Many individuals struggle to maintain focus amidst distractions while working. Over the years, I’ve experimented with numerous software tools aimed at mitigating these distractions, but none have proven to be entirely effective due to the unique contexts we find ourselves in.
For instance, I typically avoid Reddit during work hours; blocking it is a wise choice for me. However, there are times when vital information can only be located in a Reddit thread, necessitating the temporary deactivation of my distraction-blocking tool. Unfortunately, this often leads me down an endless rabbit hole.
This dilemma inspired the creation of Fomi, a macOS application designed to address such issues. The tool prompts users to specify their current task and then monitors activities on the Mac desktop, paying close attention to every application opened. Utilizing AI, Fomi assesses whether a website is being used productively or serving as a distraction based on the context.
Zach Yang, a member of the team behind Fomi, shared his inspiration with me on Discord. He developed the app after discussing the challenges of a friend studying for an MBA. “He needed YouTube for study videos, so traditional web and app blockers were ineffective. Once he started watching, the platform’s recommendations would often pull him away,” Yang explains. “That’s when I began considering AI as a potential solution. I created a small prototype to see if current models could effectively differentiate between distractions and productive work. The positive results motivated me to turn it into a full project.”
Fomi provides a three-day free trial, after which a subscription is priced at $8 per month. However, it’s important to consider privacy implications, as the tool uploads screenshots of your desktop to an AI model in the cloud.
Keep an Eye on This Tool
I’ve spent a few days testing this application. Upon the initial launch, users are prompted to describe their daily activities and the tools they typically utilize. When it’s time to concentrate, you inform the app about your current task and the tools you will need.
As you work, a green dot and timer appear at the top of the screen, surrounding the notch of your MacBook. If you switch to a potentially distracting application, the dot turns yellow. Engaging with clear distractions changes the dot to red, accompanied by an animated tomato splatting across the screen. A custom message reminds you to stay focused, calling out the specific distraction.
Courtesy of Justin Pot
In summary, Fomi appears to be a promising tool for those seeking to balance productivity with necessary online research. By leveraging AI, it aims to effectively distinguish between focus and distraction—an essential feature in today’s world of constant digital interruptions. With a free trial available, users have the opportunity to test its functionality and assess its fit for their productivity needs.
