Connect with us

Politics

15 Best Apps and Websites for Focus and Productivity

Published

on

Calendar


Focusing while working is a problem many people face today. Between email, Slack, and social media notifications, distractions are so prevalent that it can be hard to focus on a task. According to Crucial Learning’s study of 1,600 respondents, two out of three struggle to fully focus on a single task. The majority of people (68 percent) have difficulty focusing at work, but some (62 percent) have difficulty focusing at home as well.

Even when we are able to concentrate, it doesn’t last long. The survey revealed that nearly one in three responders have trouble focusing for more than 10 minutes at a time before getting distracted.

The good news is that you can find many apps and websites to assist you with focus and productivity.

Using this Chrome extension, you can focus better and be more productive. How? As soon as you have used up your allotted time on social media and other websites, you will no longer be able to access them. In other words, you are limited to how much time you can spend on time-wasting websites.

Furthermore, it provides statistics on how often you get distracted and tips for reducing it. As well as that, the extension is very easy to use. Simply install it and click the control button on the bottom right of your screen. When the limit on how long you spend on each website is reached, it will notify you. It also shows you how well your focus is holding up over time using helpful graphs.

Downloading StayFocused is free, but donations are optional.

In most cases, distraction blockers only work with the device you’re currently using. That’s not the case with Freedom. Distractions can be blocked on all of your devices simultaneously using this app, including websites and apps. In other words, the days of blocking Instagram on your computer and then reopening it on your phone are over. Whenever you start a session, distractions are blocked across the board.

You can create as many blocklists as you like and start or schedule sessions based on them. Locked mode prevents you from ending a Freedom session on days when your willpower is weak. Additionally, there are optional focus sounds, such as noise from coffee shops or nature.

The downside? The free trial offers six distraction-free sessions, but there is no long-term free version. It should be enough time for you to try it out and see if it works.

Pricing for Freedom: $3.33/month for annual billing or $8.99/month for monthly billing; $159.99 for lifetime billing

If you are looking for an app to help you stay relaxed, focused, and productive at work, then Nosli is a perfect choice.

Why? Using Noisli, you can reduce stress and anxiety by blocking out distracting background noise. As a result, you can concentrate for longer periods of time since sudden spikes in external noise can be reduced.

To put it another way, with Noisli, you can play “productive” music from environments like coffee shops and forest sounds and drown out annoying background noises.

Best of all? Nosili is free to join.

Are you feeling that your attention span has shrunk and that your memory has declined? If so, you should check out online brain games to help you focus. An example is Lumosity, a program consisting of games that claim to improve memory, attention, flexibility, processing speed, and problem-solving abilities.

It should be noted that there is no substantial evidence that brain-training apps can slow or prevent cognitive decline, even if they provide a boost. It is true, however, that if you practice something, you will get better at it. Also, you’re just playing a game, and that’s enjoyable. And, as you get better at it, it becomes more engaging.

Lumosity is free for limited access. It’s then $15/month or $80/year for premium membership.

For those willing to spend some bucks on useful tech, OmniFocus is ideal for managing your productivity. In fact, it may even be considered one of the most popular “to-do” apps available today.

The design of OmniFocus is simple and easy to use, allowing users to increase productivity and improve workflow. All your productivity needs can be handled with OmniFocus, from a to-do list to a calendar to a file organizer. Think of OmniFocus as an easy-to-use and powerful second brain, allowing you to capture and organize all your activities in one place. Furthermore, OmniFocus syncs with your PC through OmniFocus for the Web or across all your Apple devices.

You get OmniFocus Pro for Mac, OmniFocus Pro for iOS, and OmniFocus for the Web with the OmniFocus Subscription ($9.99/month or $99.99/year).

Users of SelfControl can block websites they feel they spend too much time on by blocking access. During a specified period, these websites are blocked. As a result — focus is improved, and productivity is increased.

As a distraction-free app, SelfControl includes a mode that prevents the removal of block patterns for a set period of time. By doing this, you can remain focused on your task without being distracted by unnecessary content on the web.

This open-source application is free and available for MacOS.

