A new system called Phylter screens out low-priority distractions when it senses that you’re focused on a more important task

Not now, I’m thinking (Image: Stephen Simpson/Rex Shutterstock)

“SORRY I missed your call. My brain said I was busy.”

A new software project, nicknamed Phylter, checks on your mental state before letting emails or text messages through to your device. The software screens out these low-priority distractions when it senses that you are focused on another, more important task.

“Imagine a system where you have a little dial and you can tell it, ‘Now I’m kind of busy, so leave me alone’,” says Robert Jacob, a computer scientist at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. His team want to set …