Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Timely

$8/month

Timely automatically tracks time spent on tasks and projects using AI, offering a hands-free approach to time management.

Our take

Let AI handle your time tracking.

So, I’ve been giving this “Timely” app a spin, and honestly, it’s got a lot going for it. The first thing I noticed is the slick design, which is both a blessing and a curse. It’s clean and makes you feel like you’re using something fresh out of a tech blog, but sometimes it feels like the developers might have gotten a little too excited about aesthetics over usability. It's super easy to lose track of where a certain feature is when everything looks so polished and uniform. Still, it’s not a deal breaker if you’re willing to poke around a bit.

Now, the main feature of Timely is its time tracking, and it does this really well, almost like it’s reading your mind. You can track your work hours without feeling like you’re constantly clock-watching, which is a big win if you ask me. The app automatically records what you’re doing, and it’s surprisingly accurate. But, here's the kicker: it can feel a bit invasive. Knowing that the app is basically taking notes on your activities can be a bit unsettling, even if it's for the sake of productivity.

Another thing worth mentioning is how the app handles project management. It’s not a full-blown project management tool, but it does a decent job if you’re not looking for something too complex. You can assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress, which is all pretty standard. However, if you're managing a larger team or more complicated projects, you might find Timely a bit lightweight. It’s great for personal use or small teams, but beyond that, you might hit some limitations.

The integrations are solid, which is a huge plus. It syncs well with other tools like Google Calendar, Slack, and even your email, which makes it easy to fit into your existing workflow. The catch is you might spend some time setting everything up just right, but once it’s up and running, it’s pretty seamless. If you’re already using a bunch of different apps to manage your work, Timely won’t make you jump through hoops to get things connected.

So, is Timely worth it? If you’re someone who needs to keep track of your time without the hassle, it’s a solid choice. It’s not perfect, and there are a few trade-offs, like the sometimes confusing interface and its lightweight project management capabilities. But if you’re after a tool that blends into your daily routine and helps you stay on top of things, it’s worth considering. Just keep in mind that it’s not going to solve all your productivity woes overnight, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.