What’s in store for 2025? When not working on my consulting projects, I plan to split my time between the big 3.0 update of Time Out (and subsequent versions), and working on another new app. Of course, I’ll also work on other existing apps if they need an update, but I don’t have anything planned for them at this stage.
Time Out
Work on Time Out version 3.0 is underway. It will include an overhaul and modernization of the data and user interface, though don’t worry, it’ll still look much the same; I know big UI changes are rarely welcome. I’ll actually update it over several releases; version 3.0 will concentrate on the underlying data, to enable supporting syncing between multiple Macs, and version 3.1, 3.2, etc will update different areas of the app, probably with a little more frequent updates than in recent years. Despite the updates in 2024, I feel that Time Out has been a little neglected of late, while I work on other apps, so I want to refocus on it; it remains my most popular app, so deserves more attention.
I’m also keen to add an optional auto-renewing subscription, to make it easier for people to continue to support the app, and boost revenues. But I know that while subscriptions are more accepted nowadays, some people still don’t like them, so I also plan to continue offering the non-renewing supporter options as now. And continue allowing the core features of the app to be used for free, for people who can’t afford to pay for software or don’t need more than the basics.
I also have a bunch of other enhancements planned for version 3.0 and beyond, like an option to manually end a break, extra exclusion options, easier adding themes, and much more. I always have a long list of feature suggestions and ideas, and have a roadmap planned for versions 3.0 to 3.7, and ideas for 4.0 and beyond. But I always welcome more ideas, too.
To set expectations, I should note that you shouldn’t look for version 3.0 to be released for a few months. Between the major changes and splitting my time with other apps and activities, it’ll take a while to be ready to release. But rest assured that it’s underway. Make sure you subscribe to the DejalNews newsletter to get notified when it is available for a TestFlight or general release.
Another New App
I mentioned another new app. I won’t give details of the new app just yet, but I’ll say that it is related to calendars — not a calendar app as such, but a helper. I have a prototype of the new app that I wrote to scratch my own itch (as is often the genesis of an app), but I have a bunch of enhancements before it’ll be ready for release. This will be a simple app, and will probably be free, at least initially; like with Time Out, I have a list of feature ideas that I may add in future versions, so it might become a paid app somewhere down the road, but not initially. Definitely for Mac, and probably other platforms. Again, subscribe to the DejalNews newsletter to be amongst the first to learn of the app.
Consulting
On the Dejal Consulting side of my business, I will continue working on SheetPlanner and NewsBlur. Both have major enhancements in the works, which will be released later in the year. I’m really excited to get those updates out, and continue with other planned improvements.
I am currently fully booked up for the next several months at least, but am always interested in talking with potential new clients. If you have a macOS or iOS project you’d like help with (or a custom Simon enhancement), check out my consulting page for more information.
Sinclair Trails
Finally, on the personal side, my wife and I will continue to explore the US in our motorhome; we should complete visiting all 48 contiguous states by the middle of this year, and visit all National Parks in those states, plus a bunch more baseball stadiums, and other attractions. This is a great time to start reading the Sinclair Trails blog, as I’m now posting daily summaries of our 2024 RV modifications, travels, campgrounds, attractions, and more on the blog, plus will have more travel timelapses on the YouTube channel (please subscribe!). I hope you’ll follow along there.
Thanks for reading! 2025 is going to be an exciting year on all fronts.