Around 5pm, your display turns pinkish orange and it becomes a lot harder to see anything. Code gets harder to read, colors display wrong, video just fades to black. None of the advertised happiness ensues.
The second half-year it remained installed, my only interaction with it was to notice it screw up my display, then right-click the tray icon and disable it.
Needless to say, I didn't install it on the new box I bought this year. I don't understand why people like it.
1: Doesn't understand it, hates the "wrong" colors. Can't get used to it.
2: Appreciates the candle-like colors, says it helps them sleep in the evening or relaxes their eyes.
I wonder if there's some sort of genetic difference? Maybe some people just aren't sensitive to bright light in the evening?
I think I speak for a lot of Flux users when I say that the point you really notice is when you're working late at night, and you turn off Flux after your eyes have acclimatised and all of a sudden you feel like you're in a tanning booth.
I'd say it's more of a personality phenomenon, but acknowledge the possibility you present as well.
1. the ones who discovered the "Slow" setting in preferences, and
2. the ones who didn't.
When the transition is set to Fast, I find it very jarring. When it's set to slow, I barely notice it.
For anybody looking to correlate the two, I wrote the above and fall squarely into the "no music" camp as well.
Maybe we're just overly sensitive to any intrusion on our concentration. (I also prefer nobody throw hamburgers at me while coding, so there's a 3rd datapoint.)
That's a condescending interpretation. Just because someone doesn't like something doesn't mean that they don't understand it.
If the same people are complaining about paper and other objects having the "wrong" colours at night, you might be onto something. I think that's highly unlikely though and I see little reason to seek a genetic explanation.
Going to try it out again, "forcefully", for a longer while to see how it works out.
No, it's probably people not noticing that they have a problem and insisting that they don't. Happens all the time.
Also a badly-calibrated monitor can give a very undesirable result color-wise, but a white page should look like your room lighting if we do things right.
Oh and here is a bug that's been niggling at me. If you have your laptop plugged into an external display after the evening light kicks in, then unplug the laptop, it's in screaming bright normal colors on its own screen until you quit and restart f.lux. Same if you plug in the external screen in the evening.
as someone in the "those colors look weird" camp, this might convince me to give it a try. it implies that those i've seen using it have it set up wrong.
F.lux emulates an undergoing sun. That doesn't happen in 20 seconds. Set the transition time to Slow.
Also select the right type of lighting. If none of the types match your lighting, juggle a bit with the settings until your screen looks the same way a piece of paper would look in the same lighting.
If you do that, you won't notice it's running at all. The only reason I turn it off is when I'm watching a movie. The colours in a movie usually already take darkness in account.
For the most part, though, I think it's great.
Tying it to sunrise/sunset is what makes it useless. In winter it starts the transition at 4 pm while I'm still working. The amount of daylight I get in winter is already low enough, using f.lux would make the winter depression even worse. I could of course trick it by settings the location to place in the Southern hemisphere, but that won't help me during spring and fall...
And this might defeat the purpose, but if I could configure it to know what Spaces it was in in OS X, I could still design and not have to turn it off manually for just that one Space with the browser window in it, where knowing the actual colors is important.
For me is: days, all the way to the right (bluish) and nights, about one third to the left (just a little reddish).
Also, make the transition last one hour (20 seconds is insane).
Also, I think it looks great only on HDMI, and ugly on VGA.
Videos shouldn't be black though. Flux does have different white balance targets, have you tried selecting a different one?
Also watching videos/flickring etc needed it to be disabled to get the right colors on screen.
However, when I get home and get back on my system, then I'm ready for night time mode.
I prefer the 20 second switch over so I know to turn it off fast. With the long transition, I find myself being annoyed for a while until its enough for realize I need to turn it off.
I'd love a simple "activate at sunset, but not before X:XX".
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/brightness-dimmer-tint-contr...
You can also change the color of the tint based on the type of lighting you have in your room (halogen, tungsten, fluorescent, etc) which makes a difference.
