Meet Focus: the best time manager for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac. Focus is the most elegant and professional way to get more wore done, working in highly efficient work sessions, one task at a time.
“[…] a tool that can genuinely make people more productive" – MacStories.net
“[…] a must-have for anyone who finds themselves easily getting distracted or forgetting to take occasional breaks." – iDownloadBlog.com
====================== FEATURES ======================
FOCUS SESSIONS Focus Sessions are a highly efficient way to work. Focus for 25 minutes, then take a short break to relax your mind. After four sessions, take a 15 to 20 minute break. This method maximizes energy, stimulates creativity and promotes a sense of achievement!
TASK MANAGER Focus includes a lightweight task manager that lets you organize the things you want to work on intuitively. By working on one task at a time, you won’t be distracted and can focus all your attention towards completing that goal. That way you’ll be perfectly organized on your path to success.
IN-DEPTH STATISTICS Check what you’ve already done! Focus keeps track of your work and offers in-depth and motivating statistics. See your daily, weekly and monthly activity so you don’t lose sight of the big picture.
FOCUS EVERYWHERE Seamlessly use Focus on your Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. Sync across your devices using iCloud; use Handoff to pick up your current work on another device and get up-to-the-second data with iCloud Push. You can also use the Today widget to quickly glance at your progress, import tasks using the handy Action extension, and more.
FOCUS & APPLE WATCH: A PERFECT FIT Using Focus on your wrist is a natural fit. The independent Apple Watch app is made for for easy and lightweight interactions that lets you control sessions and track your progress throughout the day. With the Focus complication, you can customize your watch face to see your current progress at a glance.
====================== FOCUS PRO ======================
One subscription for all devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch): Focus Pro includes lightweight task management, in-depth activity data, fast and secure iCloud sync to have your data across all your devices and more for $4.99/month or $39.99/year.
Special offers for existing customers as well as free trials are available.
Price and duration of each subscription is displayed in Focus, updated at the time of purchase. Payments will be charged to iTunes account at confirmation at purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off no later than 24h before the end of the current period. Subscriptions and to-renewal can be managed / turned off in the iTunes account settings.
Privacy Policy: https://www.masterbuilders.io/privacy Terms of Service: https://www.masterbuilders.io/terms
What’s New
Version History
5.1.2
5.1.2: - Minor changes.
5.1: - New drag & drop functionality: drag tasks from OmniFocus, mails from Mail or links from Safari into your task list to get a tappable backlink - Live updates for the task activity - Quickly set the session length by left clicking and dragging on the timer - Better sync performance - Bug fixes and improvements
We're always happy to hear your thoughts and feedback: @focusappio on Twitter and support@masterbuilders.io
5.1.1
Focus 5.1.1: - Fixes drag & drop from OmniFocus / Mail / Safari on macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
Focus 5.1: - New drag & drop functionality: drag tasks from OmniFocus, mails from Mail or links from Safari into your task list to get a tappable backlink - Live updates for the task activity - Quickly set the session length by left clicking and dragging on the timer - Better sync performance - Bug fixes and improvements We're always happy to hear your thoughts and feedback: @focusappio on Twitter and support@masterbuilders.io
5.1
Focus 5.1: - New drag & drop functionality: drag tasks from OmniFocus, mails from Mail or links from Safari into your task list to get a tappable backlink - Live updates for the task activity - Quickly set the session length by left clicking and dragging on the timer - Better sync performance - Bug fixes and improvements
We're always happy to hear your thoughts and feedback: @focusappio on Twitter and support@masterbuilders.io
5.0.3
5.0.3: - Dark Mode now works correctly when not subscribed to Focus Pro - Sharing extension now displays an error when something went wrong - Data download now includes all new attributes - Task details (activity progress) will now be updated correctly - Fixes a problem with fullscreen notifications - Removed chevron from Menu Bar item title - A lot of other improvements and fixes
As always, we love to hear from you: @focusappio on Twitter and hello@masterbuilders.io
5.0: Introducing Focus 5 - Designed Around Your Productivity Focus 5 is a major update to your productivity. With support for macOS Mojave, the new Dark Mode, extended Touch Bar support, and a completely new way to manage tasks, Focus 5 is packed full with new features and enhancements across the board.
