| Version | 1.3.2 |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Focus Booster |
| Release date | May 1, 2014 |
| Date added | May 1, 2014 |
| Os requirements | Windows 2003, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows, Windows XP |
| Requirements | Adobe AIR |
| Total downloads | 10,247 |
| Price | Free |
Description
Focus Booster has been designed based on the principles of the Pomodoro technique and features. It includes a sleek and unobtrusive design, changes color as time goes by for quick, peripheral updates, alarm/buzzer sounds for completed sessions, customizable time and sound settings, and session counter. It is quick to start up and works efficiently in the background without consuming computer resources, or your focus.
Review
Focus Booster is designed to cut down on clutter and help you focus on what you're doing on your desktop, integrating smoothly with the background, and featuring a number of customizable features. Combined with custom buzzers and timers, Focus Booster will allow you to implement the Pomodoro technique while working to boost focus and productivity.
Pros
Numerous settings for the app: With Focus Booster you can set the timeframe for each session, where the timer displays, when or if it makes a sound, and whether it autostarts under certain circumstances. While it's not as extensive or in-depth as some other apps that offer similar tools, it's quick and responsive for what it's designed to do.
Small footprint: Focus Booster starts as a relatively large bar, which you can run either in the foreground or background of your machine, but it can be easily minimized so it doesn't distract you, and you'll still receive alerts.
Cons
Extra installation steps: Focus Booster requires a number of extra installation steps, including the ZIP folder in which it downloads, the app, and the Adobe Air installer it installs (if you don't have it on your machine already). It's a small complaint but could be frustrating for many users.
Lack of task specificity: While there are a number of options to customize your experience, Focus Booster doesn't allow you to label the sessions, nor can you create multiple sessions or compare those sessions with any kind of stats. It's not meant to do those things, though.
Bottom Line
Focus Booster lacks the range of features offered by so many other productivity tools, but it works smoothly and doesn't drain too many resources from your system, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of the methodology without having to learn a more complex program.