Still, it just might not be for you :)
edit: You CAN make it take an hour! Just installed again!
You know that you can tune the white balance to your preference in the program, right?
Most of these are on our list but it is all good feedback!
A feature request: some way for me to get rid of the f.lux menu-bar icon without quitting f.lux.
(I am willing to switch to an app or a preference pane to interact with f.lux.)
I have three monitors, one at the bottom and two above it side by side (top ones are primarily used) and F.lux only works on the main monitor. :(
Come on. Linux is not Windows. Everybody and their dog already run 64-bit version. It makes no sense not to. All the software is built for 64-bit too. It's just a fact of life. Nobody uses 32-bit anymore except for netbooks and like.
In Windows they still run 32-bit software on 64-bit OS, but a typical Linux install will have not a single 32-bit program.
That's why not having a 64-bit version is pathetic.
Altough redshift doesn't if supplied with all the required parameters outright.
Sample config is at http://jonls.dk/2010/10/redshift-1-6-released/ - I only need to set lat and lon to get it to run, though I also have temp-night set for my personal preference.
This doesn't sound like a KDE problem:
% ldd `which xflux`
linux-gate.so.1 => (0xf773b000)
libXxf86vm.so.1 => not found
libXext.so.6 => not found
libX11.so.6 => not found
libstdc++.so.6 => not found
libm.so.6 => /lib32/libm.so.6 (0xf76f6000)
libgcc_s.so.1 => not found
libc.so.6 => /lib32/libc.so.6 (0xf754e000)
/lib/ld-linux.so.2 (0xf773c000)I have been using it with the following parameters: redshift -l <my latitude>:<my longitude> -t 6500:5200 -g 0.8 -m vidmode
This results in slightly reduced gamma all the time but only a moderate redshift that doesn't offset colours too much. I have it set to autostart and I really don't notice it being there, however I do notice it is missing when switching users or OSes!
redshift -l <long>:<lat>
1. With only one exception I can think of, every instance of insomnia I've had in the last several years I can trace to not having f.lux enabled for some reason.
2. The reason that happens is that I often won't notice if f.lux dies for some reason, because I am so thoroughly used to it now.
I was having real sleep trouble several years ago, and f.lux is part of a battery of things I did (along with cutting caffeine completely after 12:00PM every day, getting some aerobic exercise, not coding after ~9:00PM, and taking over getting the kids out the door in the morning to force myself to get up) which more or less eliminated those problems.
Sure enough, I forgot to turn F.lux back on after disabling it for some photo editing on Sunday, so while I don't have any proof this seems like a strong correlation echo'd by all of the existing research on Herf's website.
I had onset insomnia: took me about an hour to fall asleep each night. I jailbroke my iPhone just to install f.lux.
Now I don't have onset insomnia.
If I wasn't clear: I can trace insomnia to f.lux being disabled; I'm not aware of it at the time, but then the next day or so I'm like, "oh, yeah, f.lux was off, shit." It's not like 11:30PM rolls around and I realize f.lux is off and suddenly I can't sleep.
See the f.lux webpages for some references.
That being said, this has been around for a while, so I wonder why it's trending now. They haven't put out any recent updates afaik
Just install it during the day. You'll be inseparable by the evening.
Screen Filter https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.haxor
I only use that Screen Filter app to shut off the soft-key backlights since last time I tried it all it did was drop a configurably-transparent black over everything on-screen.
If your eyes hurt at night, just alter your brightness contrast, or write a script to do that instead of messing with color!
I actually leave my LCDs at a redder tint most of the time now, as I find it more comfortable. This is particularly useful as most desktop LCDs won't adjust their brightness down far enough for me. Laptops are better, since they actually bother to adjust the power of their backlight.
If you can have a driver or software that does it at a native level instead of emulation, that would be awesome.
However, I don't think monitors have an API or programmable interface for that, therefore we have flu.x.
