Callulu is a macOS menu bar app that provides eight screen-based visual signals to help users manage their workday — without timers, tracking, or push notifications. ($14.99, one-time)
The eight cues cover distinct work states: LIGHTNING signals the start of work, SHADE and WISP support deep focus, EMBER and UNDINE signal rest periods, LULL and SYLPH help with composure, and LUNA marks the end of the workday. Each cue produces a screen overlay effect rather than an alert window, keeping disruption minimal.
Users can customize each cue’s effect strength, screen position, and accompanying sound. The Full Edition (direct purchase at $14.99) includes keyboard shortcuts for triggering any cue instantly, useful for interruption recovery. The LUNA cue supports scheduled activation, allowing it to fire automatically at a configured time. Callulu supports multiple displays and requires no account or network connection.
The design avoids productivity data collection entirely — no session tracking, no analytics, and no syncing. The app stores only user preferences locally on the device.
System requirements: macOS 13 Ventura or later. Compatible with Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Pricing: ($14.99, one-time) direct purchase; ($3.99, one-time) Mac App Store edition.
Limitations: The App Store edition lacks keyboard shortcut support and the scheduled LUNA trigger available in the direct purchase version. There is no iOS companion app and no cross-device sync.
Alternatives: Lungo (simple menu bar session tool for focus), Time Out (scheduled break reminders with screen overlays), Mela-inspired dimming via Night Owl. No direct equivalent matches the cue-based, notification-free approach; the built-in macOS Focus modes provide limited overlap through notification filtering.
Suitable for users who prefer ambient, cue-driven work rhythm tools over timer-based productivity systems.
