There is so much digital noise these days that sometimes it feels like it’s impossible to get anything done. As soon as we get focused on a task, notifications start going off to alert us of incoming emails and text messages. And then there is social media singing its siren song, luring us into a bottomless scroll of "quick updates" that eat up far too much of our lives. There is no shortage of ideas on how to avoid these distractions, but none of them seem to make much difference.

A new product called ZIEA One was developed with the goal of cutting through distractions to help us stay focused. It is an AI-powered desktop calendar, but it does a lot more than just fill us in on the day’s schedule.

Tasks can be checked off as they are completed (📷: ZIEA)

Created by productivity hardware company ZIEA, the device is built around a simple philosophy: to manage time effectively, people must first protect their attention. Instead of relying on a smartphone — arguably the biggest source of distraction — ZIEA One moves planning and scheduling onto a dedicated, always-on desktop device. The result is what the company describes as a “sanctuary for focus” that allows users to see and manage their day without opening an app or unlocking a phone.

ZIEA One is designed around a unified “life view” that automatically syncs calendars from Google, Apple, and Outlook into a single display. Meetings, personal commitments, and family events all appear in one place, giving users a clear overview of their day at a glance. This reduces the need to constantly check multiple apps and helps prevent important tasks from slipping through the cracks.

One of the device’s most distinctive features is its physical “Focus” button. With a single press, users can activate a deep work mode that silences their paired smartphone and blocks incoming notifications. This tactile interaction is designed to make focus intentional, reinforcing the idea that concentration is something to be actively protected.

The device also serves as a charging hub (📷: ZIEA)

ZIEA One also incorporates advanced AI capabilities. Through voice commands, users can quickly add events or ask the system to break down broad goals — such as marathon training, exam preparation, or weekly meal planning — into structured, actionable calendar blocks. The AI can also analyze workloads and suggest wellness breaks, helping users avoid burnout while staying productive. These capabilities are powered by GPT-5, which does not require a separate subscription for use.

Adding to the sense of tangible progress, each calendar item includes a digital checkbox that can be physically checked off as tasks are completed. This transforms the calendar into a living to-do list and provides a small but satisfying sense of accomplishment throughout the day.

Beyond productivity, ZIEA One doubles as a powerful 160-watt charging hub with multiple ports, capable of charging laptops, phones, and accessories from a single outlet. Designed for the modern desk, it aims to reduce cable clutter while centralizing both focus and power in one device.

ZIEA One will be launching soon on Kickstarter, so be sure to sign up for notifications if you want to be one of the first people to snag one.

Nick Bild

R&D, creativity, and building the next big thing you never knew you wanted are my specialties.