Dark Mode Focus 5 comes with a new Dark Mode that integrates perfectly into macOS Mojave. You can either choose to adapt to the system appearance or choose Focus to be light or dark manually. So you can use the new Dark Mode even if you prefer everything else to be light. In addition, the new Dark Mode in Focus is backwards compatible to macOS High Sierra.
We even took it a step further and integrated the use of Accent Colors: choose to use the system Accent Color as your main Focus color and the whole app will tint itself in this new appearance. This looks cool and gives you almost endless possibilities to style the app’s appearance.
New Task List Focus 5 includes a better way to manage your tasks: the new task list is easier to use, looks beautiful and makes organizing your tasks a breeze. In addition to the existing session estimates, it can now set time estimates, too.
5.0.2
5.0.2: - Fullscreen mode now works as expected - Fixes a crash on launch - New shortcut to hide the task list: cmd+alt+s - Today Widget has now a Dark Mode, too
As always, we love to hear from you: @focusappio on Twitter and hello@masterbuilders.io
5.0: Introducing Focus 5 - Designed Around Your Productivity Focus 5 is a major update to your productivity. With support for macOS Mojave, the new Dark Mode, extended Touch Bar support, and a completely new way to manage tasks, Focus 5 is packed full with new features and enhancements across the board.
Dark Mode Focus 5 comes with a new Dark Mode that integrates perfectly into macOS Mojave. You can either choose to adapt to the system appearance or choose Focus to be light or dark manually. So you can use the new Dark Mode even if you prefer everything else to be light. In addition, the new Dark Mode in Focus is backwards compatible to macOS High Sierra.
We even took it a step further and integrated the use of Accent Colors: choose to use the system Accent Color as your main Focus color and the whole app will tint itself in this new appearance. This looks cool and gives you almost endless possibilities to style the app’s appearance.
New Task List Focus 5 includes a better way to manage your tasks: the new task list is easier to use, looks beautiful and makes organizing your tasks a breeze. In addition to the existing session estimates, it can now set time estimates, too.
As always, we love to hear from you: @focusappio on Twitter and hello@masterbuilders.io
5.0
Introducing Focus 5 - Designed Around Your Productivity
Focus 5 is a major update to your productivity. With support for macOS Mojave, the new Dark Mode, extended Touch Bar support, and a completely new way to manage tasks, Focus 5 is packed full with new features and enhancements across the board.
Dark Mode Focus 5 comes with a new Dark Mode that integrates perfectly into macOS Mojave. You can either choose to adapt to the system appearance or choose Focus to be light or dark manually. So you can use the new Dark Mode even if you prefer everything else to be light. In addition, the new Dark Mode in Focus is backwards compatible to macOS High Sierra.
We even took it a step further and integrated the use of Accent Colors: choose to use the system Accent Color as your main Focus color and the whole app will tint itself in this new appearance. This looks cool and gives you almost endless possibilities to style the app’s appearance.
New Task List Focus 5 includes a better way to manage your tasks: the new task list is easier to use, looks beautiful and makes organizing your tasks a breeze. In addition to the existing session estimates, it can now set time estimates, too.
As always, we love to hear from you: @focusappio on Twitter and hello@masterbuilders.io
4.6
- New store view. - Bugfixes and performance improvements.
If you have questions or feedback, please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io Twitter: @focusappio
4.5.5
- Bugfixes and performance improvements.
If you have questions or feedback, please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io Twitter: @focusappio
4.5.4
- Compatibly with macOS 10.14 Mojave. - Fixes a crash that occurred on launch for some users. - Performance improvements and fixes for the underlying architecture.
If you have questions or feedback, please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io Twitter: @focusappio
4.5.3
- Compatibly with macOS 10.14 Mojave.
If you have questions or feedback, please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io Twitter: @focusappio
4.5.1
Focus 4.5 brings new features and improvements to the Mac. New notification styles make it easy to work in fullscreen apps and interact with Focus without leaving what you're working on. The redesigned preferences provide a clear and beautiful way to set your preferred settings and provide Touch Bar support for the most important actions. With the new privacy controls you have full access and control over everything we store for you in iCloud.
