PlantPal
PlantPal has been my focus. There are some important features we rolled out:
The much-requested timeline view shows your actions on the plant — task records and photos — in a chronological order.
You can also add a text note to the plant, to record or remember important details, without using a photo.
Another much-requested feature is custom tasks. I’ve been hearing from users that they want to track different fertilizer or pesticide products, but that wasn’t possible in PlantPal — until now.
Another change is that you can customize the name of the task. We have users who do semi-hydro planting, and instead of reading “Water”, the term “Flush” makes more sense.
The custom task feature also opens up the possibility to do more with your plants. You can have a reminder to rotate your plants for even growth, to measure the soil, to clean up the growth media… This is what makes PlantPal about you and your plants!
My First 5K
Last week, I decided to start running a 5K — non-stop running for 30 minutes. The public, NHS–endorsed plan is “Couch to 5K”, an 8-week program that ramps up running intensity over 3 runs per week.
If you are a WWDC nerd like I am, you’ll know there’s been an Apple Watch feature in the Workout app: you can set up your own workout routines, connecting steps of distinct goals (by time, by distance, or by power or cardio zone). Simply put, I can use the Workout app to build my Couch to 5K program.
You might also know that Apple released a framework, Workout Kit, that does exactly workout building and scheduling. The framework was introduced in 2023, updated in 2024, and seems forgotten in 2025. But it’s exactly what I’m looking for.
After 3 days’ work, and with the help of Claude being my UX advisor, I rolled out My First 5K as a free app. I’m currently on Week 2 of my program. You might find it helpful, too, if you are looking to run your first 5K.
I’ll write more about Workout Kit. I think it’s an awkwardly-positioned framework that receives very little attention from Apple, but it has potential.
Kodist
Nothing new with the app per se, but I spent some time picking photos we took with Kodist, and made this showcase gallery. What better value prop there is, other than the actual photos!
Earlier last month, I made Kodist a freemium app — 1 film effect is free, and the rest are unlocked with a single, one-off purchase. It’s been doing OK as a hobby app.
Until next time ✌️