> F.lux is patent pending.
So they're applying for software patents on this so-far-free piece of software that has an open-source linux equivalent?
Secondly, a method for easing eye strain on long-term monitor viewers by changing the light frequency of the monitor gradually sounds like a great patent (I don't remember literally exactly what f.lux does, but it's something like that, right?).
Thirdly, software patents don't technically exist, and I know it may sound nitpicky to mention that, but from the phrasing you've used (open-source linux equivalent) it seems you think they're patenting the literal software, when in reality they're patenting the method. You can't patent software code itself. For at least a little while longer, we're living under a 'first-to-invent' system of patenting (until March 16th) so even if the linux equivalent exists, as long as f.lux can prove it's method was invented before the linux one was (and it was), they still have their claim.
>Display device does not support gamma ramps. >Failed to start adjustment method wingdi. >Trying next method... >No more methods to try.
I imagine melatonin works better with minimal exposure to blue light after taking it. This might be good for those who have it harder time with sleep schedules than you do.
I seem to need my harsh cold 6300K in the night ;)
I work from home, so can get away with working "whenever". For a while I've basically given up trying to "fix" my sleep cycle. I'm awake until I pass out and I wake up when I'm rested. This is of course suboptimal for workouts--you need to rest properly after workout to get max benefit from it. But lying in the bed and trying to get asleep is such a bother. If I'm not sleepy I'd get up and be active until I get sleepy.
But to be honest that really doesn't bother me that much. It only get's weird when I have to set a wake up alarm to do grocery shopping before the stores close ;)
Otherwise I'd love to use it. Maybe I'll try redshift.
You can download it here (There is also another package with source) https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=CD51CF0B626581E!134...
Basically, you can configure it to kill f.lux (and thus get your precious color back) when certain applications are executed. When all the "killer" applications are closed, f.lux is restarted automatically. It's barebone (there is no GUI) and I tried to keep it light (CPU & memory wise)
Reflux quick readme :
- It's windows only
- If you want reflux to start on windows startup you have to do it yourself. (I personally added an entry in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run)
- I recommend putting the exe and the ini in the same directory than flux.exe (on my computer C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Apps\F.lux
- In the ini (open it with notepad), you can add a list of "f.lux killer" in the KILLERPROCESSES part. ie: KILLERPROCESSES=mpc-hc64.exe;photoshop.exe;vlc.exe
- There are 2 other options.
- If you didn't put reflux.exe in the same directory than flux.exe you can add a FLUXPATH entry. ie: FLUXPATH=c:\flux\flux.exe
- The process (by default) is executed every 2500ms. If you find it too slow or too quick you can add a CHECKINTERVAL entry. ie : CHECKINTERVAL=5000
Hope you guys enjoy it
It's just been unusual to me that my screen was being tinted/shaded..
-Install during the day.
-Use the Slow Transition Method
-Don't go all the way down to 3400k for night time if you think it'll bug you. I personally love it.
• It overrode the brightness settings on my screen, so it was actually much brighter than I would normally have it.
• Whenever I needed to work on anything with colours (most design tasks) I would have to turn it off to get hues correct.
The first one may have been sorted out by this point though.
My iMac screen is rated at 350 nits, a.k.a. super-bright, so when Flux kicks in, I don't mind it if I'm working on that screen.
On the other hand, my 2nd monitor is an el-cheapo Samsung I bought before I cared what "nits" meant, and is rated at 250 nits -- a significant difference.
My typical workspace at night is, left screen (iMac) holds the browser where I view changes, and the right screen (Samsung) has my code editor.
So when f.lux kicks in... my options are one of two things: - disable it - buy a new monitor
Guess which one I go for?
(Have you tried calibrating both screens? flux should not affect brightness/gamma differently.)
Although I may play with it ... I spend a lot more time coding.
Also, it doesn't look like Redshift is available for Mac OS.
