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Google Tasks Integration

Display task lists from Google Tasks on your FamilyCast display. Perfect for household chores, shopping lists, homework tracking, and family projects—keeping everyone accountable and organized.

Overview

The Google Tasks integration syncs your family's task lists from Google Tasks and displays them on your FamilyCast screen with automatic updates. When tasks are visible to the whole family, they get done!

Use Cases:

  • Household chores - Weekly cleaning tasks assigned by family member
  • Shopping lists - Groceries, errands, and store-specific lists
  • Homework tracking - Kids' assignments and project due dates
  • Home projects - Room-by-room improvement tasks with progress tracking
  • Family goals - Shared goals everyone works toward together
  • Pet care - Feeding schedules, vet appointments, grooming reminders
  • Meal planning - Ingredient lists and prep tasks

Available In: FamilyCast (all tiers)

Works With: Google Tasks app on iOS, Android, and web—changes sync across all devices


Features

What Shows on Your Display

Task Information:

  • Task title and description
  • Due date (if set)
  • Completion status with checkboxes
  • Task list name (color-coded)
  • Subtasks (for multi-step projects)
  • Notes attached to tasks

Display Modes:

  • List View: Vertical list organized by task list
  • Board View: Kanban-style columns by due date (Today, This Week, Later)
  • Today View: Only tasks due today (great for focus)
  • This Week View: Next 7 days of tasks
  • Compact View: Minimal space, shows more tasks

Filtering & Organization

By Task List:

  • Display specific task lists only (e.g., just "Kids Chores")
  • Combine multiple task lists (e.g., "Household" + "Shopping")
  • Show all task lists together
  • Color-code by task list for easy identification

By Status:

  • Show only incomplete tasks (default—keeps display focused)
  • Show completed tasks (celebrate progress!)
  • Show both complete and incomplete
  • Auto-hide completed after X hours (declutter automatically)

By Due Date:

  • Tasks due today (immediate priorities)
  • Tasks due this week (plan ahead)
  • Overdue tasks only (catch up on missed items)
  • All tasks regardless of due date

Automatic Updates

Sync Frequency:

  • 5 minutes - Near real-time (for busy families)
  • 15 minutes - Default (recommended balance)
  • 30 minutes - Standard updates
  • 60 minutes - Low-priority displays

Smart Refresh:

  • Only updates when tasks change (efficient)
  • Cached data reduces data usage
  • Offline fallback shows last sync if internet drops
  • Manual refresh available anytime

Setup

Step 1: Connect Google Account

  1. Navigate to SettingsIntegrations in your FamilyCast app
  2. Select Google Tasks
  3. Click Connect Google Account
  4. Google OAuth popup appears:
    • Sign in to your Google account (the one with your family tasks)
    • Review permissions requested:
      • tasks.readonly - Read your task lists and tasks
    • Click Allow
  5. You'll be redirected back to FamilyCast
  6. Connection confirmed ✓

OAuth Permissions:

  • Read-only access - FamilyCast cannot create, edit, or delete tasks
  • Secure storage - OAuth tokens encrypted at rest
  • Revocable - Disconnect anytime in Google account settings or FamilyCast

Which Google Account to Use?

  • Use the account where you manage family tasks
  • Can be parent's personal account
  • Or shared family Google account if you have one
  • Each family member can add tasks via the Google Tasks app

Step 2: Select Task Lists

  1. After connecting, you'll see all your Google Task lists
  2. Select which task lists to display:
    • All task lists - Show everything
    • Specific lists - Choose individual lists (recommended)
    • My Tasks - Default Google Tasks list
    • Custom lists - Any task lists you've created
  3. Preview shows sample tasks from selected lists

Recommended Task List Structure:

Option A: By Person

  • Mom's Tasks
  • Dad's Tasks
  • Kids' Tasks
  • Family Tasks (everyone)

Option B: By Category

  • Household Chores
  • Shopping Lists
  • Kids' Homework
  • Home Projects
  • Pet Care

Option C: Hybrid

  • Weekly Chores (by person in notes)
  • Shopping List
  • Family Projects
  • Kids' Activities

Task List Options:

  • Assign colors to differentiate lists
  • Set priority order for display
  • Show/hide task list names
  • Filter by keywords

Step 3: Configure Display Settings

Filtering:

  • Show completed tasks: Yes / No (default: No)
  • Hide completed after: 1 hour, 4 hours, 24 hours, Never
  • Due date filter: All, Today, This Week, Overdue Only
  • Max tasks shown: 5, 10, 20, 50, Unlimited

Display Style:

  • Layout: List, Board, Compact
  • Sort by: Due date, Creation date, Custom order (from Google)
  • Group by: Task list, Due date, None
  • Show due dates: Yes / No
  • Show descriptions: Yes / No / Truncate

Refresh Settings:

  • Update interval: 5, 15, 30, 60 minutes
  • Smart refresh: Only update when tasks change (recommended)
  • Manual refresh: Allow on-screen refresh button

Step 4: Design & Layout

Positioning Options:

Full Screen:

  • Entire display dedicated to task lists
  • Best for: Kitchen command center, dedicated chore board
  • Shows: All lists with full details

Split Screen:

  • Tasks alongside calendar or photos
  • 50/50 or 60/40 split
  • Coordinate schedule with tasks

Sidebar:

  • 20-30% of screen for tasks
  • 70-80% for other content
  • Use compact view

Footer:

  • Scrolling ticker of upcoming tasks
  • Minimal space usage
  • Quick reminders

Styling:

  • Theme: Light, Dark, Auto (match your home)
  • Font size: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large
  • Checkbox style: Checkmark, Circle, Square
  • Color scheme: Match task list colors or custom

Step 5: Save & Deploy

  1. Click Save Integration
  2. Integration appears in Content Sources
  3. Add to layout:
    • Open Layout Editor
    • Add Google Tasks content area
    • Select your Google Tasks integration
    • Position and size the area
    • Save layout
  4. Assign layout to display
  5. Tasks appear within 15 minutes (or next refresh interval)

Display Examples

Example 1: Kitchen Command Center

Setup:

  • Display: Full screen (1080×1920 portrait tablet)
  • Display mode: Board View
  • Task lists: "Household Chores", "Shopping List", "Meal Prep"
  • Filter: Show incomplete tasks only
  • Refresh: 15 minutes
  • Layout: Full screen with weather widget at top

Visual:

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Tuesday, Oct 15 ☀️ 72°F │
├───────────┬───────────┬─────────────┤
│ Household │ Shopping │ Meal Prep │
│ Chores │ List │ │
├───────────┼───────────┼─────────────┤
│ ☐ Vacuum │ ☐ Milk │ ☐ Monday │
│ (Emma) │ ☐ Bread │ Tacos │
│ Due Wed │ ☐ Eggs │ ☐ Tuesday │
│ │ ☐ Cheese │ Pasta │
│ ☐ Laundry │ ☐ Apples │ ☐ Wednesday │
│ (Dad) │ ☐ Chicken │ Stir Fry │
│ Due Thu │ ☐ Yogurt │ ☐ Thursday │
│ │ ☐ Coffee │ Soup │
│ ☐ Dishes │ │ │
│ (Mom) │ │ │
│ Due Thu │ │ │
└───────────┴───────────┴─────────────┘

Use Case: Family checks display before leaving for work/school, everyone knows their tasks for the week. Shopping list is always visible before grocery runs.

Example 2: Kids' Homework & Chores Display

Setup:

  • Display: Landscape (1920×1080)
  • Display mode: List View
  • Task lists: "Emma's Tasks", "Jake's Tasks"
  • Filter: This week, incomplete
  • Refresh: 5 minutes
  • Layout: Split screen with calendar

Visual:

┌────────────────────────┬──────────────────┐
│ Kids' Tasks │ This Week │
│ │ │
│ Emma: │ Tuesday │
│ ☐ Math homework │ Oct 15, 2025 │
│ Due: Today │ │
│ ☐ Science project │ 3:30 PM │
│ Due: Friday │ Soccer Practice │
│ Note: Poster board │ │
│ ☐ Feed cat (today) │ Wednesday │
│ ☐ Clean room │ 3:30 PM │
│ Due: Saturday │ Dance Class │
│ │ │
│ Jake: │ Friday │
│ ☐ Reading log │ 7:00 PM │
│ Due: Thursday │ Pizza Night! │
│ ☐ Spelling practice │ │
│ Due: Friday │ Saturday │
│ ☐ Take out trash │ 10:00 AM │
│ Due: Tonight │ Emma: Soccer │
│ ☐ Practice piano │ Game │
│ Due: Today │ │
└────────────────────────┴──────────────────┘

Use Case: Kids check display after school to see homework and chores. Parents use it to track project deadlines. Integrates with family calendar.

Example 3: Weekly Chore Board

Setup:

  • Display: Full screen (portrait)
  • Display mode: List View grouped by person
  • Task lists: "Weekly Chores"
  • Filter: This week, show completed (celebrate progress!)
  • Refresh: 15 minutes
  • Style: Large checkboxes, color-coded by assignee

Visual:

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ This Week's Chores │
│ (Oct 15 - Oct 21) │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Mom 💜 │
│ ✅ Vacuum living room (Mon) │
│ ✅ Grocery shopping (Tue) │
│ ☐ Laundry (Wed) │
│ ☐ Meal prep (Thu) │
│ ☐ Clean bathrooms (Sat) │
│ │
│ Dad 💙 │
│ ✅ Mow lawn (Sat) │
│ ☐ Take out trash (Wed) │
│ ☐ Water plants (Thu) │
│ ☐ Car wash (Sat) │
│ ☐ Grill maintenance (Sun) │
│ │
│ Emma 💗 │
│ ✅ Make bed (daily) │
│ ✅ Feed cat (Mon-Tue) │
│ ☐ Feed cat (Wed-Sun) │
│ ☐ Clean room (Sat) │
│ ☐ Help with dinner (Thu) │
│ │
│ Jake 💚 │
│ ✅ Make bed (daily) │
│ ☐ Set table (Wed, Fri) │
│ ☐ Take out recycling (Thu) │
│ ☐ Walk dog (Sat, Sun) │
│ ☐ Organize toys (Sat) │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

Use Case: Everyone sees their chores with clear deadlines. Completed tasks stay visible for a few hours to celebrate progress. Color-coding makes it easy to spot your own tasks.

Example 4: Shopping List Sidebar

Setup:

  • Display: Landscape with family photos
  • Display mode: Compact List View
  • Task lists: "Grocery Shopping" only
  • Filter: Uncompleted, unlimited items
  • Refresh: 15 minutes
  • Layout: Right sidebar (25% of screen)

Visual:

┌──────────────────────┬────────────┐
│ │ Shopping │
│ Family Photos │ List │
│ (slideshow) │────────────│
│ │ ☐ Milk │
│ [Photo 1] │ ☐ Bread │
│ │ ☐ Eggs │
│ [Photo 2] │ ☐ Cheese │
│ │ ☐ Apples │
│ │ ☐ Bananas │
│ [Photo 3] │ ☐ Chicken │
│ │ ☐ Yogurt │
│ │ ☐ Cereal │
│ │ ☐ Juice │
│ │ ☐ Butter │
│ │ ☐ Coffee │
│ │ ☐ Pasta │
│ │ ☐ Sauce │
└──────────────────────┴────────────┘

Use Case: Always-visible shopping list for quick reference. Family members add items throughout the week via Google Tasks app. Before grocery runs, check the display.

