focusedOS: Focus & Screen Time

I’ve tried a lot of focus / app blockers but this one together with Focused Work are the winners. One mild complaint is that the sync to other devices isn’t very reliable, I often have to bring the app forward in iOS to get it to realize the state has changed, it’s not the end of the world but it is a fairly conspicuous hiccup. It’s not so bad if it’s stuck in focus mode, but if it’s stuck in not-focus then I can find myself in my distractions if I pick up the phone without thinking. I really do need to be able to trust it reliably. As it is I try to double check at the beginning of a flow session and usually it will stay in sync through the whole thing.

Just finished my first "Session" with the app and already I love it. It blocked out all my other distracting windows that I need, but don't want to see every second. I also loved the fireplace sound to block out all other distracting noises! If you struggle with focus, definitely give focusedOS a try!

This app shows promise but isn't yet greater than the sum of its parts. This app is begging for the ability to set a timer when turned on. Being able to set it on a schedule would also be nice. The ability to turn off wi-fi and block apps is good, but it's too easy to just shut off focus mode to use the stuff I have blocked. An option to turn it on for a specified time and lock it so that it can't be turned off would be great. Another minor quibble is that the app has to remain open in the dock for the top bar icon to remain visible. It would be nice to be able to close the app but have it remain open in the background like other apps do. I feel like the app is trying to do a lot of things but not doing any of them quite as well as the individual apps it's trying to replace, but maybe it will get better with time and refinement.