Flux helps a lot but the display side still sucks. I have to adjust the the brightness few times per day. Apple display have a nice brightness control but it's a mirror.
If you're a designer then you probably can't use this. Desginers need colors to display properly.
Set the transition to slow and you won't get blindsided by the temp change when it's dusk; use your machine for an hour or two and by 22:00 turn off f.lux and see how bright your monitor is. It's the sun! That's why I love f.lux.
First make this file writable.
chmod o+w /sys/class/backlight/acpi-video0/brightness
0 17 * * * echo 14 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 18 * * * echo 13 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 19 * * * echo 12 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 20 * * * echo 11 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 21 * * * echo 10 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 22 * * * echo 9 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 23 * * * echo 8 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 00 * * * echo 7 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 05 * * * echo 12 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 06 * * * echo 13 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 07 * * * echo 14 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
0 08 * * * echo 15 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightnes
In a similar vein, one someday project is to setup a vector-based (HUD-style) display using a laser projector (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005D6D6DY/?tag=hn2013-20 [affil]) and its SDK (http://www.picop.org/distros discovered http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4827130).
Always looking for ideas on reducing eye strain -- looking forward to my Oculus Rift! http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1523379957/oculus-rift-s...
The goal here is to essentially forget that flux is running yet reap all of the benefits of it.
Flux works decent for reading/coding/web browsing/etc, but it needs access to the backlight levels to truly be fantastic.
My neighbour has a MacBook Air with a TN panel, and when I put my computer next to his with f.lux on, his screen looks like a gradient from purple to green with yellow in the middle, while mine has a uniform warm feeling (not yellow at all).
What I use now is a Chrome extension called "Hacker Vision" and I highly recommend it to anyone reading this. It flips the colors of websites so you get a white text on a dark background. It's really great in a dark room or sitting next to someone at night AND I can turn my MacBook Air's backlight down to 2 and read everything clearly; that resulted in an extra 30-40minutes of battery life!
Here's the link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/hacker-vision/fomm...
I think you really have to use the slow transition (1 hour) mode, 20 seconds is quite jarring.
I program in Aptana with coloured text on back background, and I don't find it any harder to read in night mode. Overall, I can't recommend f.lux enough.
On a related note I've just started using http://www.protectyourvision.org to remind me to get up and move around every 20 minutes, also a highly recommended tool.
Mine is set to 4500K nighttime and I hardly notice it changing 4-5pm when the sun goes down. If I'm working on something that requires color accuracy, I use "disable for an hour" or I quit it.
So: When it (rarely) gets in the way, it's easy to swat away
Another app that's helped with eye-strain is TimeOut (http://www.dejal.com/timeout/). It helps to take a regular break from the screen every few minutes.
BTW I just scale down the contrast and brightness of my screen
I was hoping more for a decent gamma adjustment tool as there don't appear to be any decent free ones out there.
Trying to open the applet's Preferences has no effect.
Also, though, I have higher astigmatism and a high prescription and it might be why my eyes feel tired and notice a difference.
Either way this software is not a hallucination and makes a difference for me.
This happens to me all the time on my MacBook Air. The problem is that Mac OS X wakes up at the previous backlight level, which is often way too bright for a pitch black environment.
It seems like they do - I just returned to HN from reading flux's pitch, and my eyes did not take too well to the higher contrast on HN. Can anyone confirm if the colors on their website change over the day?
Sleep-monitoring wristband data + "did I see a screen, a red-shifted screen, or no screen" would be really interesting to me.
xbacklight -set 0 && xcalib -invert -alterMy eyes - they burn with blue light.
though my iPhone is higher than OS 5, so I don't have any idea about how to install it to my iPhone,
but I think , maybe if Apple sensed this, would the integrate this into iOS as new feature? just call it the Platform's feature
getting red and red my screen, feel like I am looking at some fire through the screen
Over time, your endurance for it increases, and reading becomes more of an emotional activity, unwittingly.