A new macOS application, Fomi, uses artificial intelligence to monitor user activity and enforce focused work sessions. Unlike traditional website or app blockers, Fomi adapts to context, distinguishing between productive use of tools and procrastination. The application analyzes what’s displayed on your screen in real-time to determine whether you’re on task or not.
How Fomi Works
Fomi requires users to specify their daily work and the tools they use. While working, the app displays a color-coded indicator: green for focused activity, yellow for potential distractions, and red when clear procrastination is detected. If you switch to a non-work related website or app, Fomi will display a message urging you to get back on track.
The tool’s effectiveness lies in its ability to recognize nuanced behavior. If you’re reading research on a relevant topic, Fomi leaves you alone. But if you open Reddit or unrelated YouTube videos, it intervenes. The app isn’t perfect, with occasional false positives, but users can dismiss them.
The Problem Fomi Solves
Traditional productivity tools often fail because they can’t distinguish between work-related and leisure activities. For example, someone might need YouTube for educational videos but end up falling into unrelated recommendations. Fomi’s creator, Zach Yang, developed the application after observing this issue in a friend studying for an MBA.
“He needed YouTube for study videos, so web/app blockers didn’t work, and once he was watching, recommendations would often pull him away,” Yang says. “That’s when I started thinking about using AI to solve this.”
Privacy Concerns and Data Usage
Fomi’s functionality relies on sending screenshots of your desktop to an AI model in the cloud for analysis. While the developers claim to redact personally identifiable information before uploading, the application still transmits a significant amount of data. The app uploaded around half a gigabyte of files during one test workday. This raises privacy questions for users who handle sensitive information.
The developers claim that screenshots are only stored in RAM and not on their servers, and that Apple’s App Store distribution ensures adherence to privacy standards. However, the continuous data transmission remains a major consideration.
Effectiveness and Cost
Initial testing suggests Fomi can be effective in curbing distractions. The app’s direct feedback may help users build better work habits. Fomi offers a three-day free trial, with subscription plans starting at $8 per month.
This tool isn’t suitable for jobs that require strict secrecy. However, for those struggling with digital procrastination, Fomi may offer a unique solution.
