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f.lux for Mac gets smarter with screen-dimming based on daily schedule, Movie Mode and more

Screen Shot 2014-03-08 at 13.58.09

f.lux, the popular utility that changes the color temperature of your Mac’s display to reflect the sun’s daylight cycle, has received a major update. Whilst still being in beta, the app can now calibrate your screen based on your actual schedule, not just sunrise and sunset times.

This means the app is now useful for people who have non-standard schedules, such as people who work night shifts. The app smoothly transitions between ‘daytime’,’sunset’ and ‘bedtime’ presets based on the schedule information provided. You tell the app when you wake up and it automatically calculates the color temperature levels for every hour of the day.

You can train the app manually in the settings. After a few times, the app understands the levels you want to use and adapts its default presets to match.

The new f.lux also adds a Movie Mode, which tells f.lux to optimise your display for video content. The app automatically reverts to normal behaviour after two and a half hours, approximately the duration of most films.

You can change to a ‘Darkroom’ mode too, which makes your display go all red and black. I’m not sure when I’d want Darkroom mode active, honestly, but it looks cool.

As before, f.lux is free and available from the developer’s website.

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Comments

  1. Blake Seignious - 10 years ago

    FINALLY!

  2. Steve Struthers - 10 years ago

    I just bought a MacBook Air and within an hour of using it I found I was getting substantial eyestrain. At first I thought it was the glare of the screen. Then I discovered f.lux after doing a Google search on “MacBook Air eye strain”. I downloaded and installed the programme and then created a custom setting for a lower colour temperature, even though it’s still daylight, and the sun is just beginning its downward trek.

    I’m noticing a substantial difference already. I wonder if Apple tune their displays to be too bright and sharp so their computers look slicker and prettier in the stores?

  3. Sharan India - 9 years ago

    Lovely app!!! thanx developer..you guys saved our eyes!! which apple will never care!!

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.