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Buy me a pie was released onto Android a couple of weeks ago and since then I have been putting it through its paces to see what this app has going for it over the numerous other shopping list apps in Google Play, so let’s take a closer look.

There really isn’t much to shopping list apps, they allow you to add items to a list and then cross them off as you pick up those items in the store. Buy me a pie has a couple of nice features that I will get to in a minute, but for now let’s take a look at the user interface.

Buy me a pie has a nice clean interface that shows you items in a neat list grouped by colour. The different colours represent different categories in your list such as fruit and vegetables, meat products etc, but none of the categories are labelled so you can put whatever you like into the different categories. Your list is split into two sections: Items that are still on your list and items that you have already cross off your list.

To cross an item off your list you simply tap on that item and it will be moved to the bottom of the list and will be crossed out. This makes it easy to see what items have been crossed off while keeping them separate from the rest of the items you still need to collect.

Adding items to you list has also been made super simple. You can search for items using the text box provided which will show you suggestions as soon as you start typing, you can view a list of items that are already in the database sorted alphabetically or by category or you can add items from your favourites list which shows items that you have selected before. You can also add custom items using the text box and those items will automatically be added to the database.

One of the neat features is the ability to add quantities to your list, and this doesn’t have to be a simple 2 or 3, it can be anything you like. You can either add these quantities using the text box at the time of entering the items or you can add them later. I have found that most of the time I am adding items from the pre-existing list so in most cases you will be adding quantities after they have been added to you list. This is still quite simple though. Long press on an item and click edit and then press the ‘123’ button and try in your quantity. You could be after a bunch, a bag, 3, 4 or 5 items, it doesn’t matter what you enter.

When you are finished with your list, click the delete button and a new list is automatically created for you.

I have only been playing around with the free version of the app, but there is also a pro version that adds the following features:

  • Use multiple shopping lists
  • Synchronize your lists with your friends and family
  • Manage shopping lists on buymeapie.com
  • Share lists via other applications
  • Duplicate shopping lists

The pro version is available on the Play store for AU $1.11

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    Oleg Nederev

    Darren thanks for taking time to look at our app and write such a good review!
    Strange that you’ve played only with the free version I’m sure I’ve sent you APK of the full featured version 🙂

    Daniel Tyson

    Oleg, is there going to be any functionality for to-do lists added?

    Oleg Nederev

    Hi Daniel! No we are not planning to do this. We want to leave the app super focused just on one task – doing shopping more comfortable.

    Gregorian

    My family uses “Our Groceries”, which does the same Shopping List sharing deal.
    Once you can get everyone to actively use it, it becomes pretty useful.

    Peter Massey

    Haha I was going to post the exact same thing!

    All our Android devices have a common account, which we use to buy apps, so I can leverage off that for common syncing!

    Might give this a run.

    Gregorian

    In both By Me a Pie and Our Groceries, you don’t have to be all using the same G account on your phones. You just have to put the same login details into the app.

    It is cool to be at Woolworths, and while you are looking at the app, “Vanilla Coke” appears because your daughter needs caffeine.

    Daniel Fragar

    Frustrating, more like. My wife makes me do 4 laps of the supermarket ‘cos she keeps adding stuff just as I am heading for the checkout.

    Oleg Nederev

    But it’s better than having to return to the store after you just came home and realized something important is missing! 😉

    Greg

    And our groceries gives you full access to all features in the free version. Paying just removes ads if you so desire.

    Daniel Tyson

    I too use Our Groceries – but I`m gonna give this a run and see how it goes.