ZDNET Author Cuts Screen Time 7% With $65 Brick Device Over 6 Months
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 29
ZDNET Author Cuts Screen Time 7% With $65 Brick Device Over 6 Months
1 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 29
Summary
A six-month test of Brick cut the author's screen time by 7% in the first full week and helped curb compulsive social-media checking.
The $65 gadget uses NFC to block selected apps until the phone is tapped against the physical device again, adding friction that Screen Time limits and app blockers did not.
At home and before bed, the author used Brick to lock Messages, Instagram, TikTok and other high-use apps, including one 90-minute journaling session without interruptions.
Brick's timer widget and daily tracking made time away from apps feel rewarding rather than punitive, though scheduled unblocking can be awkward if the device is elsewhere and time-zone handling needs improvement.
The review recommends Brick mainly for people seeking a productivity boost, arguing the hardware barrier can build healthier phone habits despite the relatively high price.