Twos is a practical task list application that offers smart suggestions thanks to its artificial intelligence functionality.

Artificial intelligence tools often promise nearly magical solutions: just jot down everything that needs to be done or let the tool log every moment of life, and the result will likely be the purchase of plane tickets or a magical reorganization of the calendar to optimize flow. The idea that one could simply live their life and have an AI assistant take care of everything is undoubtedly appealing. However, the reality is that few of these solutions actually work.

In contrast, the developers of the app Twos are taking a more cautious and, consequently, more useful approach. Twos presents itself as a tool for note-taking, managing to-do lists, and generally creating any kind of list. Its creator, Parker Klein, describes it simply as "a place to jot things down." Klein has been working on this app for almost ten years, starting as a personal tool and evolving into a true startup. Its utility is remarkable, as I have been able to confirm after using it for a while.

Twos’ AI approach, which Klein and his co-founder Joe Steilberg refer to as "smart suggestions," focuses on facilitating the first step in completing a task. For example, if the name of a movie is noted, Twos can provide a link to a search on JustWatch or a page on IMDb. If the name and phone number of a person are recorded, the app can add that contact with a single tap. When creating a shopping list, users can be directed to Amazon, Walmart, or Instacart to make the purchase.

The logic behind these suggestions is clear: Twos analyzes certain words and phrases to understand the user's intent and suggest the best available integration. Furthermore, the user can customize which options they prefer; for instance, they can disable services like Uber Eats if they do not use them. The smart suggestions help to initiate the process, although they are not always perfect. For instance, when writing "bake blueberry muffins," the app offers a link to Allrecipes, which is helpful, along with a Google Maps search for "blueberry muffins near me," which is not.

Twos also includes a chatbot that allows users to ask questions about their notes. This is especially practical if the app is used as a journal, making it common to inquire about the name of a restaurant visited previously, for example. However, this feature faces the same challenge as other applications, where if not all information has been recorded, the search may be ineffective. AI integrations tend to benefit the most active users.

The potential of AI transforms Twos not just into a to-do list but into a foundation for all daily activities. The app is accessible on multiple platforms, making it easy to quickly input information. When it's time to head out to a restaurant whose name has been forgotten, you simply open Twos, tap the icons indicating smart suggestions, and access Google Maps for directions.

For now, Twos' smart suggestions are in beta testing, and there is a waiting list for new users. More integrations and features that will allow users to do even more with just a few words are anticipated. While there are temptations to take the app further, such as enabling automatic purchases, there are numerous logistical challenges and consequences that make it difficult for these ideas to materialize in the near future.

Meanwhile, the best AI tools, like Twos, work by facilitating the initiation of tasks. Some applications help find information regardless of whether you know how to phrase the query, while others generate a first draft of code or an email. Total AI as a complete solution still seems distant, but as a starting point, it is definitely valuable.