NEW NOTIFICATION STYLES - Default Notification Style: When a session finishes, the Focus main window comes up, giving you the opportunity to choose what to do next. The app icon starts to bounce and a system notification will appear, too. - System Notifications Only: Only a system notification will inform you about the finished session and offers some options on what to do next. This is great for working in fullscreen or when using just the Focus Mini menu bar item. - Fullscreen Notifications: A notification that floats atop everything else and blocks the entire screen until you've decided what to do. This is great if you easily miss notifications or just want to have a glaring reminder that the session is up.
NEW PRIVACY CONTROLS We are not in the business of selling your data. Everything is computed on device and we only store what's necessary to sync your data across your devices. To do that, we use iCloud. With Focus 4.5 you now have complete control over that data and can download or delete everything right from the app's preferences.
If you have questions or feedback, please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io Twitter: @focusappio
4.5
Focus 4.5 brings new features and improvements to the Mac. New notification styles make it easy to work in fullscreen apps and interact with Focus without leaving what you're working on. The redesigned preferences provide a clear and beautiful way to set your preferred settings and provide Touch Bar support for the most important actions. With the new privacy controls you have full access and control over everything we store for you in iCloud.
NEW NOTIFICATION STYLES - Default Notification Style: When a session finishes, the Focus main window comes up, giving you the opportunity to choose what to do next. The app icon starts to bounce and a system notification will appear, too. - System Notifications Only: Only a system notification will inform you about the finished session and offers some options on what to do next. This is great for working in fullscreen or when using just the Focus Mini menu bar item. - Fullscreen Notifications: A notification that floats atop everything else and blocks the entire screen until you've decided what to do. This is great if you easily miss notifications or just want to have a glaring reminder that the session is up.
NEW PRIVACY CONTROLS We are not in the business of selling your data. Everything is computed on device and we only store what's necessary to sync your data across your devices. To do that, we use iCloud. With Focus 4.5 you now have complete control over that data and can download or delete everything right from the app's preferences.
If you have questions or feedback, please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io Twitter: @focusappio
4.4
- New tutorial section that goes into more detail about the working technique behind Focus and how to get the most out of it. - Newsletter signup and 7-day email tutorial for new Pro subscribers with a lot of tips, tricks and insights. - Improved onboarding experience. - Localization update. - Performance improvements and enhancements.
As always, we’re happy to hear what you think about Focus or to offer you assistance if anything does not work as expected: hello@masterbuilders.io
4.3.6
- An active subscription should now be shown correctly.
As always, we’re happy to hear what you think about Focus or to offer you assistance if anything does not work as expected: hello@masterbuilders.io
4.3.5
- Fixes a memory problem. - Bugfixes and performance improvements.
As always, we’re happy to hear what you think about Focus or to offer you assistance if anything does not work as expected: hello@masterbuilders.io
4.3.4
- Improved launch time. - Several performance improvements and bugfixes.
As always, we’re happy to hear what you think about Focus or to offer you assistance if anything does not work as expected: hello@masterbuilders.io
4.3.2
- New global shortcut to reset a session. - Bugfixes and performance improvements.
As always, we’re happy to hear what you think about Focus or to offer you assistance if anything does not work as expected: hello@masterbuilders.io
4.3.1
- New global shortcut to reset a session. - Bugfixes and performance improvements.
As always, we’re happy to hear what you think about Focus or to offer you assistance if anything does not work as expected: hello@masterbuilders.io
4.3
Focus 4.3:
- Due Dates: Focus now supports due dates and shows them in the task list. Overdue items are now part of the Today list and will be highlighted. - Activity Comparison: You can now compare your daily, weekly and monthly activity with the previous day/week/month to give you a better sense of your progress. - Enhanced Split View compatibility - New Today Widget and Share extension - Performance improvements and bugfixes
If you have questions or feedback, please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io and @focusappio (on Twitter). We're always happy to hear from you!
4.0.7
• Bugfixes and stability improvements
As always, if you have questions or feedback please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io
— 4.0:
The all-new Focus is here! A rethinking of the original idea: a simple yet powerful time-manager to improve personal productivity. Entirely rewritten, Focus features an all-new design, better performance and deep integration into each platform.