Example 5: Family Project Board

Setup:

  • Display: Full screen (landscape)
  • Display mode: Board View (Kanban)
  • Task lists: "Home Projects", "Family Goals"
  • Filter: All tasks, show completed
  • Refresh: 15 minutes
  • Layout: Full screen

Visual:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Family Projects & Goals │
├──────────────┬──────────────┬───────────────┤
│ To Do │ In Progress │ Done │
├──────────────┼──────────────┼───────────────┤
│ ☐ Paint │ ☐ Organize │ ✅ Clean out │
│ guest room │ garage │ basement │
│ │ (Dad) │ │
│ ☐ Fix │ │ ✅ Plant │
│ leaky │ ☐ Declutter │ garden │
│ faucet │ kids' │ │
│ │ rooms │ ✅ Replace │
│ ☐ Replace │ (Family) │ air │
│ light │ │ filters │
│ fixtures │ ☐ Update │ │
│ │ family │ ✅ Set up │
│ ☐ Install │ photos │ sprinklers │
│ new │ (Mom) │ │
│ shelving │ │ │
└──────────────┴──────────────┴───────────────┘

Use Case: Family projects visualized as a Kanban board. Shows what's planned, what's in progress, and what's done. Great for family meetings to review progress.


Family Use Cases: Making Tasks Work for Your Home

Chore Tracking

Weekly Chore System:

Setup:

  1. Create "Weekly Chores" task list in Google Tasks
  2. Add tasks with clear assignees:
    • "Vacuum living room (Emma) - Wed"
    • "Mow lawn (Dad) - Sat"
    • "Laundry (Mom) - Thu"
  3. Set due dates for each chore
  4. Display on FamilyCast with "This Week" filter

Color-Coded by Person:

  • Use subtasks or notes to indicate assignee
  • Or create separate lists: "Emma's Chores", "Jake's Chores"
  • Display side-by-side in board view

Making Chores Fun:

  • Show completed tasks for 4 hours (celebrate!)
  • Use encouraging language: "Great job, Emma!" in task notes
  • Track weekly completion rates
  • Reward consistent completion

Shopping Lists

Organized Shopping:

By Store:

Google Task Lists:
- Costco
- Trader Joe's
- Target
- Home Depot

By Category:

Grocery Shopping Task List:
Produce:
☐ Apples (2 lbs)
☐ Bananas (bunch)
☐ Carrots (bag)

Dairy:
☐ Milk (2 gallons)
☐ Cheese (cheddar)
☐ Yogurt (variety pack)

Pantry:
☐ Pasta (3 boxes)
☐ Sauce (marinara)
☐ Coffee (large)

Family Participation:

  • Everyone adds items via Google Tasks app
  • "Out of milk? Add it to the list!"
  • Check display before grocery runs
  • Check off items as you shop (if using phone)

Homework Tracking

For Parents:

Create Task Lists:

  • "Emma's Homework"
  • "Jake's Homework"

For Each Assignment:

  • Task: "Math worksheet - Chapter 5"
  • Due date: Assignment deadline
  • Notes: "Page 42-45, show work"
  • Subtasks: For multi-step projects

Display Setup:

  • Show kids' task lists on their display
  • Today view for immediate priorities
  • This week view for planning
  • Color-code overdue assignments (red)

Benefits:

  • Kids see their assignments clearly
  • Parents track deadlines without nagging
  • No "I forgot!" excuses
  • Teaches time management

Home Projects

Room-by-Room Organization:

Create Projects:

Home Projects Task List:

Basement:
☐ Clear out storage
☐ Organize shelves
☐ Paint walls
☐ Install lighting

Kitchen:
☐ Organize pantry
☐ Clean out fridge
☐ Fix leaky faucet

Kids' Rooms:
☐ Declutter toys
☐ Organize closets
☐ Hang new artwork

Display Strategy:

  • Board view shows progress (To Do → In Progress → Done)
  • Family works together on weekends
  • Check off tasks together
  • Before/after photos in notes

Family Goals

Shared Goals Everyone Works Toward:

Examples:

  • ☐ Save $5,000 for vacation (track progress in notes)
  • ☐ Read 100 books as a family this year
  • ☐ Reduce screen time by 30%
  • ☐ Volunteer 50 hours together
  • ☐ Complete home improvement projects

Tracking Progress:

  • Update task notes with current progress
  • Celebrate milestones together
  • Display prominently for motivation
  • Review during family meetings

Pet Care

Never Forget Pet Tasks:

Pet Care Task List:

Daily:
☐ Feed Buddy (morning) - Emma
☐ Feed Buddy (evening) - Jake
☐ Walk Buddy (morning) - Dad
☐ Walk Buddy (evening) - Mom
☐ Refill water bowl - Kids

Weekly:
☐ Groom Buddy (Sat) - Dad
☐ Clean litter box (Wed, Sun) - Emma
☐ Wash pet bed (Sat) - Mom

Upcoming:
☐ Vet appointment - Oct 20 - Mom
☐ Buy dog food - Oct 18 - Dad
☐ Flea treatment - Oct 25 - Parents

Display Setup:

  • Always visible in kitchen or mudroom
  • Today view for daily tasks
  • Color-code by person
  • Checkboxes for accountability

Task Organization Best Practices

Creating Effective Task Lists

By Category (Recommended for Most Families):

Pros:

  • Clear organization by type of task
  • Easy to find what you need
  • Natural grouping of similar tasks

Structure:

Task Lists:
- Household Chores
- Shopping & Errands
- Kids' Activities
- Home Projects
- Pet Care

By Family Member:

Pros:

  • Each person sees only their tasks
  • Clear accountability
  • Personal ownership

Structure:

Task Lists:
- Mom's Tasks
- Dad's Tasks
- Emma's Tasks
- Jake's Tasks
- Family Tasks (everyone)

Hybrid Approach (Best of Both):

Pros:

  • Flexibility for different types of tasks
  • Personal lists + shared lists
  • Adapts to family needs

Structure:

Task Lists:
- Weekly Chores (by person in notes)
- Shopping List (shared)
- Mom's Work Tasks
- Dad's Projects
- Kids' Homework
- Family Goals (shared)

Writing Clear Task Titles

Good Task Titles:

  • ✅ "Vacuum living room and hallway"
  • ✅ "Buy milk (2 gallons)"
  • ✅ "Math homework - Chapter 5 (due Thu)"
  • ✅ "Call dentist to schedule Emma's checkup"
  • ✅ "Water all indoor plants"

Poor Task Titles:

  • ❌ "Clean" (too vague)
  • ❌ "Stuff" (not actionable)
  • ❌ "Remember" (what?)
  • ❌ "TODO" (not specific)

Best Practices:

  • Start with action verb (Buy, Call, Clean, Complete, Schedule)
  • Be specific (which room? how much? when?)
  • Include assignee if not using person-based lists
  • Add quantities for shopping items
  • Set realistic due dates

Using Due Dates Effectively

When to Set Due Dates:

  • ✅ Time-sensitive tasks (appointments, deadlines)
  • ✅ Weekly recurring chores (every Wednesday)
  • ✅ School assignments (homework due dates)
  • ✅ Shopping before events (need items by Friday)
  • ✅ Seasonal tasks (winterize house by November)

When NOT to Set Due Dates:

  • ❌ Ongoing tasks with no urgency
  • ❌ "Someday" projects
  • ❌ General ideas (move to separate list)

Due Date Strategy:

  • Today: Immediate priorities (homework tonight, errands today)
  • This Week: Regular chores, upcoming assignments
  • Specific Date: Appointments, deadlines, events
  • No Due Date: Ongoing tasks, ideas, low-priority items

Adding Task Notes & Details

Use Notes For:

  • Additional instructions: "Use organic apples"
  • Context: "Vacuum before guests arrive Saturday"
  • Progress updates: "50% complete - kitchen done"
  • Links: "Recipe: [link]"
  • Assignee details: "Emma's responsibility this week"

Example:

Task: Plan Jake's birthday party
Due: Oct 20
Notes:
- Invite 12 kids from class
- Theme: Dinosaurs
- Order cake from Sweet Treats
- Reserve park pavilion
- Buy party supplies at Party City
- Create guest list by Oct 15

Using Subtasks for Complex Projects

When to Use Subtasks:

  • Multi-step projects
  • Breaking large tasks into smaller steps
  • Tracking progress on big goals

Example: "Organize Garage"

☐ Organize Garage
☐ Clear everything out
☐ Sort into keep/donate/trash
☐ Clean floor and walls
☐ Install new shelving
☐ Put items back organized
☐ Label storage bins

Display Benefit:

  • Subtasks show progress
  • Family sees what's done vs. remaining
  • Easy to split work among family members

Configuration Deep Dive

Task List Selection

Show All Task Lists:

  • Simplest setup
  • Everything visible
  • Good for: Families just getting started

Select Specific Lists:

  • Curated display
  • Only relevant tasks shown
  • Good for: Focused displays (just chores, just shopping)

Multiple Integrations:

  • Create separate Google Tasks integrations
  • Each shows different lists
  • Use in different layouts
  • Example: Kitchen shows shopping, kids' room shows homework

Filtering Rules

Completion Status Filters:

Show Incomplete Only (Default):

  • Keeps display focused
  • Only active tasks shown
  • Reduces clutter
  • Best for: Most families

Show Completed Tasks:

  • Celebrate progress
  • See what's done this week
  • Motivates family members
  • Auto-hide after 4 hours (recommended)

Show Both:

  • Full context
  • See everything
  • Can be cluttered
  • Best for: Project tracking

Auto-Hide Completed:

  • 1 hour: Quick celebrations, then hide
  • 4 hours: Good balance for daily chores
  • 24 hours: Weekly chore tracking
  • Never: Always show (not recommended)

Due Date Filters:

All Tasks:

  • No filter, everything shown
  • Good for: Full context, long-term planning

Today Only:

  • Immediate priorities
  • Reduces overwhelm
  • Good for: Morning routine displays

This Week:

  • Short-term planning
  • See what's coming up
  • Good for: Weekly chore boards

Overdue Only:

  • Catch-up mode
  • Focus on missed tasks
  • Good for: Accountability displays

Display Formatting Options

List View:

  • Traditional to-do list
  • Vertical stacking
  • Best for: Detailed task tracking
  • Use when: You have 5-20 tasks per list
  • Grouping options: By task list, by due date, by person

Board View (Kanban):

  • Columns by due date or status
  • Visual progress tracking
  • Best for: Project management, home improvements
  • Use when: You want to see workflow stages
  • Columns: "Today", "This Week", "Later" OR "To Do", "In Progress", "Done"

Compact View:

  • Minimal spacing
  • Shows more tasks
  • Task titles only (no descriptions)
  • Best for: Sidebar displays, many tasks
  • Use when: Screen space is limited

Typography Settings:

  • Font size:
    • Small (16pt): Compact displays, many tasks
    • Medium (20pt): Default, good readability
    • Large (28pt): Full-screen dedicated task boards
    • Extra Large (36pt): Across-the-room visibility
  • Checkbox size: Match font size for consistency
  • Line spacing:
    • Compact: More tasks visible
    • Normal: Balanced (recommended)
    • Relaxed: Easy reading, fewer tasks

Color Schemes:

Use Google Task List Colors:

  • Inherits colors from Google Tasks app
  • Consistent across devices
  • Automatic color-coding

Custom Colors:

  • Override Google colors
  • Match your home decor
  • Themed displays (pastels, bold, minimalist)

Due Date Color-Coding:

  • Overdue: Red (urgent!)
  • Today: Orange (important)
  • This Week: Blue (plan ahead)
  • Later: Gray (low priority)

Completed Task Styling:

  • Strikethrough: Classic done indicator
  • Gray out: Subtle de-emphasis
  • Hide: Remove from view

Sync & Refresh Settings

Update Frequency:

5 Minutes (Near Real-Time):

  • Best for: Busy families, shared shopping lists
  • Updates quickly when anyone adds tasks
  • Good for: Kitchen command centers, high-traffic displays
  • Note: Uses more data

15 Minutes (Default):

  • Balanced performance and freshness
  • Good for: Most families
  • Fast enough for daily use
  • Efficient data usage

30 Minutes:

  • Standard updates
  • Good for: Low-priority displays, secondary screens
  • Less frequent but still current

60 Minutes:

  • Hourly updates
  • Good for: Static displays, rarely-changing lists
  • Minimal data usage

Smart Refresh (Recommended):

