Recommended Apps
Forest App (iOS / Android)
Forest is an app that helps you stay focused on the important things in life. Plant a seed in the forest when you need to focus and get things done. As you work the seed will eventually grow into a tree but if you cannot resist using your phone the tree will wither. The App is also working in collaboration with a real tree planting initiative to protect the environment. Available for iOS and Android. More information can be found at the developers web page.
Flipd is a productivity App designed to increase focus and motiviation. It has a study timer, motivational quotes, communities and can allow you to lock your phone for set period to reduce distractions.
BeeLine Reader - browser extension available for all major web browsers
BeeLine Reader makes reading on-screen easier, faster, and more enjoyable. It uses a simple eye-guiding colour gradient — to pull your eyes through long blocks of text. This helps you read more effectively and maintain your focus better.
read&write (available to UoS students running on a IT Services Managed Desktop)
Read&Write is our literacy support tool that offers help for everyday tasks. With tools to meet the needs of different learners, right across the curriculum. Like reading text out loud, understanding unfamiliar words and proofing written work. You can find more information on the Library website and on read&write's website.
Headspace (iOS / Android)
Maintaining focus is easier with an attentive mind that is aware of distractions, emotions and thoughts as they arise. Taking a few moments to practice mindfulness can also calm a mind that is anxious or stressed which will lead to both a happier mind and increased productivity. Headspace has been consistently ranked as one of the best mediations apps and has all sorts of focused mediations ranging from sleep to relationships. More information is available at their website.
Freedom is an app and website blocker for Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Chrome. It's focus is on reducing distractions and improving productivity.