Customizability is the key feature of Cold Turkey Blocker. How? Because this site-blocking app allows you to create lists of websites and desktop apps you want to block, then schedule when they’ll be blocked.

For example, you could block social media and video sites during work hours. After work hours, you can also block work applications, such as Slack. The choice is yours. You can also manually disable and enable blocking if you prefer.

You can even turn on a mode called Frozen Turkey, which prevents you from accessing your computer completely. Moreover, the next time you try to log into your computer, it will lock again if you turn on Frozen Turkey.

Due to its system-wide nature, you cannot work around this by changing browsers. In fact, there are all kinds of settings that prevent future versions of yourself from working around your current choices. For instance, you can block the Time & Language settings, which prevents you from changing your computer’s time to work around a scheduled block.

For people who only need basic features, such as blocking websites for a period of time, there is a free version available. However, Cold Turkey pricing is only $39 for Pro, which lets you block desktop apps and websites as well as block unlimited blocking.

In today’s world, that’s full of distractions, it’s difficult to focus on one thing at a time. With Forest by your side, though, you can get your mind focused again.

With Forest, users are challenged to “plant a tree” and wait patiently until it reaches a fully grown tree to regain focus. As the app instructs users to concentrate on this single task, it hopes to help people regain their focus so they can return to work with improved productivity.

Additionally, the Forest team works with Trees for the Future, an organization that plants real trees on Earth — if you’re concerned about the environment. By spending virtual coins earned in Forest, users plant real trees, and the Forest team creates planting orders and donates them to their partners.

Forest is available for as an iPhone and Android app, as well as a Chrome Extension.

Among ad blockers, AdBlock is widely used. Using it, you can remove ads from websites. As a result, it greatly enhances your productivity and focus when you use AdBlock.

Why is AdBlock so effective? Without the ads distracting you, you can fully engage with the content you’re viewing. After all, by blocking ads, you’ll be able to focus on what you’re reading or watching without having ads interrupt your attention. In this way, you can accomplish more tasks in less time, increasing your productivity.

AdBlock also eliminates the temptation to click on ads. Ads are designed to capture your attention and entice you to buy something, but AdBlock blocks them, so you don’t get lured in. Ultimately, you’ll become more disciplined and mindful when it comes to spending your time and money.

LeechBlock NG (the NG stands for “next generation”) is a free tool that blocks distractions in Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers such as Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi. You can restrict any number of websites you want by making lists of those to block.

You can block up to 30 sets of sites, each with different times and days. In addition, you can set up rules to limit the amount of time you spend on distracting apps. You could, for example, spend 20 minutes every day watching YouTube or four minutes every hour on Twitter.

Interested in getting even more specific? You can combine time limits with a schedule if you wish. Every hour, for instance, you can have five minutes of Instagram time from 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Alternatively, a one-time “lockdown” schedule can be triggered.

For a free tool, it has a lot of power. And you can even lock down the settings during block sessions. What’s the only downside? LeechBlock prevents you from browsing sites at specified times. However, your browser may still be temporarily connected to those sites. You may still be logged in by your IP address, for instance.

Primarily, RescueTime is a productivity tracker. But you can also “turn off” distracting websites using its features. Even with a free lite plan, you will get productivity reports to see when you’re distracted and are most productive.

It’s easier to challenge yourself to spend less time on certain sites when you can see exactly how much time you spend there. Because of this, you can focus on what truly matters.

But that’s not all. By adding your calendar, RescueTime will send you alerts at the most effective times. Also, you can connect to Spotify and listen to the perfect focus playlist during your session.

The free version of RescueTime is available for download, while the paid version is available for trial for 14 days. The subscription costs $12/month or $6.50 when billed annually.

Headspace provides guided meditations and calming sounds to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost focus through meditation. There are a lot of people who use it to find clarity and peace from all backgrounds.

With an interactive interface that guides you step by step through the techniques, this app is well-designed and easy to use. Despite the sessions’ short length, the soundtracks are calming and soothing, so they’re suitable for busy schedules. For anyone interested in trying meditation for the first time, Headspace is a great choice. It is easy to use, affordable, and simple to set up. The annual subscription costs $69.99 after your free trial.

