 14th 2012 -
@culturedcode so I read but as it is taking so long just for the cloud sync I thought you had abandoned the project...
February 13th 2012 -
I'm getting impatient: when will @culturedcode finally deliver the cloud-sync solution for #Things?
February 13th 2012 -
Hurray! Testing #Things Beta by @culturedcode with iOS sync. Working like a charm so far. #veryhappyuser #andproductive
February 13th 2012 -
@culturedcode Maybe a short (or full) update about Cloud Sync? It is a half year since the last blog and 1,5 year since the start…
February 13th 2012 -
should I switch from Things by @culturedcode to the wonderful Wunderkit by @6Wunderkinder ? Things OTA sync is taking so long. Any thoughts?
February 13th 2012 -
“@nomad411: @culturedcode's "Things" task manager is now pure awesome, thanks to iCloud sync between devices.. Instantaneous! #GTD” #beta
February 13th 2012 -
@culturedcode I have 4 instances of Things. ipad, iphone, 2macs. They keep wiping each other on sync. It is highly frustrating.
February 13th 2012 -
@culturedcode Wifi sync has overwritten several of my items. As a professional this is really frustrating and makes this app dangerous.
February 12th 2012 -
@culturedcode after all my whining the last year about Things, I have to praise your Cloud Sync Solution! Works already really great!
February 12th 2012 -
@culturedcode Using the Things beta sync on 4 different devices since 2 months. No issues found so far. Great job!
February 12th 2012 -
@culturedcode Love to get access to Cloud Sync for iOS if I may? Thx!
February 12th 2012 -
@culturedcode will never send a cloud sync beta. Thankful for @omnifocus
February 11th 2012 -
@culturedcode Loving the new iOS beta. Sync between iPhone and iPad works perfectly. Will the cloud option ever enable us to email tasks?
February 11th 2012 -
@culturedcode Cloud sync in Beta works great. Thank you for this awesome feature! #Things
February 11th 2012 -
Wohoo! Finally a @culturedcode Things beta invite. And the cloud sync works! #gettingthingsdone
February 11th 2012 -
@Digeratii how do I get it to sync with iCloud?? @culturedcode
February 11th 2012 -
Hope all these Tweets abt people getting access to Things cloud sync beta means @culturedcode is FINALLY getting close having it sussed. :-/
February 10th 2012 -
As far as I can tell, @CulturedCode has been promising Cloud Sync for Things for two and a half years. Time to give up on waiting.
February 10th 2012 -
@culturedcode Well, I've put Things in my dock—in place of Omnifocus. That sync is blazing fast, well done.
February 10th 2012 -
@culturedcode Liking the beta a lot—when will the Mac app proper (as opposed to Things beta) be able to use sync? cc @jorgeledesma
February 10th 2012 -
Just installed iOs and OSX version of @culturedcode Things beta for cloud sync, excited for some syncing!
February 10th 2012 -
is anyone using @culturedcode's Things beta? I started with it years ago but sync issues made it a deal breaker. Is the new sync reliable?
February 10th 2012 -
I have to admit that @culturedcode has done a great job with their OTA sync. No idea why it's still in beta...
February 10th 2012 -
@culturedcode where do I file bug reports for Mac OS version of things cloud sync? Just crashed when I tried to create reoccurring task.
February 10th 2012 -
@culturedcode Why do some of the tasks on my iPhone show up as <missing title> after I sync with Things for Mac? This is a reoccuring issue
February 10th 2012 -
@culturedcode this is old news and not an update at all. I suspect therefore that you are a long way off cloud sync. Will stick with ToDo!
February 10th 2012 -
Finally! Things iOS -and-Mac Cloud Sync as one via Beta access what a long wait @culturedcode but seems to be worth it.
February 10th 2012 -
@culturedcode Do you have any plan to support China user for cloud sync?
February 10th 2012
Just as a separate note, I have tried to stop using Things many, many times. I have bought and tried-out around 20 different To-Do apps for the mac and iOS devices (I need one that works and syncs on both) yet all of them have fallen short in some way such that I stick with Things despite it's debilitating lack of cloud sync. If you know of an app which is as well designed as Things yet comes with cloud sync, please let me know.