The Cortana page mentioned a product called Microsoft To-Do. It was quickly removed, but that, but it didn’t stop a user from grabbing it: “With integration of Office 365, Microsoft To-Do and your phone’s notifications, she’s there when you need her.” Now, Cortana has had task management functionality for a while, but this seems to be a step further. It seems likely that Microsoft To-Do is the final evolution of Project Cheshire, which is currently in alpha testing. The wording makes it sound like it will replace Cortana’s existing integration, rather than run alongside it.
Unified Task Management
The result may be a single task management app that runs across platforms. That could finally mean a unified system, rather than the multiple prongs of Outlook Tasks, Cortana Reminders, OneNote, and more. Evidence suggests that Microsoft-To-Do won’t just be coming to Cortana. Twitter personality WalkingCat found reference to com.microsoft.todos on Google Play. There’s a Project Cheshire app available for Android and iOS, which makes it seem very likely To-Do is the release name. It also makes it clear why Microsoft built a new app from the ground up instead of sticking with Wunderlist. With it set to replace Cortana’s feature, and a web app in development, Microsoft is clearly has a ‘one tool to rule them all’ mindset. A new app could scratch that itch, but the real test will be integration in its other services. Ideally, Microsoft To-Do would work with Outlook, OneNote, and Office 365. However, alpha feedback makes it clear that the app needs a lot of work yet. The reception of such an app would depend on the improvements it can bring.
