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FOCI for Android

By Tinylogics Free Editors' Rating

Editors' Review

shelbybrown Jul 9, 2018

FOCI takes an interactive approach to helping you stay focused and productive. The app pairs with the breathing monitor clip (currently only available on IndieGogo) that analyzes your breathing pattern to let you know if your mind is wandering away from the current task. The app can be used for a wide set of activities such as studying, drawing, playing a muscal instrument, or answering emails.

SEE: 10 Best to-do list apps to keep you on task. (a Download.com guide)

Pros

Elegant clip that won't get in your way: The FOCI monitor is a compact clip that attaches to your belt or waistband and is hardly noticeable during daily routines. This piece of hardware is essential for FOCI to monitor your breathing and determine if you're giving your full attention to a task.

Plenty of training exercises to keep you focused: Whenever you drop off the productivity train, the FOCI's 'mind coach' feature will offer hints and tips to get your mind back to the tasks at hand. Similar to many guided meditation apps, FOCI provides audio strategies and short quizzes to help you refocus. The data it tracks also helps clue you in to the part of the day when you're sidetracked the most, which can help you better schedule your workflow in the future.

Cons

App alerts can be distracting: Whenever FOCI detects that you are not fully concentrating, the monitoring clip will vibrate to signal you to get back into work mode. This buzzing itself can be more distracting and can further divide your attention. Hopefully future updates will include the ability to change this alert to a notification on your phone, a shorter buzz, or even an audible chime.

Bottom Line

Data-obsessed productivity junkies may find FOCI a valuable tool for expediting tasks. People with minor anxiety like yours truly may not appreciate the prominent alert that is a constant reminder that you're spiralling out of focus. The best part of the app is its ability to help you map out and plan around the most distraction-filled part of your day, so you can maximize your workflow.

Full Specifications

What's new in version 1.0.2

General

Release July 9, 2018
Date Added July 9, 2018
Version 1.0.2

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Android
Additional Requirements FOCI Clip

Popularity

Total Downloads 13,989
Downloads Last Week 0
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Developer's Description

The human mind is the most complicated object in the known universe.

Understanding how it works is the subject of intense research. FOCI is based on two decades of some of the most interesting research into cognition - neuro-respiration.

Researchers have established that our breathing pattern is closely correlated with our subconscious, cognitive states. When we consider how our breathing changes when we are stressed or relaxed, this seems intuitive.

If you are focused, or distracted, this will be reflected in the tiny movements in your breathing that the motion sensor detects. When a research scientist finds a neuro-respiratory pattern, this requires analyzing a huge data set, and hours of processing. We applied a powerful and agile form of machine learning to do this naturally, in real time - a 10g device, for everyday use.

FOCI clips to your waist, captures your cognitive states as a stream of colored orbs, helps you visualize your mind and understand yourself better.

When you're working, don't let distraction slow you down. You will notice the Mind Orb switching color immediately when you lose focus. This added self-awareness keeps you on track and focused.

Monitoring is not enough, and insight matters. The AI Mind Coach picks out mistakes you made and provides real time advice to boost your focus.

When you leave focus or flow, FOCI lets you know you have done well and reminds you to refocus with a gentle vibration at your waist.

When you get distracted, FOCI guides you with mind techniques. Follow the simple steps, and bounce back to focus with speed.

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