Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

#1

Post by awaseem » Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 4:52 PM UTC

Hi HN!

Super proud to showcase Foqos! I wanted to create a way to physically block apps on my phone, always had a bunch of NFC tags, combined the 2 together over the holiday break and Foqos was born. You can create profiles, write them to NFC tags and track your weekly focus.

Its completely open source and will always be free! There is an affiliate link in the app for nfc tags and donations are completely optional

Link here: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/foqos/id6736793117

Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions
foqos.app

Re: Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

#2

Post by pvg » Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 4:57 PM UTC

I might be missing it on your page but can't seem to find the link to your source repo.

Re: Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

#3

Post by awaseem » Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 5:10 PM UTC

pvg wrote: post #2

I might be missing it on your page but can't seem to find the link to your source repo.

That is totally my fault. Repo here: https://github.com/awaseem/foqos

Re: Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

#4

Post by mikodin » Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 5:30 PM UTC

This is awesome, yay for an open source https://getbrick.app/

I'm curious if you have an NFC tag that you'd recommend or that you like to use?

Re: Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

#5

Post by compootr » Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 5:34 PM UTC

I was intrigued by brick, now this, and can't use either. is there seriously no android app like these? :(

Re: Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

#6

Post by GOATS- » Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 5:35 PM UTC

It would've been nice to see what the apps looks like when they're blocked.

Re: Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

#7

Post by awaseem » Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 5:37 PM UTC

mikodin wrote: post #4

This is awesome, yay for an open source https://getbrick.app/ I'm curious if you have an NFC tag that you'd recommend or that you like to use?

Yeah there is tags in the app you can buy that just links out to Amazon, just a disclaimer it is an affiliate link.

Otherwise this is what I had around the house: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B075MD13Z7

Re: Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

#8

Post by awaseem » Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 5:37 PM UTC

GOATS- wrote: post #6

It would've been nice to see what the apps looks like when they're blocked.

Yeah 100% gonna update the demos, thank you for the feedback!

Re: Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

#9

Post by awaseem » Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 5:38 PM UTC

compootr wrote: post #5

I was intrigued by brick, now this, and can't use either. is there seriously no android app like these? :(

Yeah I think the reason is the family activity on iOS is so easy to build around. I'm really sorry I don't own an android phone or have time to port it :(

Re: Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

#10

Post by high_priest » Tue, Jan 21, 2025, 5:46 PM UTC

compootr wrote: post #5

I was intrigued by brick, now this, and can't use either. is there seriously no android app like these? :(

ScreenZen works great. One would have to convince the dev to include NFC support.