We’ve improved every area of the app. Here’s a detailed list:
• New Design Focus has been redesigned from the ground up. A modern look & feel, subtle animations and a clear design ensure that the interaction with Focus is now more intuitive and natural.
• Better Performance and iCloud sync Based on iCloud, Focus comes with a state-of-the-art cloud sync architecture that keeps your data in sync across all your devices. It is both fast and reliable. And with iCloud Push, your data is always up-to-date.
• Improved Handoff Handoff makes switching devices easy. With Focus on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac, you can continue where you left off on another device and your data will already be there.
• New Today Widget & Sharing Extension Focus comes with a new Today widget that let’s you control your current session directly from the Notification Center. And with the new sharing extension, you can add new tasks to Focus from almost anywhere. Simply choose ‘Add to Focus’ in the system share menu.
• Better Task Management - Tasks can now have a due date - Tasks can now have an estimate about the time it takes to complete them - You estimate will now visually be compared against the time you’ve worked on this task - You can now add multiple tasks in a row. Add a new task using ‘+’ and when you’re done editing simply press ‘+’ again to add another task.
• Better Touch Bar Support Touch Bar is now supported in almost every area of the app. Whether you want to add an item, start a timer or extend a session: quickly interact with Focus using the Touch Bar.
• Better Drag & Drop - You can now select multiple items and perform batch operations (reorder, delete, complete, etc.) on them - Dragging is now more accessible: start a drag by clicking anywhere on the task - Support for TaskPaper file format: you can now drag & drop tasks from and to other apps (that support this format, e.g. TaskPaper, OmniFocus etc.) and task attributes like notes, due date, completion date will be kept.
• Better Menu Bar Item - Right at the top of your screen, the Focus Menu Bar Item is your little companion wherever you are. Quickly glance at your most important informations like the current progress and the active task with just one click. - Choose between different icon styles for Focus in the Menu Bar: display only the remaining time as text, the remaining time as a filling circle, the remaining time and a filling circle side by side or the active task name next to the filling circle.
• Enhanced for the Latest in Hardware & Software Focus takes advantage of Wide Color (P3) displays and is enhanced for macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
• Hallo, Hola, Bonjour, 你好i, こんにちは: Focus is now localized into German, Spanish, French, Japanese and Chinese (simplified).
4.0.6
• New option to hide the app icon in the dock • Additional option to show a static icon in the menu bar • You can now quickly switch through your lists (task, completed, due) with cmd+1, cmd+2, cmd+3. • Task activity is now displayed correctly • Bugfixes and performance improvements
As always, if you have questions or feedback please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io
— 2.0:
The all-new Focus is here! A rethinking of the original idea: a simple yet powerful time-manager to improve personal productivity. Entirely rewritten, Focus features an all-new design, better performance and deep integration into each platform.
We’ve improved every area of the app. Here’s a detailed list:
• New Design Focus has been redesigned from the ground up. A modern look & feel, subtle animations and a clear design ensure that the interaction with Focus is now more intuitive and natural.
• Better Performance and iCloud sync Based on iCloud, Focus comes with a state-of-the-art cloud sync architecture that keeps your data in sync across all your devices. It is both fast and reliable. And with iCloud Push, your data is always up-to-date.
• Improved Handoff Handoff makes switching devices easy. With Focus on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac, you can continue where you left off on another device and your data will already be there.
• New Today Widget & Sharing Extension Focus comes with a new Today widget that let’s you control your current session directly from the Notification Center. And with the new sharing extension, you can add new tasks to Focus from almost anywhere. Simply choose ‘Add to Focus’ in the system share menu.
• Better Task Management - Tasks can now have a due date - Tasks can now have an estimate about the time it takes to complete them - You estimate will now visually be compared against the time you’ve worked on this task - You can now add multiple tasks in a row. Add a new task using ‘+’ and when you’re done editing simply press ‘+’ again to add another task.
• Better Touch Bar Support Touch Bar is now supported in almost every area of the app. Whether you want to add an item, start a timer or extend a session: quickly interact with Focus using the Touch Bar.
