[ad_1]
With much of the world’s workforce shifting to a remote workforce, many people are trying to figure out how to be productive at home the first time. Well, I’ve been working from home for years, and I still haven’t completely figured out the riddle. There’s no shortage of apps designed to help you be more productive, but I’m not sure that anything I’ve tried has had as much potential as a little device called TickTime.
The concept is simple but smart. If you’ve ever heard of the Pomodoro method, which asks you to work at approximately 25-minute intervals with a short break (say, five minutes), the TickTime is essentially in physical form.
The device is shaped like a long hexagon, and each side corresponds to a different timer: 3, 5, 10, 15, 25, or 30 minutes. Set the timer down so that your preferred setting is up and the timer starts automatically: it works instantly, No buttons or touch screens required. If you want to set up a custom timer, there is a display and a couple of buttons for setup on one end of the device. When the alarm goes off, simply flip the device over to turn it off.
It’s almost as intuitive as an hourglass or, and it works perfectly all the time. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t get the little device to mess up the timer settings. I also appreciate the fact that you can adjust the volume from annoyingly high to almost inaudibly quiet, quiet enough that you could even use one in a library.
“But wait! Can’t I set a timer on my phone or download a Pomodoro app?” Well, of course, young grasshopper. But it is the immediacy and specially designed nature of the TickTime that makes it so charming. You will not be distracted because you received a notification that your lover did something on Facebook, or your friend just published a photo of his cute dog on Instagram.
Not perfect.It’s light at 58 grams, but it feels a bit cheap despite the metal outer shell. I would love a slightly heavier version that felt a bit more durable or made a nicer gift. It also charges via MicroUSB, which is so annoying in 2020 that I almost decided not to review it for that sole reason. Seriously, this is the last time I check something that uses micro USB.
Still, using it is addictive. Of course, it’s not going to make you a productivity machine on its own – my colleague Yessi has some great advice if you’re a newly trained remote worker. But in my experience, it is a more effective and distraction-free alternative to software alternatives. And of course you can use it for more than just getting the job done; I have also used it as a kitchen timer.
Occasionally I am pleasantly surprised by a new device that I never knew I would want. If you want to have one on your hands, the TickTime available on Indiegogo for $ 39. Shipping is expected to start in May. The usual crowdfunding caveats apply, but at least the company has working prototypes and the investment is a relatively low commitment.
For more news and reviews on equipment, gadgets and hardware, follow Plugged on
Twitter and
Flipboard
Posted on April 27, 2020 – 23:55 UTC
[ad_2]
