Mac OS - Screensaver never activates

Extension Clemz
1

Hello,

I have been using the Clemz extension for a few weeks and have noticed an annoying behavior: when an action takes place in the background (posting ads, updating smart dressing, etc.), the screensaver never activates. I notice this because as soon as the actions are completed, the usual behavior returns.

I specify that I do not have any other application open at that time, which proves that the behavior is really linked to what the Clemz extension is doing.

As I have a screen that is more sensitive than usual to static images (OLED screen), the use of the extension risks prematurely wearing out my screen. I wanted to know if others have noticed the same thing on Mac OS, and if an improvement could be considered to prevent this (even if it means offering it as an opt-in option in the extension’s settings).

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely.

3

my macs go to sleep when clemz is running. There is a setting to adjust: choose the sleep time

1 Like
4

@Aco What condescension (or humor) when we don’t know each other… Refrain from this kind of intervention that borders on trolling. We’re past that age.

Be aware that by default on a computer, for energy saving reasons, they go into sleep mode, first the screen, then after a while the machine itself after a certain period of inactivity. Multiply this action across millions of computers and you will see that the impact in terms of energy consumption is far from negligible.

Putting the screen to sleep has no impact on the running application. I was indeed talking about sleep mode and not closing the window. The simulation of actions can therefore continue to run in the background even if I don’t see it with my own eyes.

I’m waiting for feedback from the extension developer, supported by their technical background. And for your information, yes, the system settings are in place, since this behavior only occurs when Chrome is open with the Clemz extension running (I don’t use Chrome otherwise).

@Hypathie Thank you for sharing this information. On which operation did you observe it? All of them, including the smart dressing update?

5

For example, with Chrome as well (I haven’t used Brave on these computers, for example, Safari doesn’t work for clemz) when I run the view request. My screens (iMac or MacBook) go to sleep after the time I’ve set for general use if I have no other activity. Note that this interrupts clemz’s task. I have to press the keyboard. In the same way as if I were watching a movie. I prefer to leave the sleep mode on because if I turned it off, I would have to intervene to turn it off. There may be a setting that Clément will advise us on. Indeed, when a screen is on, it is very energy-consuming and causes faster wear and tear on the screens and the system.

6

Hello,

On Windows and even more so on MacOS, when the computer decides to put the screen to sleep, it’s because it detects a lack of activity. And this generally comes with its share of complications if you want Clemz to keep running…

Notably, Chrome will potentially reduce its resources or even stop loading pages altogether. So unfortunately, you can’t have activity on Chrome AND screen sleep at the same time.

But if you turn off the screen, that shouldn’t cause any problems (no idea if this is a solution for your fragility issue?)

1 Like
7

Thank you for this feedback.

I remain quite surprised because, as a long-time user of all sorts of applications, browser extensions, etc., this is the very first time I have encountered this behavior.

So, you are confirming that mechanisms are in place in the Clemz extension to prevent the screen saver from activating or even the computer from going to sleep?

The screen saver is one thing, the computer going to sleep is another. As much as I perfectly understand that a sleeping computer will not be able to run Clemz in the background, the screen going to sleep (or the screen saver appearing by default) should not interrupt background activities. Currently, it’s impossible to verify this in its current state.

Turning off the screen every time the Clemz extension is used seems a bit disproportionate; isn’t there a better alternative you can offer us?

During the few days of trial, I didn’t really think about it, and the Clemz extension’s documentation doesn’t mention it, but now that I have subscribed to an annual plan, it bothers me a bit more to know that your extension imposes a radical change in the way we use our personal computers.

Thank you for your help.

8

Can we continue this (very specific) discussion via email at bonjour@clemz.app?
It will be simpler :slightly_smiling_face:

9

Perhaps a tip that can solve the problem…

When you want to let « Clemz » work, no matter what feature is launched, and turn off only your screen, while letting your MacOS run, you do the following shortcut:

Ctrl + Shift + Power (or Touch ID, it depends on the keyboard)
Your screen will turn off immediately, but the MacOS will continue to run, so Clemz won’t stop (well, Chrome).

If it’s a MacBook, just do this before leaving, and definitely don’t close the lid.
Otherwise, you will also put the MacOS to sleep.
Leave it open.

When you come back, just move the mouse or briefly press the Power/ID button.
Your screen will turn back on.

If you want to set it up without using the shortcut every time (but I advise against it, it’s annoying)
Go to System Settings / Lock Screen.
Under « Turn off screen after inactivity, » choose, for example, 3, 4, or 5 minutes, or the time you deem appropriate.
Then go to System Settings / Energy.
Enable this feature: « Prevent automatic sleep when the screen is off. »

So, your screen will turn off by itself after 3, 4, or 5 minutes (or the time you indicated), and your OS will continue to run, therefore, to work.

The only drawback of setting it up and not using the shortcuts is that your screen might turn off while you are using your Mac, which is annoying.
The best way is the shortcut.

It’s up to you to choose…

10

In fact, there is no simple solution: when the screen is in standby, MacOS generally puts Chrome tabs into « standby » mode, and they will be heavily slowed down or even not updated.
And Clemz will not be able to work properly

1 Like
11

Even when you only leave Chrome open?
On PC, it works smoothly though…

12

MacOS is more aggressive than Windows on the aspects of slowdowns for « non-visible » windows. The effect is stronger and Clemz exits more quickly…

1 Like
13

I can continue by email, but I won’t hide from you that I also appreciate community input, which is sometimes relevant. Others might be interested in the information and have workarounds like @Aco suggests.

Now, if @Clement, you want me to beta test, I’m 100% up for it because it really bothers me.

Thanks @Aco for all the suggestions, unfortunately I use a keyboard that doesn’t have a Power key on a Mac Mini :frowning:

And regarding the fact that the Clemz extension still blocks sleep mode even when it has finished its tasks? Is there a way to fix that?

In the meantime, I’ll dedicate a laptop 100% to using Clemz if there’s no other solution…

14

Yes, I will look into how to prevent standby mode when tasks are completed :slightly_smiling_face:

15

Just for your information, I’m including an improvement on this point in the next version! Keep me updated @Emy

16

Thank you for this information.

No problem, count on me