Show HN: Aegis AI – Adaptive screen-time coach that blocks distractions
- Data 100 % stored on device. Swift + OpenAI API for usage analysis (with smart prompting), report data stored privately on device. Firebase backend for authentication no personal data saved.
• Generates adaptive blocking plans for critical applications (blocks them and reviews weekly), serves as a mobile productivity coach, deep analytics, advanced blocking modes that allow for timed deep-focus sprints. Think “Whoop” but for your social media addiction.
• Subscriptions handled with RevenueCat; CloudKit for backup.
Looking for blunt feedback on:
1. Does the adaptive algorithm feel smarter than fixed limits, do you see value in being served the solution to your specific usage v.s traditional apps just giving you blocking functionality?
2. Is the weekly review enough, how else would you think of integrating AI to help for this use case. What other features do you consider essential?
3. Should pricing stay subscription, move to one-time or freemium (for flywheel effect)?
Happy to share more info on request.
A couple of years ago my phone became my biggest enemy. I would sit down to work, open Instagram for “a minute,” and surface two hours later. The deeper I dug, the worse the research looked:
•Stanford MRI studies show gray-matter shrinkage in the prefrontal cortex from chronic screen time.
•Constant digital interruption can cut measured IQ by roughly ten points—more than moderate cannabis use.
•Adults 18-25 already show measurable cortical thinning.
The average person now burns six hours a day on low-quality content. Oxford’s 2024 “word of the year”, brain rot - captures it.
How the app tries to break the loop
•Personalised AI coach – identifies your worst offenders and proposes a blocking schedule reviewed each week.
•Pre-emptive prompts – breathing drills or short quotations pop up when you try to open a blocked app.
•Adaptive limits – rules tighten or relax based on actual behaviour.
•Circadian sync – mornings and nights get stricter blocks to protect REM and deep focus.
•Deep focus sessions – structured sprints that keep everything else silenced.
Early results
Beta users report two to three reclaimed hours a day and a noticeable drop in “phantom” notification checking.
Free trial for HN
HN readers can run a full AI screen-time diagnosis and a three-day trial with code "HCKR".
I would love blunt feedback on the previously mentioned points and in general to make this the ultimate screen time and digital wellbeing app.
You can download Aegis AI directly here: https://apps.apple.com/app/aegis-ai-screen-time-controls/id6...
Email: chris@getaegis.co – all replies answered.