【2024 Archives】

Longtime Mac users know all about the wonders of f.lux024 Archives a third-party system preference that automatically adjusts your screen's color temperature, shifting it from blue to yellow throughout the day in order to combat the harmful effects of blue light.

With iOS 9.3, Apple added a feature called "Night Shift" that's essentially f.lux, but for your iPhone or iPad. The useful feature is now headed to the Mac.

The latest developer beta for macOS Sierra version 10.4.1 beta 1, includes a Night Shift mode, that can be toggled on within the System Preferences app. Once activated, you can also toggle it on and off in the Notification Center.

Mind you, the feature is only available through the developerbeta and not the public beta, which is available through the Apple Developer Center. A public beta release, however, shouldn't be too far off.

While not definitive, there's been a good amount of research that links the blue light emitted from screens to eye strain and sleep disruption. Many people who have installed f.lux have credited it with helping their eyes feel less tired and improving their sleep.

It's not just makers of devices with screens on them that are taking notice. At CES 2017, Soraa debuted its Helia smart light bulbs for the home that gradually shift the color temperature from blue light in the morning to warmer, yellower light at night.

Adding Night Shift to macOS isn't just another case of an iOS feature making the jump from iPhone to the Mac, but another way Apple's doubling down on health and well-being, an area CEO Tim Cook and his squad have prioritized.

UPDATE: March 27, 2017, 4:52 p.m. EDT Night Shift is officially available today with macOS 10.12.4. Update your computer's software to use the feature.

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