The world of AI-powered productivity tools is often plagued by overpromising and underdelivering, but Twos, a to-do list app, is taking a refreshingly cautious and practical approach. By focusing on providing users with smart suggestions that help them take the first step in completing tasks, Twos is offering a genuinely useful solution that sets it apart from more ambitious, but often flawed, competitors.

Developed by Parker Klein and Joe Steilberg, Twos is an app designed for taking notes, managing to-dos, and creating lists of any kind. The app's AI-driven "smart suggestions" feature uses natural language processing to identify specific words and phrases, and then offers relevant links or actions to help users get started on their tasks. For example, if a user writes down the name of a movie, Twos might suggest a link to a JustWatch search or the IMDb page for that movie. If a user is making a grocery list, the app can send them to Amazon or Walmart to purchase the items.

The beauty of Twos' approach lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Users can pick and choose which integrations they want to use, and the app's AI is not trying to do too much. It's not attempting to reorder calendars or buy plane tickets on the user's behalf. Instead, it's providing a helpful nudge in the right direction, making it a more reliable and practical tool for everyday use.

In addition to its smart suggestions feature, Twos also boasts a built-in chatbot that allows users to ask questions about their notes. This can be particularly useful for users who use their note-taking app as a journal, as it enables them to quickly retrieve information from their notes. While other apps have similar features, Twos' AI integrations reward heavy users, making it a more attractive option for those who rely on their to-do list apps.

One of the most appealing aspects of Twos is its cross-platform compatibility, making it easy to use across different devices and platforms. The app's web-based foundation means that users can access their notes and to-dos from anywhere, and the availability of versions for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac ensures that users can stay organized regardless of their device of choice.

Currently, the smart suggestions feature is only available in beta testing, with a waitlist for new users. However, users can skip the line by signing up with the code "Verge." The developers are working on expanding the app's integrations and capabilities, but they're taking a measured approach, recognizing that the key to success lies in providing a genuinely useful tool that users will want to use.

In an era where many AI-powered productivity tools promise the world but fail to deliver, Twos is a breath of fresh air. By focusing on providing a practical, user-friendly solution that helps users take the first step in completing tasks, Twos is setting a new standard for AI-powered productivity tools. As the app continues to evolve and improve, it's likely to become an indispensable tool for anyone looking to streamline their workflow and stay organized.