Marco Arment Launches Unforgetful, a Reminder App for Procrastinators

Marco Arment, known for developing apps like Overcast and Instapaper and serving as Tumblr’s former chief technology officer, has unveiled his latest creation, Unforgetful. This new iOS and Mac application offers an alternative to Apple’s Reminders, specifically catering to those who have found the existing system insufficient.

In his announcement on Friday, Arment expressed his frustrations with Apple’s Reminders, stating, “Siri, for all of its faults, has always been very good at creating tasks in Apple’s Reminders app… The Reminders app, though, doesn’t fit me at all. I don’t like how it looks, how it works, or how it’s organized.” He further elaborated on the shortcomings of the app, mentioning issues with the snooze feature and his tendency to accidentally dismiss crucial reminders.

Unforgetful is designed to eliminate the risk of overlooking tasks. Its notifications are persistent, repeating even if previously missed or dismissed, ensuring tasks remain front-of-mind until completed. This feature is particularly beneficial for users prone to dismissing reminders without finishing the associated tasks.

The app has revamped the snoozing function, allowing intervals to scale with continued snoozing, while also managing task overload that can lead to inaction. Arment has kept the interface simple, intentionally omitting tags and multiple organizational tools, focusing instead on straightforward usability.

Unforgetful enhances user experience by integrating seamlessly with existing Apple Reminders, meaning users don’t need to switch their task input method; they can continue utilizing Siri or manual entry while receiving Unforgetful notifications instead. The integration facilitates a smooth transition without the hassle of exporting reminders back to Apple’s system if users decide to switch.

The app features an in-app microphone for voice reminders and offers a range of widgets for quick access on the Lock Screen and Control Center. It is available for $19.99 per year and supports both Mac and iOS platforms.