Focus – Productivity Timer 4+

Better alternative to Be Focused Pro

I used to use Be Focused Pro, but got frustrated that I kept losing my data when I wanted to look back at the reports to see my progress. Using Focus was a lot better because I can visually see how my productivity varies each week/month and how much time I put into each task. One time the Focus iOS app wasn't syncing correctly with the Mac app but I was able to receive help after emailing the support team. I am very satisfied that I still have my session progress saved. This app informed me about my productivity in my fall semester of college and I am looking forward to continue using it to finish my senior year (especially with Student Teaching tasks!). I also really love the menu bar item because it reminds me to get work on the present task. The dark mode and accent colors are a nice and necessary additions, as someone who works on my computer at night. Overall I would recommend this app to anyone who wants to keep track of their productivity with the Pomodoro method or set up their own work and break session length. Keep up the good work!

Best timer that uses Pomodoro technique

I can use this on my Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. I love that you can drag OmniFocus tasks to the taks list. I wish there was an option to publish completed sessions to your calendar. I also wish it had some achievement-type gamification. It would also be nice to have more than one ticking sound to select from. I would like to see them work closer with OmniGroup to integrate Focus with OmniFocus even more. I also wish there was a share button on the statistics area. These are all things that would take it to the next level. As is, it is still the Pomodoro-friendly timer that checks the majority of the boxes for me.

A Message to the Developers

- Privacy Policy 1 Star
- iCloud Sync Support Capability 1 Star
- Overall Graphical Design 1 Star
- Ineffective/Intrusive User Interface (UI) -1 Star
- Inability to select Task from the Menu Bar -1 Star

As nuch as I would like to, I cannot bring myself to truly enjoy this app. A time management application is supposed to help increase productivity; however, I've found this app to do quite the opposite.

Consider the following:

1). Transition Focus to a Menu Bar only. At present, the UI serves no meaningful purpose other than being a distraction from productivity. Matter of fact, everything contained within the UI can be moved to a simple Menu Bar dropdown menu.

2). Automatically move from timer to break and vice verse. The delays imposed by having to interact with the UI once a timer has either expired or set to begin is rather inefficient. Or, at least, allow the user to select automatic timer/break/timer transition.

3). From the Menu Bar, allow the ability to select or switch between tasks. Again, having to go back to the main UI is rather inefficient. It like the intended appeal is the deisgn opposed to the overall effectiveness.

4). Also consider providing better, more library/study appropriate Notification Sounds. None of the current Notification Sounds provide a soft subtle short alert. The offered sounds a more in line with text norifications and ring tones.

Developer Response ,

Dear Muay Thai Warrior, thanks for taking the time to leave a review.

Privacy is a very important topic for us - we sell apps and not your data. 

Take a look at the privacy nutrition label in the App Store or our Privacy Policy - no personal data is collected. All data stays on your device and iCloud syncing is private and secure. If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to get in touch and I will answer all your questions!

Talking about iCloud: iCloud sync is supported! We offer a fast and modern iCloud sync so that you can use Focus on all your devices: Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.

Finally, I'm sorry to hear that the design didn't match your taste - everybody is different and has different workflows and needs. We'll take your suggestions into account for future development.

We're always grateful to receive feedback, because this helps us to make the app better. Know that if you want to send us a message, it's best get in touch via customer support, as reviews only reach us with quite some delay. Here is our email address: support@meaningful-things.com

Thank you and best wishes!
- Kerstin