Senior Software Engineer Emma Kostyantynovska, eight months pregnant, created and launched her own app Spoko: Focus & App Blocker on the App Store. It helps block distracting apps, but does so without strict restrictions.
Senior Software Engineer Emma Kostyantynovska, eight months pregnant, created and launched her own app Spoko: Focus & App Blocker on the App Store. It helps block distracting apps, but does so without strict restrictions.
Kostyantynovska spoke about the launch in Threads. According to her, Spoko became her new personal challenge during her pregnancy.
The application itself is positioned as a «soft» concentration aid. The user can select individual applications or entire categories that they want to pause, as well as set a blocking schedule — for example, during working hours, in the morning or in the evening.
Unlike a regular lock, Spoko doesn’t just block an app. If a user tries to access a blocked app, it shows a «shield» and prompts them to pause. They can do a short breathing exercise or a small mindful game, after which they’ll be given a short window to access the app.
On the home screen, Spoko also shows how much time the user has managed to get back without spending it in distracting apps.
The author also emphasizes privacy. According to the description in the App Store, the application works directly on the iPhone, does not require creating an account, does not use tracking or user analytics, and no data is collected.
Spoko has a free plan with one schedule and two apps. A Spoko Plus subscription costs $2.99 per month or $19.99 per year and unlocks unlimited apps, categories, and schedules.
The app is currently available for iPhones with iOS 16 and later.