  • Only updates when Google Tasks data actually changes
  • Saves bandwidth
  • Reduces unnecessary updates
  • Enabled by default

Manual Refresh:

  • On-screen refresh button
  • Force immediate update
  • Good for: After big family meetings, before big events
  • Optional feature

Offline Behavior:

  • Displays show last synced data
  • No data loss
  • Returns to normal when internet restored
  • Status indicator shows offline state

Syncing Across Devices

How Cross-Device Sync Works

Add Tasks Anywhere:

  1. Mom adds task on iPhone (Google Tasks app)
    • "Buy milk" → Grocery Shopping list
  2. Task syncs to Google cloud (instant)
  3. FamilyCast fetches update (next refresh interval: 15 min)
  4. Task appears on display (visible to whole family)
  5. Dad sees it before leaving for store

Check Off Tasks Anywhere:

  1. Dad checks off "Buy milk" in Google Tasks app (in store)
  2. Google Tasks updates completion status (instant)
  3. FamilyCast fetches update (next refresh: 15 min)
  4. Task checked off on display (auto-hides after 4 hours)
  5. Everyone knows milk is purchased

Family Coordination Strategies

Everyone Has Google Tasks App:

  • Install on all family members' phones
  • Log into same Google account OR share lists
  • Anyone can add tasks anytime
  • Changes sync to display automatically

Shared Google Account:

  • Create family Gmail account (e.g., [email protected])
  • All family members log into Google Tasks with this account
  • Everyone sees all tasks
  • Perfect for: Families with younger kids without their own accounts

Individual Accounts with Shared Lists:

  • Each family member has own Google account
  • Share specific task lists between accounts
  • More privacy for personal tasks
  • Good for: Families with teens

Real-World Family Workflows

Morning Routine:

  1. Family checks display while having breakfast
  2. Everyone sees their tasks for the day
  3. Kids know homework due today
  4. Parents see errands to run
  5. Everyone starts day aligned

After School:

  1. Kids add homework to their task lists (on phone/tablet)
  2. Tasks appear on display within 15 minutes
  3. Parents see what's due when they get home
  4. No "I forgot to tell you" excuses

Grocery Shopping:

  1. Throughout the week, family adds items to "Shopping List"
  2. "Out of cereal" → Add to list immediately
  3. Before shopping, Mom checks display
  4. All items captured, nothing forgotten
  5. Check off items as shopping (on phone)

Weekend Projects:

  1. Friday family meeting: Plan weekend tasks
  2. Add tasks to "Home Projects" list
  3. Assign to family members
  4. Display shows everyone's responsibilities
  5. Check off together as work is completed

Evening Wind-Down:

  1. Check display for tomorrow's tasks
  2. Prep for morning (pack backpacks, lay out clothes)
  3. Review completed tasks (celebrate wins!)
  4. Add any new tasks for tomorrow
  5. Family aligned for next day

Troubleshooting

Tasks Not Showing

Possible Causes:

  1. Google account not connected
  2. No task lists selected in settings
  3. Filters hiding all tasks (too restrictive)
  4. Task lists empty in Google Tasks
  5. Refresh interval too long

Solutions:

1. Check Connection Status:

  • Go to Settings → Integrations
  • Find Google Tasks
  • Status should be 🟢 Connected
  • If not, reconnect account

2. Verify Task List Selection:

  • Open Google Tasks integration settings
  • Check that at least one task list is selected
  • Click "Refresh List" to reload from Google
  • Save changes

3. Remove Filters Temporarily:

  • Change filter to "All tasks"
  • Change completion filter to "Show both"
  • If tasks appear, filters were too restrictive
  • Adjust filters to appropriate settings

4. Check Google Tasks App:

  • Open Google Tasks on phone or web
  • Verify tasks exist in the selected lists
  • Add a test task
  • Wait for refresh interval (15 min)
  • Check if test task appears

5. Force Manual Refresh:

  • Click refresh button on display (if enabled)
  • Or go to integration settings → "Sync Now"
  • Wait 30 seconds
  • Check display again

Tasks Not Updating

Possible Causes:

  1. Refresh interval too long
  2. Network connectivity issue on display device
  3. Google API rate limit (very rare)
  4. OAuth token expired
  5. Smart refresh not detecting changes

Solutions:

1. Reduce Refresh Interval:

  • Go to integration settings
  • Change refresh interval to 5 or 15 minutes
  • Save changes
  • Wait for next refresh cycle

2. Check Display Internet Connection:

  • Go to Settings → Network
  • Verify Wi-Fi connected
  • Test internet (open web browser)
  • Reconnect Wi-Fi if needed
  • Restart FamilyCast app

3. Verify Google Tasks App:

  • Open Google Tasks on another device
  • Confirm changes saved there
  • Wait 15-20 minutes
  • Check FamilyCast display again

4. Reconnect Google Account:

  • Go to Google Tasks integration settings
  • Click "Disconnect Account"
  • Click "Connect Google Account"
  • Re-authorize access
  • Re-select task lists
  • Save

5. Check Last Update Time:

  • Integration settings show "Last synced: [time]"
  • If >30 minutes ago with 15-min refresh, there's an issue
  • Try manual refresh
  • Check error logs in Settings → System → Logs

Wrong Task Lists Showing

Possible Causes:

  1. Incorrect task lists selected in settings
  2. Using wrong Google account
  3. Task lists renamed in Google Tasks
  4. Cached data from previous configuration

Solutions:

1. Review Task List Selection:

  • Open integration settings
  • Check which lists are selected
  • Verify list names match Google Tasks app
  • Re-select correct lists
  • Save changes

2. Verify Google Account:

  • Integration settings show connected email
  • Confirm this is the correct Google account
  • If wrong account, disconnect and reconnect with correct one

3. Refresh Task List Names:

  • If you renamed lists in Google Tasks
  • Go to integration settings
  • Click "Refresh Lists from Google"
  • Re-select lists (with new names)
  • Save

4. Clear Cache:

  • Go to Settings → Advanced
  • Click "Clear Integration Cache"
  • Confirm
  • Wait 1 minute
  • Integration re-syncs automatically

