German software startup Cultured Code has unveiled a task management application for the Mac called Things.

The application, which went into public beta at the Macworld show this week, is designed to offer simple task entry for individual workers, who can then keep tasks organised by list, keyword and date.

The product features tagging abilities so that users can add keywords to tasks for sorting purposes. Files can be linked to tasks, and tasks can be sorted into areas of responsibility, enabling users to delineate them according to different roles and responsibilities.

They can also be organised into discrete projects, which can then be categorised as active or inactive. Tasks can be scheduled for a future date, and those that are due to be completed next in a project can be added to a special 'next' category.

The desktop version also features a 'head up display' window, activated using a keyboard shortcut, for rapid task entry.

"We also have an iPhone version. It's a full-featured application that has the same features as the desktop, and we have synching via Wi-Fi," said Michael Simmons, marketing and business development manager at Cultured Code.

Collaboration features on the product are limited, however. Tasks cannot be shared, although they can be delegated by emailing them to recipients. The company calls the collaboration area a "work in progress", but its next priority is to add support for Apple's Mobile Me online synchronisation service.

The product is available for a 15-day trial and costs $49.95 (£33).