Ramble by Todoist

Product Introduction

1. Ramble by Todoist is a voice-to-task conversion feature integrated into Todoist’s productivity platform. It enables users to create structured tasks by speaking naturally, automatically parsing spoken details like projects, due dates, priorities, and deadlines into actionable items. The feature is currently in beta, offering early access to all Todoist users while refining functionality based on feedback.
2. The core value lies in eliminating manual input barriers by translating unstructured verbal thoughts into organized tasks within Todoist’s ecosystem. It streamlines task capture for users who prefer hands-free interaction or need rapid idea logging without disrupting workflows.

Main Features

1. Voice-Driven Task Creation: Users can speak freely, and Ramble converts spoken words into tasks with parsed metadata (e.g., “Call client tomorrow at 3pm #Work ⏰ P1” becomes a task with project, date, time, and priority labels). This uses natural language processing (NLP) to detect contextual cues like dates, projects, and urgency indicators.
2. Automatic Context Tagging: The system identifies and assigns task attributes such as projects (via hashtags), due dates (e.g., “next Monday”), recurring deadlines (“every weekday”), and priorities (P1-P4) without requiring manual edits. This reduces post-capture organization time.
3. Beta Feedback Integration: All users can test Ramble during its beta phase, with no usage limits on free plans until a future monthly cap is implemented. User feedback directly informs iterative improvements to speech recognition accuracy and metadata parsing logic.

Problems Solved

1. Manual Task Entry Friction: Traditional typing or manual field selection slows down users, especially when multitasking or on the move. Ramble addresses this by enabling instant, hands-free task logging.
2. Target User Group: Busy professionals, frequent multitaskers, and individuals with mobility or accessibility needs benefit from voice-based input. It also suits users managing complex workflows across Todoist’s project hierarchies.
3. Typical Use Cases: Capturing tasks during commutes (via mobile app), brainstorming sessions, or while handling physical tasks (e.g., cooking), where typing is impractical.

Unique Advantages

1. Deep Todoist Integration: Unlike standalone voice-to-text tools, Ramble natively integrates with Todoist’s existing project management framework, ensuring parsed tasks align with the user’s established workflows and organizational systems.
2. Context-Aware Parsing: The NLP engine is fine-tuned for productivity-specific terminology, recognizing over 50 project templates (e.g., “Business Travel Packing”) and Todoist’s priority matrix, reducing post-capture edits.
3. Trusted Ecosystem: As part of Todoist—a platform with 18+ years of development, 50+ million users, and 2+ billion tasks managed—Ramble leverages proven infrastructure, security, and long-term update commitments, unlike niche voice apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Ramble available on all devices? Ramble is accessible via Todoist’s iOS and Android apps, with web app support coming later in the beta phase. It requires microphone permissions and an active internet connection for real-time speech processing.
2. Will free users lose access after the beta? Free plans will have a monthly voice task limit post-beta, but exact thresholds are undecided. Pro/Business subscribers will retain unlimited access, consistent with Todoist’s tiered feature model.
3. Which languages does Ramble support? The beta initially supports English, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese, with additional languages prioritized based on user demand and beta feedback.
4. How does Ramble handle errors in speech recognition? Users can edit parsed tasks manually post-creation. The system also learns from corrections via feedback loops, improving accuracy for recurring terms or project names.
5. Can Ramble create subtasks or assign tasks to teams? Currently, Ramble focuses on individual task creation. Subtask support and team assignments are planned for future updates, aligning with Todoist’s roadmap for collaborative features.