As we look to the future of productivity apps in 2023, one trend that is becoming increasingly clear is the integration of AI. However, before we delve into the implications of this trend, let's take a step back and examine our own personal productivity stacks. My wife and I have settled on a system that includes a personal family CRM within Obsidian, and we are currently in the process of moving it to a different app for added security through end-to-end encryption.
Encryption
This emphasis on encryption may seem like a small detail, but it speaks to a larger trend that is likely to emerge in the next year. As individuals and corporations alike become more aware of the importance of data security, there will be a growing demand for end-to-end encryption in productivity apps. The ability to access sensitive information from multiple devices without fear of breaches is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
AI in productivity apps
The second trend that is likely to emerge in the next year is the emergence of AI-driven productivity. AI has been around for years, and the sophistication of the technology is now reaching the point where machines are able to accurately assess data, detect patterns, and provide recommendations about how to optimize and personalize a user's experience. AI will be integrated into productivity apps that not only display data to users but also take proactive steps to automatically identify potential problems and offer solutions.

In 2023, we can expect to see the further integration of AI, increased emphasis on encryption, and more personalized productivity features in our personal and corporate productivity apps.
The rise of AI-driven productivity apps will likely continue to accelerate in the coming years. This means that AI will be more embedded into our day-to-day productivity tools and will become an integral part of our workflows. For example, voice-driven AI assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant will be able to provide us with personalized advice in the context of our daily tasks and help us stay organized.
Decision time
The incorporation of AI in productivity apps is a trend that is likely to divide users. Some will embrace the convenience and efficiency of AI-assisted task management, while others will be wary of the potential for internet clutter and a lack of genuine, human-written content. It will be a question of finding the balance between utilizing the benefits of AI while still valuing authenticity and privacy.
As we move forward, it's crucial to consider the security and privacy of our data, as well as the implications of AI in our productivity apps.

The ability to make informed decisions about the tools we use to manage our tasks and projects is more important than ever. A muscle not used is a muscle that will shrink and disappear.
The same rule is true of our mind and making sense of our human experiences. If we rely too much on AI for synthesizing information, we’ll be less proficient at “connecting the dots” ourselves. If we ask ChatGPT for creative ideas, we’ll have less ideas ourselves.