A rare edge case caused dialog boxes to duplicate if you spent a long time on certain pages or if your computer went to sleep. This bug has now been patched. If you previously encountered this issue, you shouldn't see it again.

This patch has been approved and available

Note from 25, March 2025

Hi!

It's been a while since I updated this post. But over the last few months I have been improving things slowly on the product and marketing front. So I just wanted to give you an update on what I'm working on right now.

What I'm working on right now

1. A break option for the task timer

I'm aware that Otto feels incohesive and disjointed because of this, so based on feedback I'm working on adding a way to have breaks for the task timer.

2. Strict Pomodoro option

One of the other requested features was to have a strict pomodoro option where Otto forces you to take a break after work and have a work session after a break. Currently it is more lax and gives you an option to choose from but with this feature, you will have the ability to turn this off if you prefer a more strict approach.

3. Improved gamification

I've got some feedback on how the gamification doesn't make sense. And I'm with you. It really doesn't make sense as there's no feedback. I'm working on changing that. This was supposed to be done earlier but there were a few important things that I had to do before getting to this part. But I will get there :)

Again, I want to thank you all for the support, especially those who upgraded to Otto Pro <3

v1.0.41

Update: This patch has been approved and is live as of 19th Mar, 2025.

Quick update: The latest update (1.0.40) introduced a bug that causes the dialog boxes to duplicate multiple times. We've identified and fixed the issue, and a new version (1.0.41) has been submitted to the Chrome Store for review. Apologies for any confusion, and thanks for your patience!

v1.0.40

• Added an Always on Top timer that stays on screen when a timer is on
• new UX to start tasks or add new tasks to the list using the always on top timer
• Internal fixes
• Fixed a bug where it would start an active timer even if it was paused
• Stopping sessions should now calculate the accurate focus time

v1.0.39

• Redesigned Workflow and Autoblock pages for a cleaner, more intuitive experience.
• Introduced Presets for faster rule creation.
• Simplified dialog boxes for Workflow and Autoblock, making setup smoother.
• Removed Notion timer embed.

v1.0.38

• Fixed an issue that was causing content on some websites to be hidden.

v1.0.37

• Fixed style issues on certain websites including youtube that was caused by a css package in Otto.

v1.0.36

• UI and Quality of Life Improvements
• Switch Timers
  • Quickly switch between work and break sessions.
  • Work to Break: Otto Pro only
  • Break to Work: Available for everyone
• Workflow Dialog
  • Improved UI for better usability
• Internal Updates
  • Performance and stability improvements

Deployed a fix for a bug that caused styling issues on many websites. The updated version is currently under review in the Chrome Web Store and will be approved soon. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience!

Update: This version is now available to all.

• New Analytics Dashboard: Gain insights into your focus, breaks, and tasks.
• Daily Overview: See a snapshot of your day at a glance.
• History View: Easily review past sessions and track your progress.
• Improved Default Settings: Otto’s popup now starts with pre-filled default session values for convenience.
• Quick Access to Stats: Session modals now include a dedicated stats button for instant access to your analytics.

Features

• Added Reverse Pomodoro mode (only available on Pro)

Improvements

• New Block page design
• New autoblock page design
• Tasks can now be started directly from the Pomodoro screen.
• Increased the Pomodoro timer upper limit to 99 minutes.
• Updated the Session End dialog: now defaults to preset timers with an option to switch to custom values.

Fixes

• Fixed an issue where the task timer would unexpectedly stop.

New Features

• Autoblock Modes: Choose between Timer ON or OFF. Autoblock can now run only when the timer is on or at all times.
• Autoblock syncs seamlessly across tabs.
• Once Autoblock finishes, permanent blocking kicks in, requiring manual unblocking in the popup.
• The Autoblock progress bar has been redesigned into a slim bar at the top, staying out of your way.

Improvements

• Updated task UI in both the popup and embedded views.
• Sequence Mode: Tasks now wait for your confirmation before starting.
• Tasks can now be paused directly from the popup.
• Start/pause tasks from the embedded task view.
• Introduced a refreshed Autoblock UI.
• Enhanced parts of the Chrome extension UI for a cleaner look.
• Redesigned dialog boxes for a smoother experience.
• Removed the old Autoblock progress bar and box for a cleaner interface.

Fixes

• Fixed the task timer defaulting to 30 minutes.
• Fixed a bug where the Autoblock timer would stop when both Autoblock and the task timer were active.

Feature

Flow mode - Get into the right headspace with intentional procrastination.

Being productive is always about being mindful. If you're not in the right headspace, the chance of doing things is very low. Flow mode helps you get into the flow when you don't feel like it.

Improvements

• New dialog box UI for workflows, focus mode and flow mode.
• Focus and break sessions from now won't start automatically. You will be shown a dialog box to choose what you want to do.
  • This should fix the timer switching bug
  • Blocking website bug
• Auto-starting focus/break has been removed
• Task list can be moved inside web pages
• Websites are now unblocked by default during break sessions
• Autoblock now runs only during foccus sessions
• Changes to UI colors

You can now create workflows that fit your schedule by making your own rules.

Note: Workflows are in beta, they are free to use until beta ends.

• Workflows will trigger focus timers when you go to a trigger website during the time you set.
• You will see a prompt which will let you pick the type of focus timer
• Only Pomodoro timer is supported right now. More soon.
• Skip workflows.
• Option for granular control by allowing you to specify time and days.

Learn more about it here: Workflows - The what, why and how

Other changes

• Workflows Settings Page
• Cleaner workflow UI inside Otto popup
• Pomodoro timer pill color changed to a lighter pink to improve contrast

This feature has been removed

• Turn any To-dos into Tasks timers
• A play button now appear next to todo items
• Single click the play button to open popup. Double click to start timer directly.

• Redesigned the Tasks screen UI to reduce the number of clicks to create and run task timers.
• The tasks UI looks a bit prettier than before.
• Feature: Nudges - small reminders you can set throughout the day to start a 5 minute focus timer.