f.lux
| File:Flux sunset logo.svg | |
| Developer(s) | Michael Herf, Lorna Herf |
|---|---|
| Initial release | February 2009 |
| Stable release | |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, iOS |
| Available in | English |
| License | Proprietary, with free download. (with patent claim) |
| Website | stereopsis justgetflux |
f.lux is a computer program that adjusts a computer display's color temperature according to its location and time of day, based on a user specified set of longitude and latitude geographical coordinates, a ZIP code, or a city name, as well as featuring manual user control.
The program was designed to reduce eye strain during nighttime use and to prevent disruption of normal sleep patterns.
Compatibility
f.lux is available on all major operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux.
f.lux also is available on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, although it requires the device to be jailbroken. The developers also are working on a version for the Android operating system.[3]
In iOS 9.3 Apple Inc. plans on releasing a feature called Night Shift which accomplishes the same functions as f.lux for iOS devices.[4]
Features
f.lux automatically calibrates the computer or device display's color temperature to the time of the day. The user also has the option of choosing a color preset or disabling f.lux for an hour and returning the screen to its normal calibration. The software offers five preset color settings on OS X: candle, tungsten, halogen, fluorescent, and daylight.[3] For Microsoft Windows, the halogen, fluorescent, and daylight settings are available—as well as Incandescent, Dim Incandescent, Candle as well as Ember. However the user can choose any color temperature from 1200K to sunlight, in 100K increments, so these presets exist mostly as starting off points for further tweaking to taste. The iOS version uses the same presets as the Mac version.
A "Movie Mode" is available on Windows and OS X that reduces the adjustment for 2.5 hours, which is long enough for viewing most feature films.
The software requires the device's location in order to determine its local sunrise and sunset.
Efficacy
f.lux proponents hypothesise that altering the color temperature of a display to reduce the prominence of blue light at night will improve the effectiveness of sleep. Reducing exposure to blue light at night time has been linked to increased melatonin secretion,[5] but f.lux itself has not been scientifically tested to determine its efficacy. f.lux provides a list of relevant scientific research on their website.[6]
Reviews
f.lux has been widely and positively reviewed by technology journalists, bloggers, and users.[7][8][9][10][11]
See also
- Redshift (software), a free software alternative
References
- ^ a b https://justgetflux.com/mac/macflux.xml
- ^ http://cydia.saurik.com/package/org.herf.flux
- ^ a b f.lux: F.A.Q
- ^ http://apple.com/ios/preview/
- ^ http://www.deborahburnett.com/images/uploads/EffectsofLightsofDifferentColorTemperatureontheNocturnalChanges.pdf
- ^ https://justgetflux.com/research.html
- ^ Zukerman, Erez. "Review: f.lux makes your computer usable at night". PC World. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
- ^ Tanous, Jim. "Save Your Eyes and Improve Your Sleep with f.lux for OS X and Windows". TekRevue. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
- ^ Hoffman, Chris. "Reduce Eye Strain and Get Better Sleep by Using f.lux on Your Computer". HowToGeek. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
- ^ Pash, Adam. "F.lux Changes Your Screen Brightness by Time of Day". LifeHacker. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
- ^ Smith, Ben. "F.lux on your iPhone". iPadhelp. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
Further reading
- "f.lux helping you sleep with the power of light". appaholic.co.u. August 3, 2009.
External links
- Official f.lux homepage
- "f.lux". Cydia Package Info.
- "iOS 9.3 Preview". Apple.