Brick’s new app blocker is designed for bedtime doomscrolling

Your phone will automatically block chosen apps in your bedroom, even if you forget to set it up.

Brick, known for its $59 app-blocking gadget, has released a new device called Brick Night, priced at $129. This updated version aims to curb late-night app usage, particularly "doomscrolling," by incorporating location-based blocking. Unlike the original Brick which requires physical interaction, Brick Night uses Bluetooth to automatically disable selected apps when a user enters a designated room, such as a bedroom, within a 25-foot radius. The device is powered by two CR2477 batteries and supports multiple users, allowing each individual to customize their blocking settings, app exclusions, and time restrictions independently. While offering automated convenience, Brick Night's higher price point and lack of NFC, which prevents it from performing both location and tap-based blocking, are notable differences from its predecessor.

The introduction of Brick Night signifies a move towards more automated and context-aware digital wellness tools, moving beyond simple manual interventions. By leveraging Bluetooth and user-defined zones, Brick is attempting to make app restriction less of a conscious effort, integrating it seamlessly into daily routines like going to bed. This approach could appeal to a broader audience struggling with digital habits, as it lowers the barrier to entry for consistent app management.

This product expansion suggests a growing market for hardware solutions that address screen time and app addiction, particularly among younger demographics and those seeking to improve sleep hygiene. The multi-user support indicates a potential for family-focused adoption, where parents might use the device to manage children's screen time or couples could share a device with personalized settings. The premium pricing, however, positions it as a lifestyle product rather than a mass-market solution, and its success may depend on proving the value of automated blocking over cheaper or software-only alternatives.