Today is an application specifically created to make it easier for Leopard users to see all their events and tasks stored in Apple's iCal, using a smaller UI, that is easier to browse. The latest version released by developer Second Gear adds the ability to see tasks for more than just a specific day (to be able to look ahead at what's on the horizon) and a slew of sorting options. More features, tweaks and bug fixes are disclosed below.

Today (task management utility) employs different colors the users themselves define in iCal, in order to make a better picture of their schedule. Using the program you can look back on your schedule and see exactly what you did or had to do on a specific date, without giving up on Apple's iCal. In fact, you can use the two in parallel, thanks to Today's ability to select what calendars will appear. Users can set Today to offer a perspective on just the days and events they consider most important, but can also create events and tasks.

According to the makers, the app can even "inherit" events created on your iPod touch or iPhone. When you synchronize your handheld device, Today detects the events that have changed and syncs them. If you're using more than one Mac, Today's calendar data synchronizes seamlessly with Apple's .Mac Web service.

So, let's see what else Today (1.3) does lately:

- You can now view tasks for more than just today. They are available for 3, 7, 14 and 30 days in advance should you desire.
- Tasks can now be sorted based on calendar, title, priority and due date.
- Added ability to set priority when creating new tasks.
- Added dock menu for creating new events and tasks.
- Added keyboard shortcuts for next and previous day navigation (Command-Left Arrow/Right Arrow).
- Added ability to see due date and priority of tasks in the tooltip.

Today 1.3 also boasts a reorganized General preference pane which makes it better looking and more accessible. The software now updates the date when a Mac wakes from sleep, and no longer shows declined event invitations for users on CalDAV servers. An additional bug fix makes Today's view resize as necessary when there isn't enough space to properly display.

Today 1.3 is available HERE as a free download for registered users. A new user license costs $15, while a 7-day trial version is also available (for free) following the same address.