Time Out - Break Reminders 17+

I started using Time Out years ago and really liked it - even though I was often surprised when it was “suddenly” time to take a break! For no particular reason, I stoped using the app but rediscovered it a few months ago. I was very glad to see that the developer has continued to enhance the app in terms of features and options within the features. I am also impressed with he developer’s unique approach to maintaining a viable app. Instead of a high initial purchase price, or a rigid yearly subscription, the developer is instituted a “supporter” option where a user who likes the app can “support” the app for varying lengths of time, 1, 6 or 12 months. During this “support’ interval, users can get free upgrades. If the user stops supporting the app, they can continue to use the app as is. What I find particularly unique is at some point in the future the user who stopped supporting decides to “support’ again, there is no penalty for the missing interval. One simply “supports’ again. By the way, I see that there is also a free trial period. Taking breaks is important, but it is also important to support small, thoughtful developers without breaking one’s budget.

I’ve been having neck problems for quite some time now, even gone acupuncture and chiropractic to try to fix my constant slouching since I’m in front of the computer for long periods of time without taking breaks. I downloaded this in hopes of getting reminded that I do need to take a break here and there. So far I believe it has helped me, granted I’ve only had it for a few days. I like the idea that when the notification pops up, it stays on top of all the bazzillion applications I have running which then forces me to take a break for xx seconds or xx minutes depending on how I had the application configured. In certain situations such as when I’m presenting, I can easily postpone the notifications for 5 or 10 minutes - this feature is useful because while it can be disruptive - it also reminds me that I still need to stretch my neck or take a break.

Tip: for those having neck fatigue of pain, when the notification alerts you that a break is needed, don’t just walk away - but actually excercise or stretch your tense muscles - it helps a lot more and keep those bones from crystalizing…

There’s been a lot of recent health research proving that taking frequent breaks is necessary for those who spend significant time in front of a computer. If you neglect or forget to take your eyes off the screen or get up to move around a bit, this app is for you!

I’m super-critical of software design, and I’m impressed with Time Out. It fixes all the things wrong with all the other break timers I’ve tried, plus adds a lot of extra features without cluttering the UI. One of the best things not mentioned in the product description is that there are well written instructions in the app for all the features; there’s no guesswork.

The subscription model is unique. I like it. I’d like to see more of this because it’s a good compromise between the old method where you buy an app and pay for major upgrades at a discount, and the new renewing subscription model that forces you to pay for upgrades whether you want them or not. The free version is ad-free and the app is pretty good without the extras that expire without a subscription. I subscribed. The extras are easily worth the price!