Microsoft has been slowly teasing the built-in apps coming with Windows 11, but most of these are criticized for having only aesthetic changes. Microsoft Paint is one among the few that got entirely just rounded corners or support for dark themes, but even that didn’t satisfy Windows users or fans of the venerable painting program. However, Windows 11’s Clock app stands out from the gang due to one new feature that deserved its very own blog post.
Panos Panay already hinted at the upcoming Focus Sessions feature of the upgraded Clock app, but now Microsoft is drilling deeper into the app’s new productivity bent. The Clock app already has timers galore, but Focus Sessions puts a replacement spin thereon idea with a dashboard that would make productivity enthusiasts blush with glee. And, of course, you’ll integrate it with other services, including Spotify.
Focus Sessions is a one-stop buy viewing and doing all of your tasks in an environment that encourages productivity. You’ve got a one-timer that’s meant to urge your engines running by starting an attention Session for a group duration of your time with a brief break afterwards. Users of the favoured Pomodoro productivity technique will feel reception here.
The highlight feature, however, is that the Clock’s integration with Spotify. Building on research that points to how audio helps reduce distraction and improve focus, the main target Sessions can hook up with a user’s Spotify account and play the music, which will help them get into “the zone.” Unfortunately, Microsoft didn’t detail whether users will be ready to select their music or if only themed playlists will be available.
The Clock’s Focus Sessions also integrates with Microsoft To-Do, so you won’t lose time or inertia switching back and forth between apps. A dashboard also provides a fast overview of how productive you’ve got been thus far, counting on the goals you set yourself. Ironically, the Clock app is the one built-in Windows 11 app where Microsoft didn’t demonstrate the power to modify light and dark themes.