• Better Drag & Drop - You can now select multiple items and perform batch operations (reorder, delete, complete, etc.) on them - Dragging is now more accessible: start a drag by clicking anywhere on the task - Support for TaskPaper file format: you can now drag & drop tasks from and to other apps (that support this format, e.g. TaskPaper, OmniFocus etc.) and task attributes like notes, due date, completion date will be kept.
• Better Menu Bar Item - Right at the top of your screen, the Focus Menu Bar Item is your little companion wherever you are. Quickly glance at your most important informations like the current progress and the active task with just one click. - Choose between different icon styles for Focus in the Menu Bar: display only the remaining time as text, the remaining time as a filling circle, the remaining time and a filling circle side by side or the active task name next to the filling circle.
• Enhanced for the Latest in Hardware & Software Focus takes advantage of Wide Color (P3) displays and is enhanced for macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
• Hallo, Hola, Bonjour, 你好i, こんにちは: Focus is now localized into German, Spanish, French, Japanese and Chinese (simplified).
4.0.5
• New option to hide the app icon in the dock • Additional option to show a static icon in the menu bar • You can now quickly switch through your lists (task, completed, due) with cmd+1, cmd+2, cmd+3. • Task activity is now displayed correctly • Bugfixes and performance improvements
As always, if you have questions or feedback please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io
— 2.0:
The all-new Focus is here! A rethinking of the original idea: a simple yet powerful time-manager to improve personal productivity. Entirely rewritten, Focus features an all-new design, better performance and deep integration into each platform.
We’ve improved every area of the app. Here’s a detailed list:
• New Design Focus has been redesigned from the ground up. A modern look & feel, subtle animations and a clear design ensure that the interaction with Focus is now more intuitive and natural.
• Better Performance and iCloud sync Based on iCloud, Focus comes with a state-of-the-art cloud sync architecture that keeps your data in sync across all your devices. It is both fast and reliable. And with iCloud Push, your data is always up-to-date.
• Improved Handoff Handoff makes switching devices easy. With Focus on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac, you can continue where you left off on another device and your data will already be there.
• New Today Widget & Sharing Extension Focus comes with a new Today widget that let’s you control your current session directly from the Notification Center. And with the new sharing extension, you can add new tasks to Focus from almost anywhere. Simply choose ‘Add to Focus’ in the system share menu.
• Better Task Management - Tasks can now have a due date - Tasks can now have an estimate about the time it takes to complete them - You estimate will now visually be compared against the time you’ve worked on this task - You can now add multiple tasks in a row. Add a new task using ‘+’ and when you’re done editing simply press ‘+’ again to add another task.
• Better Touch Bar Support Touch Bar is now supported in almost every area of the app. Whether you want to add an item, start a timer or extend a session: quickly interact with Focus using the Touch Bar.
• Better Drag & Drop - You can now select multiple items and perform batch operations (reorder, delete, complete, etc.) on them - Dragging is now more accessible: start a drag by clicking anywhere on the task - Support for TaskPaper file format: you can now drag & drop tasks from and to other apps (that support this format, e.g. TaskPaper, OmniFocus etc.) and task attributes like notes, due date, completion date will be kept.
• Better Menu Bar Item - Right at the top of your screen, the Focus Menu Bar Item is your little companion wherever you are. Quickly glance at your most important informations like the current progress and the active task with just one click. - Choose between different icon styles for Focus in the Menu Bar: display only the remaining time as text, the remaining time as a filling circle, the remaining time and a filling circle side by side or the active task name next to the filling circle.
• Enhanced for the Latest in Hardware & Software Focus takes advantage of Wide Color (P3) displays and is enhanced for macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
• Hallo, Hola, Bonjour, 你好i, こんにちは: Focus is now localized into German, Spanish, French, Japanese and Chinese (simplified).
4.0.4
• New option to hide the app icon in the dock • Additional option to show a static icon in the menu bar • You can now quickly switch through your lists (task, completed, due) with cmd+1, cmd+2, cmd+3. • Task activity is now displayed correctly • Bugfixes and performance improvements
As always, if you have questions or feedback please get in touch: hello@masterbuilders.io
— 2.0:
The all-new Focus is here! A rethinking of the original idea: a simple yet powerful time-manager to improve personal productivity. Entirely rewritten, Focus features an all-new design, better performance and deep integration into each platform.