Display Formatting Issues

Problem: Tasks Overlapping or Cut Off

Causes:

  • Too many tasks for screen size
  • Font size too large
  • Layout area too small

Solutions:

  • Enable compact view (Settings → Display Style → Compact)
  • Reduce font size (Large → Medium or Small)
  • Increase display area in Layout Editor
  • Add max tasks limit (show only top 10)
  • Use scrolling if available

Problem: Tasks Too Small to Read

Causes:

  • Font size too small
  • Display resolution low
  • Viewing from too far away

Solutions:

  • Increase font size (Medium → Large or Extra Large)
  • Reduce number of tasks shown (add filters)
  • Use full screen layout instead of sidebar
  • Increase display resolution if possible

Problem: Colors Not Showing

Causes:

  • Theme set to monochrome
  • Display color settings
  • Custom colors not saved

Solutions:

  • Check theme (Settings → Display Style → Theme)
  • Enable "Use task list colors" option
  • Set custom colors per list
  • Verify display color settings (not grayscale)

Authentication Errors

Error: "Authorization Failed"

Step-by-Step Fix:

  1. Disconnect Google account (Settings → Integrations → Google Tasks → Disconnect)
  2. Clear browser cache and cookies (if using web interface)
  3. Restart FamilyCast app
  4. Reconnect Google account
  5. Ensure popup blockers disabled during OAuth flow
  6. Grant all requested permissions
  7. Try different browser if web-based (Chrome vs. Firefox)
  8. Check Google account security settings (allow third-party apps)

Error: "Token Expired"

Fix:

  • This is normal after 1-3 months
  • Simply reconnect Google account
  • OAuth tokens expire for security
  • No data loss, just need to re-authorize

Error: "Access Denied"

Possible Reasons:

  • Google account locked or suspended
  • Two-factor authentication issue
  • Admin restrictions (G Suite/Google Workspace)

Solutions:

  • Verify you can log into Google Tasks directly
  • Check Google account security settings
  • Temporarily disable 2FA during connection (re-enable after)
  • Contact Google support if account issues

Privacy & Security

What FamilyCast Can Access

Permissions Granted to FamilyCast:

  • Read task lists - View list names you've created
  • Read tasks - View task titles, descriptions, due dates, completion status
  • Read subtasks - View subtasks and notes

Permissions NOT Granted (Cannot Do):

  • Create tasks - FamilyCast cannot add new tasks
  • Edit tasks - FamilyCast cannot modify task content
  • Delete tasks - FamilyCast cannot remove tasks
  • Access other Google services - Only Google Tasks (no Gmail, Drive, etc.)

Read-Only Access: FamilyCast has view-only permissions to your Google Tasks. Your task data is safe and cannot be modified through FamilyCast. All task management happens in the Google Tasks app.

How Your Data is Stored

OAuth Tokens:

  • Encrypted at rest using AES-256 encryption
  • Stored securely in FamilyCast database
  • Never shared with third parties
  • Automatically expire after 60 days (renewable)

Task Data:

  • Cached temporarily (15-60 minutes depending on refresh interval)
  • Stored in memory only, not permanently saved
  • Automatically cleared when cache expires
  • No persistent storage of task content

Logs:

  • System logs contain no task details
  • Only sync timestamps and status codes
  • No personal information logged
  • Logs retained 30 days for troubleshooting

Data Transmission:

  • All communication encrypted (HTTPS/TLS 1.3)
  • Direct connection to Google APIs (no intermediary)
  • No data sent to third-party servers

Data Retention Policy

While Integration Active:

  • OAuth tokens: Stored encrypted until you disconnect
  • Task data: Cached 15-60 minutes, then cleared
  • Integration settings: Stored indefinitely

After Disconnecting:

  • OAuth tokens: Immediately deleted
  • Cached task data: Cleared within 1 hour
  • Integration settings: Retained (for easy reconnection)
  • No task content retained

Account Deletion:

  • Deleting FamilyCast account removes all data
  • OAuth tokens revoked automatically
  • Google notified of revocation
  • No data recoverable after 30 days

Revoking Access

In FamilyCast:

  1. Go to SettingsIntegrations
  2. Click Google Tasks
  3. Click Disconnect Account
  4. Confirm disconnection
  5. OAuth token immediately revoked

In Google Account:

  1. Go to Google Account Security
  2. Click Third-party apps with account access
  3. Find FamilyCast in the list
  4. Click Remove Access
  5. Confirm revocation

Effect of Revocation:

  • FamilyCast can no longer access your Google Tasks
  • Tasks disappear from display within 15 minutes
  • Integration shows disconnected status
  • Can reconnect anytime

Family Privacy Considerations

Who Sees What:

  • Everyone who views the FamilyCast display sees displayed tasks
  • Consider display placement (kitchen vs. bedroom vs. office)
  • Use filters to hide personal tasks from shared displays
  • Consider separate Google accounts for personal vs. family tasks

Recommendations:

  • Public displays (kitchen, living room): Show family tasks, chores, shopping
  • Private displays (bedroom, office): Show personal task lists
  • Kids' displays: Show only their tasks and family tasks
  • Guest mode: Hide sensitive task lists when guests visit

Comparing Google Tasks to Cozi Lists

Feature Comparison

FeatureGoogle TasksCozi Lists
Best ForTech-savvy families, Google usersFamily-first features
SharingManual list sharingBuilt-in family sharing
AssignmentsBasic, via notesColor-coded by person
Shopping ListsGood (generic task lists)Excellent (purpose-built)
Calendar IntegrationGoogle CalendarCozi Calendar
Meal PlanningNot built-inBuilt-in meal planner
Mobile AppsiOS, Android, WebiOS, Android, Web
CostFreeFree (Cozi Gold optional)
PrivacyGoogle accountCozi account

When to Use Google Tasks

Choose Google Tasks if:

  • ✅ Your family already uses Google ecosystem
  • ✅ You want tasks to sync with Google Calendar
  • ✅ You prefer clean, minimalist interface
  • ✅ You're comfortable with task list management
  • ✅ You want individual task lists per person (separate accounts)
  • ✅ You need integration with Google Workspace

