Essence

Arete Builds

In-app purchases

About this app

Essence turns focus sessions into memories worth keeping.
Most timers just count down. Essence turns every session into a beautiful polaroid memory, a collected pearl, and a step toward becoming who you want to be.

BLOCK DISTRACTING APPS
Keep Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more locked out while you work. Schedule blocks in advance or start one instantly. Choose Deep Work for zero interruptions, or Tidal Flow for flexible breaks within your session.

COLLECT PEARLS & EARN SHELLS
Every completed session earns a pearl. Explore other interests like fitness, art, a language, anything. Focus becomes a game worth playing.

CAPTURE YOUR MEMORIES
Add a photo and note to your sessions and watch your gallery grow into a real, visual record of an intentional life.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Week streaks, activity maps, and insights that show your focus habit building over time.

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICE
Essence uses Android's AccessibilityService to power its app-blocking feature. When you start a focus session, the AccessibilityService monitors foreground app activity in real time. If a blocked app is detected during an active session, Essence immediately intercepts the launch and redirects you. This is the only purpose for which the AccessibilityService is used. It does not collect, store, or transmit personal data, read screen content, record audio, or modify any system settings. The service is active only when enabled by you in Android's Accessibility settings.

The journey is just as interesting as the destination.
Start yours with Essence.

What’s new

removed placeholder polaroids