Note: If you are unable to proceed with the onboarding screen during a fresh install of Otto, please click on skip on the first screen. A patch for the bug is under review (v2.0.2). This should not affect existing users

New features

Block specific URLs
You can now block specific URLs within your scheduled blocked websites, giving you more precise control.

This will be extended to Focus Blocks in the next update.

Vacation Mode
Temporarily pause your blocks and any rules you’ve set up while you’re taking time off. This allows you to access blocked websites without having to manually unblock them each time.

Improvements and fixes

• Fixed bugs reported by users

What's in this update?

• A new game mechanic that works like a real life friendship. It's low pressure, but also rewarding. Visit our help page
• A point based progressive system
• Blocked pages now show handmade digital artworks
• Milestones for big events (and more to be added)
• Lots of internal changes

If you run into bugs, please let us know.

Just minor improvements

New Feature!!

Scheduled Blocking: Set up custom schedules to block specific websites at chosen times of the day. You can easily configure both the time range and the days of the week.

Improvements

• Overall UI improvements
• Better website picker UI to quickly pick common websites

1.0.48 and 1.0.49 (In review)

1.0.48

• Added option to export analytics data (saved to your downloads folder)
• Improved design for Autoblock and Workflow settings pages
• Increased maximum task duration slider to 90 minutes in the Task tab
• Fixed blocking issue affecting certain websites (again)

Note:
If Otto is ever disabled because of missing permissions, you can re-enable it and grant the requested permissions.
A new version has already been published (currently under review) that makes the "downloads" permission optional.

1.0.49

• Adjusted downloads permission: now optional and only requested when exporting data.
  By default, Otto has no access to downloads.

Fixed a bug that was causing twitter/X to be blocked even after removing it from the block list.

and added quick block list functionality to quickly block commonly used websites.

Minor fixes and optimization :)

Just minor fixes :)

This version is live.

• Task Mode now includes breaks, so you can step away without losing momentum.
• Added a new Strict Mode option for alternating between focus and breaks (Available on Otto Pro)
• You can now edit your workflows.
• Fixed a bug where new workflows sometimes didn’t trigger.
• The mini timer (the always-on-top one) can now be dragged vertically.

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

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.