MaToMaTo

There are different ways in which time can be used to your advantage. For instance, you can track how much you spend on specific tasks, or create a schedule for a balance of performance and health. As such, MaToMaTo comes as a small timer which sits on the desktop to tell you when it’s time to take a break.

First of all, you need to check whether or not your computer is fitted with .NET Framework, because the application’s functionality relies on it. On the other hand, MaToMaTo doesn’t come inside an installer package, so you can take it for a spin as soon as download is done, and even store it on a thumb drive to use on the go.

The application’s core function is based on the pomodoro technique, which states that you need to take a five minute break for every 20 minutes of work. This is the timer the program is configured with, and it can’t be changed to create a custom work plan. Time is displayed in the interface.

Note that you manually need to start the timer, and there’s also the possibility to pause it. The application’s window can be dragged to any location on screen, but can’t be resized, which can get a little frustrating. Moreover, it can’t be minimized to the tray area to leave it quietly to count and show up when it’s time to take five.

The visual design can feel a little unpolished, but fitted with animations which make the window shake, and grow when you’re near to break time. In case you want to have it ready by the time you reach the desktop, adding a shortcut inside the system Startup folder does the trick.

Bottom line is that a proper time management makes workflow more efficient, and also leaves enough room for entertainment. MaToMaTo isn’t really a professional approach on time management, but it can come in handy if you rely on the pomodoro technique.