We’ve improved every area of the app. Here’s a detailed list:
• New Design Focus has been redesigned from the ground up. A modern look & feel, subtle animations and a clear design ensure that the interaction with Focus is now more intuitive and natural.
• Better Performance and iCloud sync Based on iCloud, Focus comes with a state-of-the-art cloud sync architecture that keeps your data in sync across all your devices. It is both fast and reliable. And with iCloud Push, your data is always up-to-date.
• Improved Handoff Handoff makes switching devices easy. With Focus on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac, you can continue where you left off on another device and your data will already be there.
• New Today Widget & Sharing Extension Focus comes with a new Today widget that let’s you control your current session directly from the Notification Center. And with the new sharing extension, you can add new tasks to Focus from almost anywhere. Simply choose ‘Add to Focus’ in the system share menu.
• Better Task Management - Tasks can now have a due date - Tasks can now have an estimate about the time it takes to complete them - You estimate will now visually be compared against the time you’ve worked on this task - You can now add multiple tasks in a row. Add a new task using ‘+’ and when you’re done editing simply press ‘+’ again to add another task.
• Better Touch Bar Support Touch Bar is now supported in almost every area of the app. Whether you want to add an item, start a timer or extend a session: quickly interact with Focus using the Touch Bar.
• Better Drag & Drop - You can now select multiple items and perform batch operations (reorder, delete, complete, etc.) on them - Dragging is now more accessible: start a drag by clicking anywhere on the task - Support for TaskPaper file format: you can now drag & drop tasks from and to other apps (that support this format, e.g. TaskPaper, OmniFocus etc.) and task attributes like notes, due date, completion date will be kept.
• Better Menu Bar Item - Right at the top of your screen, the Focus Menu Bar Item is your little companion wherever you are. Quickly glance at your most important informations like the current progress and the active task with just one click. - Choose between different icon styles for Focus in the Menu Bar: display only the remaining time as text, the remaining time as a filling circle, the remaining time and a filling circle side by side or the active task name next to the filling circle.
• Enhanced for the Latest in Hardware & Software Focus takes advantage of Wide Color (P3) displays and is enhanced for macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
• Hallo, Hola, Bonjour, 你好i, こんにちは: Focus is now localized into German, Spanish, French, Japanese and Chinese (simplified).
4.0.2
• Certain Focus Pro features were not properly unlocked for existing users. This is now fixed. Sorry for the inconvenience!
— 2.0:
The all-new Focus is here! A rethinking of the original idea: a simple yet powerful time-manager to improve personal productivity. Entirely rewritten, Focus features an all-new design, better performance and deep integration into each platform.
We’ve improved every area of the app. Here’s a detailed list:
• New Design Focus has been redesigned from the ground up. A modern look & feel, subtle animations and a clear design ensure that the interaction with Focus is now more intuitive and natural.
• Better Performance and iCloud sync Based on iCloud, Focus comes with a state-of-the-art cloud sync architecture that keeps your data in sync across all your devices. It is both fast and reliable. And with iCloud Push, your data is always up-to-date.
• Improved Handoff Handoff makes switching devices easy. With Focus on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac, you can continue where you left off on another device and your data will already be there.
• New Today Widget & Sharing Extension Focus comes with a new Today widget that let’s you control your current session directly from the Notification Center. And with the new sharing extension, you can add new tasks to Focus from almost anywhere. Simply choose ‘Add to Focus’ in the system share menu.
• Better Task Management - Tasks can now have a due date - Tasks can now have an estimate about the time it takes to complete them - You estimate will now visually be compared against the time you’ve worked on this task - You can now add multiple tasks in a row. Add a new task using ‘+’ and when you’re done editing simply press ‘+’ again to add another task.
• Better Touch Bar Support Touch Bar is now supported in almost every area of the app. Whether you want to add an item, start a timer or extend a session: quickly interact with Focus using the Touch Bar.
