Version 5.03

5th October 2011

The new version adds new menu bar item display options.

Version 5.02

11th August 2011

This latest release adds support for Growl notifications.

Version 5.01

8th June 2011

This version fixes a memory utilisation problem.

Version 5.0

25th May 2011

This is the first major release of MacBreakZ for a while and concentrates on updating the look & feel and on bringing the tool up to date with the latest technologies.

MacBreakZ 5 requires Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or later.

Version 4.17

22nd April 2009

A direct link to our brand-new support forums has been added to the "Help" menu.

Version 4.8.8

19th January 2009

The new release fixes two minor bugs:

• if a micro break is showing when you temporarily disable breaks, the dialog is no longer "stuck" on the screen
• when you manually change stretches the stretch timer now correctly restarts the stretching time

Version 4.8.7

29th October 2008

This fixes a display bug due to a change of behavior (bug?) in WebKit that caused the stretching instructions to be displayed in tiny 9 pixel text!?

Version 4.8.6

28th October 2008

The new release adds improved menu item feedback.

Version 4.8.5

30th September 2008

This new release focuses on better support for stylus and tablet user input devices.

• added questions about stylus and tablet use to the setup assistant which now choose appropriate settings for you
• added more "relaxed" activity measurement settings to cope with the "jitter" of stylus input devices
• added additional tool tips to clarify some settings

Version 4.8.1

14th July 2008

This is a minor bug fix correcting a spelling mistake in the stretch instructions.

Version 4.8

29th April 2008

The latest release includes complete a complete Apple Help Book for the program.

Version 4.7.5

23rd January 2008

The new version allows the voice volume to be adjusted from within the MacBreakZ preferences.

Version 4.7

12th December 2007

The new version:

• adds two additional stretches by British illustrator Nick Miller, bringing the total up to 42 stretches
• improves compatibility with Leopard's Spaces
• tweaks messages display for better readability
• fixes minor display problems

Version 4.6.5

23rd October 2007

Delivers Leopard compatibility and makes some minor corrections.

Version 4.6

3rd October 2007

The new version addresses a typical situation that everybody runs into when using a break timer: Sometimes you want to be sure not to be interrupted for a while.

Whether you're giving a presentation, showing your boss the latest figures or you simply positively need to get on with it, it would be great if you could disable the program for just a little while.

The new release allows you to disable the program for:

• the next 2 hours
• the next 4 hours
• the rest of the day

As soon as you're done, MacBreakZ will unobtrusively re-activate itself.

Version 4.5

4th September 2007

The new version allows you to switch off the "Clock keeps running" and "Clock runs backwards" features of the activity monitor.

These features were designed to minimize the number of breaks by ensuring that breaks only occur after prolonged typing or mousing. This "rewards" you when you use your input devices sparingly (a good idea!) by forcing fewer breaks on you. In this manner as long as you work safely, you may never get interrupted by a forced break.

Postural problems, headaches and eye-strain prevention, however, are more tightly linked to the amount of time you spend in front of the computer than your activity level. Switching off the "clock runs backwards" feature can make you benefit from more frequent and more regular stretch breaks.

Version 4.4

11th July 2007

Apple's DVD Player application simulates user activity during playback to prevent the screen saver from activating.

This "fake" user activity is now ignored by MacBreakZ, making it safer to watch DVD's while running it.

Version 4.3

28th March 2007

The new version adds the ability to add your own stretches to the program.

Version 4.2.5

18th February 2007

This minor update significantly reduces CPU utilization.

Version 4.2

31st January 2007

The new version adds 10 additional stretches, as well as some minor bug fixes and improvements.

Version 4.1

20th December 2006

New features:

• a new stretch manager allows you to choose which stretches you want to perform
• alternative representation for activity level in the menu bar item
• change the activity monitor's influence on the clock to make it more intuitive
• option not to show stretches or ergonomic tips

Version 4.0 Final

28th November 2006

The first full release of version 4.

Changes from beta 3:

• 20 additional stretches
• "informal" stretching illustrations redone completely
• Fixed adaptation mode problem

Version 4.0 Beta 3

19th October 2006

New Features:

• Setup Assistant guides users to find an optimal initial setup that corresponds to their needs, preferences and work environment
• adaptation mode allows break duration and interval to be gradually changed over an "adaptation period"
• sounds are now played through the "sound effects" device, so can be played by the built-in speaker rather than the hifi system for example
• option to enforce breaks so that they cannot be manually skipped
• new application icon
• application icon indicates activity level
• user manual now available and linked from the Help menu

Improvements & Fixes

• activity measurement is more "relaxed" by default and can be adjusted across a larger range
• it is now possible to customize the colors used in the activity menu bar
• by default a darker green color is used in the activity menu bar to improve readability
• more stretches per break by default due to popularity of the feature
• microbreaks are automatically dismissed after being ignored for 90 seconds (no stop to the activity)
• the same stretch will no longer appear several times in a single rest break
• fixed microbreaks bug
• corrected some spelling mistakes
• trial period restarts for 3rd beta
• unlock code is now easier to enter when dock item is hidden

Version 4.0 Beta 2

4th October 2006

The new version add a new user interface mode that allows the menu bar and the dock icon to be hidden for more discrete operation.

The volume of the built-in sounds has been reduced, microbreaks are now more configurable, the defaults have been improved. The new release also contains a number of other refinements as well as some minor bug fixes.

Product Tour

Questions? Suggestions?

Visit our support forums or drop us a mail at support@publicspace.net

Books on RSI

If you want to find out more about RSI or stretching, check out our list of recommended reading.

RSI Background

This link provides background information about preventing and recovering from RSI.

Injury Prevention

Find out how MacBreakZ can help you prevent Repetitive Strain Injury.

Recovery from RSI

If you are already injured read the disclaimer below carefully, then learn how to start recovering.

Disclaimer

The techniques, ideas, and suggestions in this product are not intended as a substitute for proper medical advice! Consult your physician or health care professional before performing any new exercise or exercise technique, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are elderly, or if you have any chronic or recurring conditions. Any application of the techniques, ideas, and suggestions in this document is at the reader's sole discretion and risk.

The author and publisher of this product and their employers make no warranty of any kind in regard to the content of this product, including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The author and publisher of this document and their employers are not liable or responsible to any person or entity for any errors contained in this product, or for any special, incidental, or consequential damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this document.