Show HN: LookAway – a native macOS app for building healthy screen habits
(lookaway.app)23 points by _kush a day ago
23 points by _kush a day ago
Yes, there have been major updates since the last Shows I posted:
- LookAway now helps you maintain better posture and eye health with the wellness reminders. - LookAway now detects when you're gaming and pauses automatically. - You can now add deep focus apps with multiple configurations, and LookAway will automatically pause when the conditions are met. - If a break is due but you're typing, LookAway waits for you to finish so you don’t lose your flow.
These are just a few of the many improvements, bringing LookAway closer to what could be called LookAway 2.0 - though I’m reserving that name for a future update.
For Linux users, I particularly recommend SafeEyes https://slgobinath.github.io/SafeEyes/
While it doesn't detect video calls automatically, you can receive notifications and choose to skip breaks when needed.
More importantly, while it sometimes interrupts my flow, that also helps me reassess my current focus.
I've got this app for about a year now. Previously tried Intermission and Time Out. Apps like these must be carefully designed, since they always border on annoying/stressful. LookAway is easily the most finetuned app in this space.
- It turns itself off outside business hours.
- It has a thoughtfully designed heads-up notification that can't be confused with system notifications.
- It disables itself during meetings & videos.
- It waits for you to finish typing.
- When entering the break screen, there is 5 second cooldown before you can skip it, preventing you from skipping it out of habit.
Thank you! It was reviewed by Brandon Butch recently and you can see exactly how it works here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK-UTwVyg5o&t=8s
I'll add a proper explainer video on the website as well.
Have there been significant changes since your post yesterday? https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43086529
Or last Shows?
(5 months ago) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41397605
(12 months ago) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39445919
I'm sure it differs from your first show in 2023 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37927174