Native Integrations in Motion: Task from Email & Task from Siri

Note: This article assumes you've read the articles "Creating a Task in Motion" and "Creating an Event in Motion". If you haven't, we recommend starting there for foundational concepts.

Summary:

Motion’s native integrations allow you to seamlessly create and manage tasks directly from your email inbox or using Siri on your iPhone. These tools reduce manual input, eliminate context-switching, and ensure tasks are captured effortlessly.

This guide covers two key integrations:

1. Task from Email – Forward emails to Motion to automatically create tasks.

2. Task from Siri – Use Siri Shortcuts to create tasks hands-free.

Let’s dive into each integration, with detailed explanations, examples, and best practices.

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1. Task from Email

1.1 Overview

Turn your emails into actionable tasks with Motion’s Task from Email integration. Instead of manually copying details into Motion, simply forward an email, and Motion will handle the rest.

Key Benefits:

• Effortless task creation from emails.

• Automatic parsing of essential details like title, due date, and priority.

• Seamless integration with your existing workflow.

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1.2 How It Works

1. Forward the Email: Forward any email from your connected email accounts to [e-mail].
2. Automatic Parsing: Motion’s AI parses the email and extracts task details.

3. Task Creation: The task appears in your Motion workspace with relevant details.

Example Workflow:

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1.3 Task Details Mapping

Email Field:	Motion Task Field:	Example:
Subject Line	Task Title	"Prepare Client Report"
Email Body- 'By Friday'	Task Description	"Finalize the Q4 report by Friday."

1.4 Examples of Email to Task

Example 1: Client Call Reminder

• Subject: Client Call

• Body: Call Client A on Friday at 3 PM. High Priority.

Result in Motion:

• Title: Call Client A

• Due Date: Friday, 3 PM

• Priority: High

Example 2: Vacation Research

• Subject: Research Coffee Shops in Brisbane

• Body: Complete the research by Wednesday. Medium Priority.

Result in Motion:

• Title: Research Coffee Shops in Brisbane

• Due Date: Wednesday

• Priority: Medium

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1.5 Best Practices

• Use clear subject lines.

• Include specific deadlines and priorities in the email body.

• Avoid vague phrases like "Do this ASAP" without context.

Good Example:

Subject: Submit Financial Report Body: Submit Q4 financial report by Thursday, priority High.

Bad Example:

Subject: Report Body: Do the thing I mentioned.

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2. Task from Siri

2.1 Overview

Use Siri to create tasks in Motion hands-free. Perfect for when you're on the go, driving, or multitasking.

Key Benefits:

• Hands-free task creation.

• Fast and efficient.

• Immediate addition of tasks into your Motion workspace.

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2.2 How It Works

1. Enable Siri Shortcuts for Motion: Configure Siri integration in the Motion app.

2. Create a Task with Siri: Use voice commands like "Hey Siri, Motion, create a task for…"

3. Task Appears in Motion: Siri sends the details directly to Motion.

Example Workflow:

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2.3 Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Enable Siri Shortcuts for Motion

1. Open the Shortcuts app on iOS.

2. Locate Motion in the list of apps.

3. Enable Siri Suggestions and Spotlight Search.

Step 2: Disable Conflicting Shortcuts

• Turn off Siri suggestions for Reminders and Notes in iOS settings.

Step 3: Create Tasks with Siri

• Activate Siri by saying: “Hey Siri, Motion”

• Dictate your task: “Remind me to prepare slides by Friday, two hours estimated.”

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2.4 Examples of Tasks with Siri

Example 1: Quick Task Creation

"Hey Siri, Motion, schedule a call with Sarah tomorrow at 2 PM."

Result in Motion:

• Title: Call with Sarah

• Due Date: Tomorrow, 2 PM

• Priority: Medium

Example 2: High-Priority Task

"Hey Siri, Motion, finish the quarterly report by next Monday. High priority."

Result in Motion:

• Title: Finish Quarterly Report

• Due Date: Next Monday

• Priority: High

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2.5 Best Practices

• Use clear and structured voice commands.

• Pause briefly between "Hey Siri" and "Motion."

• Be specific with task details (e.g., time, priority, deadline).

Good Example:

"Hey Siri, Motion, draft the sales strategy document by Friday, two hours block."

Bad Example:

"Hey Siri, Motion, do the thing."

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3. Conclusion

Motion’s Task from Email and Task from Siri integrations are powerful tools designed to streamline your productivity and minimize friction when creating tasks.

• Use Email Integration for structured tasks from your inbox.

• Use Siri Integration for hands-free, on-the-go task creation.

If you encounter issues or need help, reach out to our support team or explore more in our Help Center.

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FAQ:

1. Can I add specific details to my email to task— like requesting the task be scheduled to a specific custom schedule?

• No, not in the initial email to task scheduling. However, you can always edit specific task details in Motion once your email to task has been scheduled.

2. Can Motion automatically detect and flag task-like emails for me?

• No, the email must be sent from any email address that’s under your “Accounts” section, and forwarded to [e-mail] without any other recipients.

3. Can Motion parse through attachments (e.g., Excel Files, PDFs, Flight Booking Files, etc.)?

• No, Motion cannot read or parse the text through attachments or files within the email thread. It focuses solely on the actual email body and its content.

• Attachments such as Excel files, PDFs, or flight booking files are not processed by Motion for task creation.

4. Can I CC, BCC or add other recipients to the email?

• No, the email must be sent from any of your email addresses under your ‘Accounts’ section, to [e-mail].

5. How long should it take for my tasks to appear?

• Email task creation is usually swift, and you can expect your tasks to show up in about 30 seconds or less.