• Better Drag & Drop - You can now select multiple items and perform batch operations (reorder, delete, complete, etc.) on them - Dragging is now more accessible: start a drag by clicking anywhere on the task - Support for TaskPaper file format: you can now drag & drop tasks from and to other apps (that support this format, e.g. TaskPaper, OmniFocus etc.) and task attributes like notes, due date, completion date will be kept.
• Better Menu Bar Item - Right at the top of your screen, the Focus Menu Bar Item is your little companion wherever you are. Quickly glance at your most important informations like the current progress and the active task with just one click. - Choose between different icon styles for Focus in the Menu Bar: display only the remaining time as text, the remaining time as a filling circle, the remaining time and a filling circle side by side or the active task name next to the filling circle.
• Enhanced for the Latest in Hardware & Software Focus takes advantage of Wide Color (P3) displays and is enhanced for macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
• Hallo, Hola, Bonjour, 你好i, こんにちは: Focus is now localized into German, Spanish, French, Japanese and Chinese (simplified).
4.0
The all-new Focus is here! A rethinking of the original idea: a simple yet powerful time-manager to improve personal productivity. Entirely rewritten, Focus features an all-new design, better performance and deep integration into each platform.
We’ve improved every area of the app. Here’s a detailed list:
• New Design Focus has been redesigned from the ground up. A modern look & feel, subtle animations and a clear design ensure that the interaction with Focus is now more intuitive and natural.
• Better Performance and iCloud sync Based on iCloud, Focus comes with a state-of-the-art cloud sync architecture that keeps your data in sync across all your devices. It is both fast and reliable. And with iCloud Push, your data is always up-to-date.
• Improved Handoff Handoff makes switching devices easy. With Focus on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac, you can continue where you left off on another device and your data will already be there.
• New Today Widget & Sharing Extension Focus comes with a new Today widget that let’s you control your current session directly from the Notification Center. And with the new sharing extension, you can add new tasks to Focus from almost anywhere. Simply choose ‘Add to Focus’ in the system share menu.
• Better Task Management - Tasks can now have a due date - Tasks can now have an estimate about the time it takes to complete them - You estimate will now visually be compared against the time you’ve worked on this task - You can now add multiple tasks in a row. Add a new task using ‘+’ and when you’re done editing simply press ‘+’ again to add another task.
• Better Touch Bar Support Touch Bar is now supported in almost every area of the app. Whether you want to add an item, start a timer or extend a session: quickly interact with Focus using the Touch Bar.
• Better Drag & Drop - You can now select multiple items and perform batch operations (reorder, delete, complete, etc.) on them - Dragging is now more accessible: start a drag by clicking anywhere on the task - Support for TaskPaper file format: you can now drag & drop tasks from and to other apps (that support this format, e.g. TaskPaper, OmniFocus etc.) and task attributes like notes, due date, completion date will be kept.
• Better Menu Bar Item - Right at the top of your screen, the Focus Menu Bar Item is your little companion wherever you are. Quickly glance at your most important informations like the current progress and the active task with just one click. - Choose between different icon styles for Focus in the Menu Bar: display only the remaining time as text, the remaining time as a filling circle, the remaining time and a filling circle side by side or the active task name next to the filling circle.
• Enhanced for the Latest in Hardware & Software Focus takes advantage of Wide Color (P3) displays and is enhanced for macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
• Hallo, Hola, Bonjour, 你好i, こんにちは: Focus is now localized into German, Spanish, French, Japanese and Chinese (simplified).
Version 5.1.2
5.1.2: - Minor changes.
5.1: - New drag & drop functionality: drag tasks from OmniFocus, mails from Mail or links from Safari into your task list to get a tappable backlink - Live updates for the task activity - Quickly set the session length by left clicking and dragging on the timer - Better sync performance - Bug fixes and improvements
We're always happy to hear your thoughts and feedback: @focusappio on Twitter and support@masterbuilders.io
Ratings and Reviews
4.5 out of 5
78 Ratings
78 Ratings
Scholarly214
,
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!
Scholarly214
,
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!