By alternating between 25-minute sessions and a 5-minute break, Focus Booster uses the useful Pomodoro technique. As a result of the short breaks, the method increases attention and focus.

The Focus Booster incorporates that technique with a timer. Additionally, Focus Booster lets users track their activities to ensure that they stay on track. Each month, you get 20 sessions with the free basic package. There is a 30-day free trial available for the Professional package, which offers even more features for $4.99/month.

With One sec, you can finally escape social media distractions.

There are two main features of the app:

  • If you open an app on social media, it forces you to take a deep breath for one second.
  • Secondly, distracting apps are less appealing when they add friction.

Every time you open an app, One Sec forces you to take a breather and ensures you’re not wasting your time on unimportant tasks. Furthermore, you are less likely to get distracted by irrelevant content because of the friction.

Why is this relevant to time management? It is easy to free up more time for essential tasks if you follow these simple steps. By doing so, you can take more control of your life.

‘One Sec’ has limited features in its free version – you can only use it for one app at a time. Multiple intervention and automation options are available in the paid version, including scheduling, intentional app switching, reminders to close apps, time tracking, website blocking, and focus sessions.

Using scientifically designed sounds, Brain.fm claims to boost concentration. With this music player, you can choose from a variety of genres, moods, and categories. These include focus, memory, and sleep.

With Brain.fm, you’ll listen to a user-friendly service that adapts to your habits as you listen. With science behind it, it seems like an excellent method of relaxing and focusing simultaneously.

Published First on Calendar. Read Here.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Karolina Grabowska; Pexels; Thank you!

Calendar

We are Calendar, trying to make the world a much more productive place. Check us out online at https://www.calendar.com.

Politics

Fintech Kennek raises $12.5M seed round to digitize lending

Published

on

Google eyed for $2 billion Anthropic deal after major Amazon play


London-based fintech startup Kennek has raised $12.5 million in seed funding to expand its lending operating system.

According to an Oct. 10 tech.eu report, the round was led by HV Capital and included participation from Dutch Founders Fund, AlbionVC, FFVC, Plug & Play Ventures, and Syndicate One. Kennek offers software-as-a-service tools to help non-bank lenders streamline their operations using open banking, open finance, and payments.

The platform aims to automate time-consuming manual tasks and consolidate fragmented data to simplify lending. Xavier De Pauw, founder of Kennek said:

“Until kennek, lenders had to devote countless hours to menial operational tasks and deal with jumbled and hard-coded data – which makes every other part of lending a headache. As former lenders ourselves, we lived and breathed these frustrations, and built kennek to make them a thing of the past.”

The company said the latest funding round was oversubscribed and closed quickly despite the challenging fundraising environment. The new capital will be used to expand Kennek’s engineering team and strengthen its market position in the UK while exploring expansion into other European markets. Barbod Namini, Partner at lead investor HV Capital, commented on the investment:

“Kennek has developed an ambitious and genuinely unique proposition which we think can be the foundation of the entire alternative lending space. […] It is a complicated market and a solution that brings together all information and stakeholders onto a single platform is highly compelling for both lenders & the ecosystem as a whole.”

The fintech lending space has grown rapidly in recent years, but many lenders still rely on legacy systems and manual processes that limit efficiency and scalability. Kennek aims to leverage open banking and data integration to provide lenders with a more streamlined, automated lending experience.

The seed funding will allow the London-based startup to continue developing its platform and expanding its team to meet demand from non-bank lenders looking to digitize operations. Kennek’s focus on the UK and Europe also comes amid rising adoption of open banking and open finance in the regions.

Featured Image Credit: Photo from Kennek.io; Thank you!

Radek Zielinski

Radek Zielinski is an experienced technology and financial journalist with a passion for cybersecurity and futurology.

