How the Input App Can Boost Your Productivity

A unique app comes along every once in a while and changes the way we interact with our smartphones. Considering the many existing available apps, it seems strange that this still happens because it certainly seems like everything’s been done before.

After so many software updates, feature additions and new device generations, it’s also difficult to believe there are still plenty of fresh and innovative ideas out there.

The new app called Input proves it’s still possible.

What Is Input?

The concept of the Input app is simple. It strives to be a true central hub for all of your smartphone’s apps, native features and more. Sure, you can tell Siri to do some things for you — like create a personal memo — but there are apps she’ll never be able to connect with.

Input, on the other hand, serves as a command prompt for all of your smartphone needs. After programming the app to work with the services you use, simply input what you want to do into the prompt. That’s it.

For example, you can type a personal note that automatically uploads to your Dropbox account. You could email yourself, or a friend, by telling it who the message is going to and what it contains. You can set up calendar entries, notifications, alerts, and much more.

If it sounds similar to Google Now and Siri, that’s because it is — except you must type your command.

The app was created by Matt Healy, a product designer working at Foursquare. He actually created it in his spare time as a hobby. After realizing how helpful it can be, he made it available to everyone.

What Makes Input Different?

Unlike Siri and Google Now, Input will actually work with the services and applications you use. The respective voice assistant programs only work with their native ecosystem and select apps. Input can be programmed to work with just about anything.

Input must support an app or service you want to use. The list of compatible programs isn’t lengthy, but it will be expanded over time. Supported services include Asana, Buffer, Dropbox, Slack, Wunderlist, Evernote, Venmo, Omnifocus, Twitter, and more. You can find the full list of supported apps and services on the official site.

It might seem silly to see a command prompt style app on a device without a physical keyboard. However, once you begin using it as a centralized hub for all your apps and services, you’ll truly see Input’s allure.

It’s disconcerting that both Siri and Google Now don’t include this functionality, but for now Input will have to do.

Currently, Input is only available on the Apple App Store and there’s no word on whether or not there will be an Android release. It’s free to download and use for up to two services; after that it’s $1.99 for every three services you add.

At the least, you can give it a try without paying a dime. If you fall in love with the app, you can pay to integrate more apps.

How Will It Boost Productivity?

You’ll no longer have to fumble around with your phone trying to find a certain app. Since Input works like a hub, you can simply open it — or leave it open — and type your command. From a single interface, you can:

• Leave yourself personal memos
• Create calendar notifications
• Upload files and documents
• Much more.

It saves you time because you don’t have to navigate through your phone’s UI and a list of apps.

Think of the Input app as a text-based Siri. You know how you can talk to Siri, and she’ll accomplish tasks for you? Input is essentially the same thing, except you type your commands. Give Input a try to fully understand how it will help you save time. The best way to understand how this is going to save you time is to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

The best way to understand how this is going to save you time is to give it a try. Seriously, you won’t be disappointed.