HazeOver • Distraction Dimmer™ App Reviews

I prefer to use my keyboard for navigation and control with apps like vim, cVim/Vimium, Keyboard Maestro, Alfred, and ShortCat. But many times I start typing a shortcut or send a keyboard command before checking which window is in focus. This app solves that issues. Now I always knows which app is in focus and I’m no longer sending :q or the like to a chat app conversation! Also, the developer is super responsive and quick to offer quick fix solutions in the interim before new feature requests are implemented.

Makes it easier to focus on the window you’re working in. Helpful with cut/ paste across applications. Solid application. Never any issues.

Great customization features and functions very well. Effectively focuses attention to where you need it. I like that all windows undim when you click on the desktop and that you can control the fading delay between switching windows. A nice feature to add would be bokeh blur. This is a valuable focusing tool for any writer. Pairs great with Menu Eclipse.

Well thought out, well designed. Love that I can just hover and scroll on the menu icon - I am going to start using this more!

I use dual screens (Macbook Pro beside a Cinema Display) with multiple windows open across the desktop and this app really helps me stay focused on the active window. I love it.

Seamless Mac productivity with singular iPad focus and the amazing ability to switch apps instantly and maintain focus. The best apps are invisible to use, and HazeOver has zero radar image. Thank you!

Completely replaced Hocus Focus for me. UPDATE: - I had intially left feedback about the app opening up the preferences window everytime i booted up my computer and it was really annoying. The developer reached out and we figured out that it was ME doing something wrong - I somehow had added the peference pane to my startup items so thats why it was showing up everytime. Totally my bad. Great app with frequent updates and a dev who cares. Highly recommend! :D

Very simple yet very effective!

Good concept. I would not be surprised to see Apple implement this in a future version of OS X. One suggestion: Animation at 0.25 is a bit too slow, but the next lower value is zero (no animation) which makes the dimming transition a bit too harsh. In my opinion, a 0.125 value would hit the mark – a bit faster, but still subtle and not as harsh as a zero. Finally, and I know it’s stupid, but that status icon on the menu bar can be better, more like an actual icon and not just those letters.

I was skeptical that something so simple could help me focus on the window I’m working on. I was wrong. By dimming the background, I find it’s easier for me to give my attention to the app I’m working on. This is really a no-brainer but it took me actually using it to realize how important it is. Get it, you won’t be sorry!

Have been looking for something similar for quite some time. Does a great job! However, wish there was a way to exclude certain apps!

I like this app! It helps with focus and eye strain.

Definitely worth $4. I used to use “Isolator”, but it’s no longer maintained and stopped working altogether for me. I like having the ability to keep windows open and in my peripheral line of sight without them overwhelming/distracting me (ADHD + Aspergers = easy sensory overload). Being able to customize the dim level is the most important feature for me, as I like everything else practically invisible. HazeOver is now on my must-have “Focus Apps” list. :)

It keeps me from being distracted with things in the background. Well worth it.

As a photographer colors and tones in my images while editing are very important. If I have a lot bright distracting windows open its very hard to edit an image correctly. Sure I could close those windows but I dont need to anymore. I have used HazeOver for a couple years now and its on all my machines. I love it!

I just installed this app on two of my Macs. On both my Macs the app did nothing. I emailed the developer and within a few hours he solved the problem. Such customer/technical support certainly isn’t unheard of but isn’t all that common. Two thumbs up for this app. It does what is says it will do and if you have problems your in good hands.

Does what it intends: helps with focus, eases eye strain. In my opinion and experience, it’s worth the price, many times over.

I’m loving HazeOver. It removes distractions and keeps my monitors a little more aesthetically pleasing! All the options I could want are included, except maybe some blur - I think it would be cool if windows in the background got a slight blurred effect when not active.

Does as described and designed well

This app is great! It keeps whatever window you’re currently working on at normal brightness, and allows you to dim everything else. Controls are designed nicely, and hotkeys make turning the effect on or off very quick and intuitive. Highly recommended!