Continue Reading

Politics

Fortune 500’s race for generative AI breakthroughs

Published

on

Deanna Ritchie


As excitement around generative AI grows, Fortune 500 companies, including Goldman Sachs, are carefully examining the possible applications of this technology. A recent survey of U.S. executives indicated that 60% believe generative AI will substantially impact their businesses in the long term. However, they anticipate a one to two-year timeframe before implementing their initial solutions. This optimism stems from the potential of generative AI to revolutionize various aspects of businesses, from enhancing customer experiences to optimizing internal processes. In the short term, companies will likely focus on pilot projects and experimentation, gradually integrating generative AI into their operations as they witness its positive influence on efficiency and profitability.

Goldman Sachs’ Cautious Approach to Implementing Generative AI

In a recent interview, Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti revealed that the firm has not yet implemented any generative AI use cases. Instead, the company focuses on experimentation and setting high standards before adopting the technology. Argenti recognized the desire for outcomes in areas like developer and operational efficiency but emphasized ensuring precision before putting experimental AI use cases into production.

According to Argenti, striking the right balance between driving innovation and maintaining accuracy is crucial for successfully integrating generative AI within the firm. Goldman Sachs intends to continue exploring this emerging technology’s potential benefits and applications while diligently assessing risks to ensure it meets the company’s stringent quality standards.

One possible application for Goldman Sachs is in software development, where the company has observed a 20-40% productivity increase during its trials. The goal is for 1,000 developers to utilize generative AI tools by year’s end. However, Argenti emphasized that a well-defined expectation of return on investment is necessary before fully integrating generative AI into production.

To achieve this, the company plans to implement a systematic and strategic approach to adopting generative AI, ensuring that it complements and enhances the skills of its developers. Additionally, Goldman Sachs intends to evaluate the long-term impact of generative AI on their software development processes and the overall quality of the applications being developed.

Goldman Sachs’ approach to AI implementation goes beyond merely executing models. The firm has created a platform encompassing technical, legal, and compliance assessments to filter out improper content and keep track of all interactions. This comprehensive system ensures seamless integration of artificial intelligence in operations while adhering to regulatory standards and maintaining client confidentiality. Moreover, the platform continuously improves and adapts its algorithms, allowing Goldman Sachs to stay at the forefront of technology and offer its clients the most efficient and secure services.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Google DeepMind; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

Continue Reading

Politics

UK seizes web3 opportunity simplifying crypto regulations

Published

on

Deanna Ritchie


As Web3 companies increasingly consider leaving the United States due to regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom must simplify its cryptocurrency regulations to attract these businesses. The conservative think tank Policy Exchange recently released a report detailing ten suggestions for improving Web3 regulation in the country. Among the recommendations are reducing liability for token holders in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and encouraging the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to adopt alternative Know Your Customer (KYC) methodologies, such as digital identities and blockchain analytics tools. These suggestions aim to position the UK as a hub for Web3 innovation and attract blockchain-based businesses looking for a more conducive regulatory environment.

Streamlining Cryptocurrency Regulations for Innovation

To make it easier for emerging Web3 companies to navigate existing legal frameworks and contribute to the UK’s digital economy growth, the government must streamline cryptocurrency regulations and adopt forward-looking approaches. By making the regulatory landscape clear and straightforward, the UK can create an environment that fosters innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the global fintech industry.

The Policy Exchange report also recommends not weakening self-hosted wallets or treating proof-of-stake (PoS) services as financial services. This approach aims to protect the fundamental principles of decentralization and user autonomy while strongly emphasizing security and regulatory compliance. By doing so, the UK can nurture an environment that encourages innovation and the continued growth of blockchain technology.

Despite recent strict measures by UK authorities, such as His Majesty’s Treasury and the FCA, toward the digital assets sector, the proposed changes in the Policy Exchange report strive to make the UK a more attractive location for Web3 enterprises. By adopting these suggestions, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency industries while ensuring a robust and transparent regulatory environment.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency regulations in various countries has prompted Web3 companies to explore alternative jurisdictions with more precise legal frameworks. As the United States grapples with regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom can position itself as a hub for Web3 innovation by simplifying and streamlining its cryptocurrency regulations.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jonathan Borba; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2021 Seminole Press.