HM Bradley
,
Unreasonable Expectations of Customers
This is not a new concept and I am positive Focus is not the first to create this sort of application--it certainly is not the only one. What did I get from my download? I got hit with a descriptions of payment plans, a whopping $4.99/mo for the month-to-month subscription. Upon investigating what $4.99/mo would get me, I found the app that is a literal start-stop timer that you are expected to use again and again and again cycling 5 and 20 minute breaks at the right intervals. I don't suspect many would be willing to fork over $4.99/mo at this point when so many subscription based models are vying for our money. I'm in fact disappointed that such a simple application (even slightly unattractive visually) would even ask for a subscription, and not even at a more reasonable $.99/mo or a $1.99/mo. I might have even tried to use this app for its intended purpose, but I doub if it even helps people focus. Big pass. I think you should reconsider how to make money in the app world. Do not expect for a second that the world shares your enthusiasm for your products and pricing. I apologize for the critique as I'm sure you are lovely people. Think about it.
Developer Response
,
Sorry to hear that Focus is not the right app for you. If you know what the pomodoro technique is and wanted to work that way to be more productive, you would’ve got more value out of Focus. Please keep in mind that the price for the yearly subscription is way cheaper and you have a free trial to see if this works for you (the timer functionality is completely free btw). Focus will turn 5 this winter and it is the only app in this space that gets regular updates and new features, so we are very confident in our business model and thanks to it we will still be around in 5 years ;-) I’m sure you’re also a very lovely person, so no hard feelings. Best, Jan
HM Bradley
,
Unreasonable Expectations of Customers
This is not a new concept and I am positive Focus is not the first to create this sort of application--it certainly is not the only one. What did I get from my download? I got hit with a descriptions of payment plans, a whopping $4.99/mo for the month-to-month subscription. Upon investigating what $4.99/mo would get me, I found the app that is a literal start-stop timer that you are expected to use again and again and again cycling 5 and 20 minute breaks at the right intervals. I don't suspect many would be willing to fork over $4.99/mo at this point when so many subscription based models are vying for our money. I'm in fact disappointed that such a simple application (even slightly unattractive visually) would even ask for a subscription, and not even at a more reasonable $.99/mo or a $1.99/mo. I might have even tried to use this app for its intended purpose, but I doub if it even helps people focus. Big pass. I think you should reconsider how to make money in the app world. Do not expect for a second that the world shares your enthusiasm for your products and pricing. I apologize for the critique as I'm sure you are lovely people. Think about it.
Developer Response
,
Sorry to hear that Focus is not the right app for you. If you know what the pomodoro technique is and wanted to work that way to be more productive, you would’ve got more value out of Focus. Please keep in mind that the price for the yearly subscription is way cheaper and you have a free trial to see if this works for you (the timer functionality is completely free btw). Focus will turn 5 this winter and it is the only app in this space that gets regular updates and new features, so we are very confident in our business model and thanks to it we will still be around in 5 years ;-) I’m sure you’re also a very lovely person, so no hard feelings. Best, Jan
Biomova
,
Nice app that needs improvments
I used multiple Pomodoro concept apps but found Focus 5 a nice app that can be on the top list. I tried 7-days trial version in Mac and iOS, and I liked its sleek design and smooth sync function. They pay attention for the details in the activity part, with the visual coloring for higher or lower activity on that period. I liked it! However, some works need to be improved. For example, when the focus or break time is finished and you add a new task, you have to click "Show Task Details" drop down to activate the task; otherwise, the currently active task will stay active. I think when I create a new task, that means timer should be activated on the newly created task automatically without clicking the details. Also, while I'm ok with the subscription model, the price is steep for the newcomers, and there is no education, academic or other sorts of discount.
Biomova
,
Nice app that needs improvments
I used multiple Pomodoro concept apps but found Focus 5 a nice app that can be on the top list. I tried 7-days trial version in Mac and iOS, and I liked its sleek design and smooth sync function. They pay attention for the details in the activity part, with the visual coloring for higher or lower activity on that period. I liked it! However, some works need to be improved. For example, when the focus or break time is finished and you add a new task, you have to click "Show Task Details" drop down to activate the task; otherwise, the currently active task will stay active. I think when I create a new task, that means timer should be activated on the newly created task automatically without clicking the details. Also, while I'm ok with the subscription model, the price is steep for the newcomers, and there is no education, academic or other sorts of discount.
