Breaks For Eyes

For the last week I've been working on an iOS version of Breaks For Eyes. This weekend I opened a private beta for it. It won't be pushed to the App Store until I've also updated the Mac version and the website.

My intent with creating an iOS version is to reach a new audience that perhaps does not visit the Mac App Store so often. There are several competing apps on the iOS App Store and I think I've built something that competes with them on feature set and I think exceeds them on user experience. I want it to be the best app for helping people make screen time healthier, and to do that I need a larger audience that can command more of my time and effort.

Right now I have a Mac version, but there are far more people who download iOS apps than Mac apps. So I thought, how do I solve the same problem from a mobile device? And then I built it.

Next steps are: (1) Fix any issues with the iOS version, (2) Spend more time on an updated icon, (3) Update the Mac version to reflect new ownership, and perhaps a new feature (4) Build a new landing page for these apps. It's already been designed in Figma, I just need to turn it into HTML/CSS. (5) Release all of the above!

After hearing from the Gikken (https://blog.gikken.co/breaks-for-eyes-is-shutting-down/), the creator of Breaks For Eyes, that it was to be shut down, I reached out to see if we could reach agreement to transfer ownership. It's a simple, but finely crafted app that has become an important part of my day, and I wanted to see it live on.

We were able to quickly reach an agreement and today I'm the proud owner! I have some ideas for improvements and want to see it grow, but anyone who has grown to rely on Breaks For Eyes can expect the same great experience going forward.