Pros:

  • Free, no premium tier
  • Works with Google Calendar
  • Cross-platform (iOS, Android, Web)
  • Simple, focused interface
  • Reliable Google infrastructure
  • Integrates with Gmail (email tasks)

Cons:

  • Not family-specific (generic task app)
  • Sharing requires manual setup
  • No built-in assignment colors
  • Less intuitive for non-tech family members

When to Use Cozi Lists

Choose Cozi Lists if:

  • ✅ You want purpose-built family list features
  • ✅ You need color-coded assignments built-in
  • ✅ You want shopping lists optimized for groceries
  • ✅ You plan to use Cozi Calendar and Meal Planner
  • ✅ Your family is less tech-savvy (easier onboarding)
  • ✅ You want one account for the whole family

Pros:

  • Built specifically for families
  • Color-coded assignments out of the box
  • Shopping list optimization
  • Integrates with Cozi ecosystem
  • Meal planner included
  • Easier for less technical family members

Cons:

  • Requires separate Cozi account
  • Premium features require Cozi Gold ($30/year)
  • Smaller ecosystem than Google

Best of Both Worlds:

Use Google Tasks for:

  • Work tasks (if parents work from home)
  • Personal projects
  • Individual to-dos
  • Integration with work calendar

Use Cozi Lists for:

  • Family chores
  • Shopping lists
  • Kids' activities
  • Household tasks

Display Strategy:

  • Kitchen display: Cozi Lists (shopping, chores) + Google Tasks (today's priorities)
  • Home office: Google Tasks (work) + minimal family tasks
  • Kids' display: Combination (their homework + their chores)

Example Layout:

┌────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Family Command Center │
├──────────────────┬─────────────────┤
│ Cozi Lists │ Google Tasks │
│ │ │
│ Shopping: │ Today: │
│ ☐ Milk │ ☐ Work call │
│ ☐ Bread │ 3pm │
│ ☐ Eggs │ ☐ Email client │
│ │ ☐ Prep for │
│ Chores: │ meeting │
│ ☐ Vacuum (Emma) │ │
│ ☐ Laundry (Dad) │ │
└──────────────────┴─────────────────┘

Advanced Tips & Tricks

Multi-Display Strategy

Different Displays, Different Views:

Kitchen Display:

  • Task lists: Shopping, Chores, Meal Prep
  • Filter: This week
  • Layout: Full screen with weather widget
  • Purpose: Family command center

Kids' Bedroom Display:

  • Task lists: Emma's Tasks, Jake's Tasks
  • Filter: Today + Overdue
  • Layout: Split with calendar
  • Purpose: Homework and chore tracking

Home Office Display:

  • Task lists: Work Tasks, Personal Projects
  • Filter: Today only
  • Layout: Sidebar with calendar
  • Purpose: Personal productivity

Mudroom/Entryway Display:

  • Task lists: Today's Errands
  • Filter: Today only
  • Layout: Compact list with weather
  • Purpose: Quick check before leaving

Recurring Tasks Setup

Google Tasks Doesn't Have Built-in Recurring:

  • Workaround: Create weekly/monthly tasks manually
  • Or use Google Calendar recurring events
  • Display Google Calendar alongside Google Tasks

Manual Recurring Setup:

Weekly Chores:
☐ Vacuum (Emma) - every Wed
☐ Laundry (Dad) - every Thu
☐ Bathrooms (Mom) - every Sat
☐ Trash (Jake) - every Tue
  • Set due date for next occurrence
  • When completed, create next week's task
  • Consider using Cozi Lists for better recurring support

Integration with Google Calendar

Combine Tasks + Events:

Display Strategy:

  • 60% screen: Google Calendar (events)
  • 40% screen: Google Tasks (tasks)
  • See schedule AND to-dos

Workflow:

  • Appointments in Calendar
  • Tasks in Tasks
  • Complete view of the day

Example:

┌──────────────────────┬────────────┐
│ Today's Schedule │ Tasks │
│ │ │
│ 9:00 AM │ ☐ Grocery │
│ Dentist (Emma) │ shopping │
│ │ │
│ 3:30 PM │ ☐ Vacuum │
│ Soccer Practice │ │
│ │ ☐ Laundry │
│ 6:00 PM │ │
│ Family Dinner │ ☐ Homework │
│ │ │
└──────────────────────┴────────────┘

Task Templates & Lists

Create Reusable Task Lists:

Example: Weekly Cleaning Checklist

  1. Create "Cleaning Template" list
  2. Add all weekly cleaning tasks
  3. Don't set due dates
  4. Each week, duplicate tasks to "This Week's Cleaning"
  5. Set due dates
  6. Display "This Week's Cleaning" on FamilyCast

Example: Vacation Packing List

  1. Create "Vacation Packing" list
  2. Add all items needed
  3. Use before every trip
  4. Check off as you pack
  5. Uncheck all when trip is over (reuse next time)

Example: Birthday Party Planning

  1. Create template with all party tasks
  2. Duplicate for each birthday
  3. Customize for specific child
  4. Track progress on FamilyCast
  5. Celebrate when all done!

Family Meeting Integration

Weekly Family Meeting Workflow:

Sunday Evening Routine:

  1. Gather family around FamilyCast display
  2. Review last week's completed tasks (celebrate!)
  3. Discuss upcoming week (what's due?)
  4. Assign new tasks together
  5. Set due dates collaboratively
  6. Update Google Tasks as a group

During Meeting:

  • Display shows current tasks
  • Everyone adds their tasks via Google Tasks app
  • Tasks appear on display (15-min refresh)
  • Family sees changes in real-time
  • Ensures everyone aligned

After Meeting:

  • Tasks visible all week
  • Everyone accountable
  • Daily check-ins at breakfast
  • Progress visible to all

Gamification & Rewards

Make Tasks Fun:

Chore Champion:

  • Track who completes most tasks each week
  • Winner gets reward (pick movie, choose dessert)
  • Display shows progress

Completion Streaks:

  • Track consecutive weeks of task completion
  • Celebrate milestones (1 month, 3 months, 6 months)
  • Add notes with streak count

Family Goals with Rewards:

  • "Complete 50 family tasks this month → Pizza party!"
  • Track progress in task notes
  • Display shows countdown
  • Celebrate together when goal hit

Visual Progress:

  • Use board view to show movement (To Do → Done)
  • Take photos when big projects complete
  • Share completion photos in family group chat

Combine with Other Integrations

Cozi Calendar Integration:

  • Show Google Tasks alongside Cozi Calendar
  • Coordinate tasks with family schedule
  • See who's available when for chores

Google Calendar Integration:

  • Display Google Calendar events + Google Tasks
  • Complete view of schedule and to-dos
  • Time-block tasks around events

Google Photos Integration:

  • Display family photos with task lists
  • Celebrate completed projects with before/after photos
  • Make command center visually appealing

Weather Widget:

  • Plan outdoor chores based on weather
  • "Mow lawn (Dad) - Sat if sunny"
  • Schedule errands on nice days

Cozi Lists Integration:

  • Use both Google Tasks AND Cozi Lists
  • Google Tasks for work/personal, Cozi for family
  • Best of both worlds

Layout Ideas

Layout Editor: Design custom layouts combining tasks with other content:

Kitchen Command Center:

  • 40% Google Tasks (shopping, chores)
  • 40% Calendar (family schedule)
  • 20% Weather widget

Kids' Display:

  • 60% Google Tasks (homework, chores)
  • 40% Calendar (their activities)

Family Dashboard:

  • 30% Google Tasks (today's priorities)
  • 50% Google Photos (family photos)
  • 20% Weather and date/time

Chore Board:

  • 100% Google Tasks (full screen)
  • Board view by person
  • Large fonts, high-contrast colors

Playlists:

  • Rotate between different task views
  • 30 seconds: Shopping list
  • 30 seconds: This week's chores
  • 30 seconds: Family goals

Next Steps

Get Started with Google Tasks

1. Set Up Google Tasks:

2. Create Your First Task Lists:

  • Start simple: "Shopping List", "Household Chores"
  • Add a few tasks to each
  • Set some due dates
  • Get familiar with the app

3. Connect to FamilyCast:

  • Follow Setup Instructions above
  • Connect your Google account
  • Select task lists to display
  • Configure display settings

4. Design Your Layout:

  • Use Layout Editor to create custom display
  • Position Google Tasks widget
  • Add other widgets (calendar, weather, photos)
  • Save and deploy to your display

5. Get Family On Board:

  • Show everyone how to add tasks
  • Explain how sync works
  • Set expectations for checking display daily
  • Start with simple chores and shopping lists

Resources & Support

Google Tasks Help:

FamilyCast Support:

Video Tutorials:


Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q: Is Google Tasks free? A: Yes! Google Tasks is completely free with any Google account. No premium tiers or paid features.

Q: Do we all need separate Google accounts? A: No. You can use one shared Google account for family tasks, or share task lists between individual accounts.

Q: Can FamilyCast modify our tasks? A: No. FamilyCast has read-only access. All task management happens in the Google Tasks app.

Q: How often do tasks update on the display? A: Default is 15 minutes. You can adjust to 5, 30, or 60 minutes in settings.

Q: Can we use Google Tasks without FamilyCast? A: Yes! Google Tasks works great on its own. FamilyCast just makes tasks visible on a big display.

Setup & Configuration

Q: Do we need a separate Google account for FamilyCast? A: No. Use your existing Google account that has your family tasks.

Q: Can we connect multiple Google accounts? A: Yes! Create separate integrations for each Google account, then display them side-by-side or on different displays.

Q: What happens if we rename task lists in Google? A: Go to integration settings and click "Refresh Lists from Google" to sync the new names.

Q: Can we display tasks from different Google accounts on one display? A: Yes! Create multiple Google Tasks integrations (one per account) and add both to your layout.

Usage & Best Practices

Q: What's the best way to organize tasks for a family? A: Start with category-based lists (Chores, Shopping, Homework) or person-based lists (Mom's Tasks, Dad's Tasks). See Task Organization Best Practices section.

Q: How do we handle recurring tasks (weekly chores)? A: Google Tasks doesn't have built-in recurring. Either create tasks manually each week, or consider Cozi Lists which has better recurring support.

Q: Should we show completed tasks on the display? A: For chore boards, yes! Show completed tasks for 4 hours to celebrate progress. For shopping lists, no—hide completed to keep list focused.

Q: How can we make task lists fun for kids? A: Use colors, large fonts, and celebrate completions! Show completed tasks briefly, create chore champion competitions, and reward consistent completion.

Troubleshooting

Q: Tasks aren't showing on the display. What do I do? A: Check connection status, verify task lists are selected, and ensure filters aren't too restrictive. See Troubleshooting section.

Q: Tasks update in Google Tasks app but not on FamilyCast display. Why? A: Wait for the next refresh interval (default 15 min). Or try manual refresh, or reduce refresh interval to 5 minutes.

Q: Can we check off tasks directly on the FamilyCast display? A: Not currently. Task management happens in the Google Tasks app. The display is view-only.

Q: What if someone deletes a task by accident? A: Tasks deleted in Google Tasks app will disappear from display at next sync. There's no undo in Google Tasks, but you can recreate the task.

Privacy & Security

Q: Is our task data private? A: Yes. Data is encrypted in transit and cached temporarily. FamilyCast has read-only access and cannot modify tasks.

Q: Can Google see our FamilyCast display? A: No. FamilyCast fetches data from Google Tasks API, but Google doesn't know what you're displaying or how.

Q: What happens if we disconnect Google account? A: Tasks immediately stop updating and are removed from display. OAuth token is revoked. You can reconnect anytime.

Q: Is it safe to display tasks in public areas of our home? A: Consider what guests might see. Use filters to hide personal tasks, or create separate task lists for public displays vs. private areas.


Ready to transform your family's task management? Connect your Google account and turn your FamilyCast display into your family's accountability center!

→ Set Up Google Tasks Integration Now