Progress Update and Introducing OpenLoopz Store!
Paul Drummond
Hi all,
Just a quick update to keep you all in the loop with the progress on OpenLoopz Alpha. Here is a list of what’s new:
The OpenLoopz Store has been added. More on that below.
OpenLoopz now records all your activity, which can be viewed using the activity: search flag or by selecting the activity icon. (More activity types coming soon.)
You can now view all notifications in the main list using the notifications: search flag or by selecting the notifications icon.
You can now view all mentions in the main list using the mention: search flag or by selecting the mentions icon.
The friend sidebar has been redesigned and simplified. Now it shows the username next to the icon and the status of friend requests is more clear now. Also, the notification dot has been removed from the friend sidebar. The dot now appears in next to the notification/activity icons on the main list.
Misc improvements to user interface, such as the Big Red button being moved into search bar, sidebar improvements, etc).
Full support for HTTPS throughout the app.
The main new feature is the addition of the OpenLoopz Store. I am showing this early, mainly as a demonstration of how I intend to monetise OpenLoopz.
I’ve been deliberating about how best to monetise the app for a while now. I always knew I didn’t want to force users to pay for the service and I definitely didn’t want to cripple the app so that users on the free tier would get a substandard experience. I think this solution provides a good balance between OpenLoopz being functional as a free service while providing useful extra functionality for those who support the project.
The idea is that the core functionality of OpenLoopz will always remain free and that includes many upcoming features such as due dates, reminders, geo/time tags, attachments and much, much more. On top of the core feature set, there will be a selection of products available for purchase including plug-ins that customise the default behaviour of OpenLoopz in specific ways. For example, there will be a GTD plugin available for a one-off fixed price that will add features such as automatic next action management, etc. But I want to stress that the plugin isn’t required to use OpenLoopz for GTD! It is perfectly useable as a GTD app with the default feature set. The GTD plugin will be completely optional and provide extra convenience that users may find helpful. Also, it’s worth noting that each plugin will include a free trial period so users can try before they buy.
I am also planning other plugins such as Email integration, Calendar support, etc and eventually if things go according to plan there will be a plugin API so third-party developers can offer plugins as well.
This release marks a feature-freeze in this phase of development. From now until the Beta I will be focusing on responding to feedback and bug-fixing as opposed to adding new features (though some may creep in, if they are REALLY important! ;-) ). I am also planning to publish some articles explaining the main features of OpenLoopz so I will let you all know when they are available.
If you have any thoughts (good or bad) on the new direction I am taking with OpenLoopz, or any of the features like the OpenLoopz Store, please get in touch! As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Paul Drummond