That includes OmmWriter, a new writing application for the Mac. It promises a very unique experience, one that aims to reduce distraction and enable you to maintain your focus. Part of that strategy is full-screen text editing, which has been done before, but that’s only the beginning of OmmWriter’s story.

The other part of the story? A snow-covered field, white-out conditions, and a couple of lonely looking trees. And a soundtrack of calming, ambient instrumental music. I was watching “Glee” when I tried the app out for the first time, so I initially thought a musical number was starting up, but then I realized that the sounds were coming from my computer speakers. I can honestly say it’s the first time a word processor has played me music.

When you first boot up OmmWriter, it displays a splash screen that lets you know that it’s best to experience the program using headphones for a more immersive effect. I dutifully followed the instructions using my Apple in-ear headphones, and sure enough, I felt more like I was lost in a world of composition.

If you’re not keen on the default backdrop and music, you can change both. Two other backdrops are available, including a fabric pattern, and a completely white one. Both are preferable to the field image in my opinion, since they have no real focal point to distract the eye. There are also seven different background soundtracks to choose from. OmmWriter remembers your choice, too, so you won’t have to reconfigure your work space with every boot.

I know what you’re thinking. OmmWriter sounds weird. And it is, but it’s also different. Unique, in fact. It’s rare to come across a word processor at this stage that can make the same claim. I really recommend giving it a shot, even if you’re skeptical after reading this. You may just find it’s exactly what you need to stay on track and write something great.

OmmWriter is currently available as a free beta, though you’ll have to sign up at the site with your email address to get the download link.

Has OmmWriter helped improve your focus?

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Collanos Workplace is designed as a lightweight, cross-platform project management tool. It doesn’t have the level of detail or scalability of a server-based, enterprise solution, nor is it meant to. Instead, Workplace is aimed at helping small teams manage smaller projects. There are versions available for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux, so you shouldn’t have any hardware barriers preventing team members from getting the software up and running.

Once you’ve installed Workplace, you can opt to go through a quick start Workspace setup process upon launch. Additionally, the program provides you with a sample Workspace so that you have a rudimentary example to work from when building your own.

One thing you’ll notice right away about the setup process is that group members have to be online in order for you to be able to invite them to join, which could prove annoying. Later on, you can send emails and people can join at their leisure, but not during the initial setup for some reason.

If you happen to be working with a small enough crowd, and with people you know, the invitation process shouldn’t prove too much of an obstacle. Once invitees are accepted, they can access the Workspace any time from their own client, whether or not you’re online.

One you have a group, you can set tasks and assign them to specific individuals. You can also access the project’s directory structure, where you can upload files, create sub-folders, access files others have added, etc. Like in an email client, items in the project directory are marked as either read or unread.

You can also switch to Timeline View, where Workplace generates a Gantt chart of your project activity, including folder history and task status, start, and completion dates. Double-clicking on a task in Timeline View brings up that tasks information and settings box, so you can make changes if you wish.

During my test run with Collanos Workplace, I didn’t run into any big problems, although I did have to Force Quit at one point when the software stopped responding while I was adding new members to the group. Overall, though, the program seems like a useful and easy way to manage small professional or personal projects without incurring the significant time or cost associated with most enterprise-targeted solutions, or even MS Project for that matter. Perfect for coralling a rowdy and disobedient bunch of bloggers, for instance, which is just what I intend to use it for.

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