Managing tasks and reminders with family or friends can be tricky, especially when they don’t use the same app. Karo, an iOS app developed by Mustafa Yusuf, aims to make this easier by allowing users to assign and track tasks, even if the other person doesn’t have the app.
Background: Developer’s Previous Experience
This isn’t Yusuf’s first task management product. He also developed another to-do app called Tasks, designed for more complex task management. Yusuf created Karo to address a key gap in existing apps, which didn’t allow users to easily delegate and track tasks assigned to people in their contact list.
Solving the Task Delegation Problem
Yusuf explained that before Karo, he had to manually remind people via WhatsApp or other chat apps to complete tasks. Without a tracking system, even he would forget tasks. Karo addresses this by automatically sending reminders through platforms like WhatsApp or SMS.
Key Features of Karo
Karo’s interface is designed to resemble a messaging app, making it intuitive for users. It supports natural language input, recognizing terms like “tomorrow” or specific times to create deadlines automatically. Users can assign tasks to contacts by @mentioning them, and they can attach images, videos, PDFs, or voice notes to tasks.
Karo AI Integration
Karo also integrates AI to help break down larger tasks into smaller ones or assist with planning events such as trips, making task management more efficient.
Task Assignment and Notification System
Once a task is assigned, the recipient receives a notification through Karo if they have the app. If not, they are notified via WhatsApp, and if that fails, through a text message. The app sends reminders based on task schedules, ensuring consistent follow-up without user intervention.
Contact-Based Task Organization
Karo organizes tasks by contact on the main screen. Tapping on a contact opens a conversation-style interface displaying all past and current tasks with that person. There’s also an activity tab that shows updates on all tasks.
Appeal to WhatsApp Users and Businesses
Yusuf believes that Karo will appeal to users in India, where many small businesses and teams handle tasks via WhatsApp groups. Karo’s integration with WhatsApp and its group feature make it a strong alternative for task management, especially for users who prefer simpler tools.
Early Adopters and Use Cases
Some firms are already using Karo for task management. For example, a dry fruit distributor in Mumbai uses the app to assign tasks related to packaging and delivery, with employees checking off tasks via WhatsApp. Karo could also be useful for study groups or book clubs.
Karo Pricing and Availability
Karo is free to use, but premium features such as groups, themes, and attachments come at a cost. The app offers pricing tiers of $4.99 per month, $39.99 per year, and $99.99 for a lifetime unlock, with introductory offers available. An Android version of the app is also in the works.
Conclusion: Flexibility as the Main Draw
Yusuf believes that Karo’s main appeal lies in its ability to send reminders to contacts who aren’t on the app, providing flexibility in task management across different platforms.
