TECH Signal 365
This pocket-sized gadget helped cut down our editor's screen time - and it's on sale
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A magnetic NFC square called Brick lets users tap their phone to block selected apps, and it’s currently discounted up to 25%.
Engineers building mobile apps may need to ensure compatibility with Brick’s NFC-based blocking, especially if their app is likely to be disabled by users. The device’s schedule and emergency-unbrick features affect how and when users can access apps, influencing usage patterns and productivity. The limited-time discount makes it a low-cost option for users seeking a hardware-based screen-time control.
Written by elseif from the cluster below · every claim links back to a sourceThe three things worth knowing
Brick uses NFC taps to enable or disable pre-chosen apps on a phone.
The companion app lets users set time-based blocks and provides five free emergency unblocks.
During a back-to-school promotion, a single Brick costs $50 with up to 25% off for multiple units.
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The introduction of Brick adds a physical control layer to mobile device usage, allowing users to instantly suspend designated apps by tapping the device. This changes the typical software-only approach to screen-time management, giving a tangible cue that can be integrated into a workspace or home desk. For developers, the key shift is that app availability can now be toggled outside the OS, requiring awareness of potential NFC-triggered interruptions.
Adopting Brick for a team or personal workflow costs $50 per unit, with bundled discounts of up to 25% for three devices. The price point is modest compared to software subscriptions, but organizations must budget for the hardware and possibly for multiple units if several users need the tool. The discount is time-limited, so early purchase secures the lower price.
Brick’s functionality depends on the phone’s NFC capability and the presence of its companion app, so devices lacking NFC or running unsupported operating systems will not respond to the tap. Additionally, the device only blocks apps that the user has pre-selected; any unlisted app remains usable, and the five free emergency unbricks may be insufficient for frequent false-positives. Users must also keep the Brick physically nearby to toggle states, which could be inconvenient in some work environments.
From a software perspective, developers should consider exposing clear opt-out mechanisms or user settings that respect Brick’s blocking, especially for productivity or health-related apps that might be targeted. Testing app behavior when NFC-triggered blocking is active can reveal edge cases, such as background processes persisting or data loss on abrupt suspension. Ensuring graceful handling of being “bricked” can improve user experience for those who adopt the device.
Overall, Brick offers a low-cost, hardware-driven method to curb screen time, but its reliance on NFC and pre-configured app lists limits its reach. Engineers need to account for the possibility that users may employ such a device, which could affect app engagement metrics and require compatibility considerations in the app’s design and testing phases.
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