Hey Product Hunt! I m the maker of Cadence.
We built Cadence to offer a simpler, no-bs approach to focus and time management without forcing you into a heavy dashboard or gamifying your work. Here is a quick FAQ on how we re doing things differently:
How is it different from Pomo focus, Forest, or Notion? Cadence is offline-first and guest-first: it works before you sign up and without a Wi-Fi connection. You get planning, resume, insights, and real push reminders without turning studying into a game.
Does it block apps? No a web app can't block OS-level apps, and we won't pretend otherwise. Cadence gives you a distraction plan and a focus shield that nudges you back on track when you leave a session.
Is it really free? Yes! Core features (tasks, timer, breaks, core sounds, streaks, insights, guest mode, reminders) are free forever. Pro is optional to fund infrastructure.
Where is my data? Stored locally on your device (IndexedDB) first. Account sync uses private rows in Supabase with row-level security. We never sell data.
Why iOS push needs an install: Apple only allows Web Push for home-screen web apps (iOS 16.4+). On Android & desktop, it works straight in the browser.
Are classical tracks real recordings? They are procedurally generated performances of public-domain compositions plus original pieces written for Cadence.
What s next? We re building better insights, new soundscapes, and QoL fixes based on launch feedback.
Hey Product Hunt 👋
I'm Clive Jesus, and I built Cadence because I kept abandoning focus apps — they either wanted an account before I could start, or turned studying into a game I didn't want to play.
Cadence is a calm, offline-first focus timer for students. You can open it and start a session without signing up. Tasks, sessions, and streaks live on your device first; accounts are only there if you want to sync across devices.
A few things I'm genuinely proud of:
- Soft classical soundscapes are free during launch — real public-domain pieces (Satie, Beethoven, Pachelbel) plus original cinematic piano.
- A focus shield that knows the difference between switching apps and your screen simply turning off. It nudges you when you wander; it leaves you alone when you're just resting your eyes.
- Real push reminders at local times — a 4pm nudge and a 6pm recap — not a stream of pings.
- Guest mode, because a timer shouldn't need your email.
It's an installable PWA, so you can add it to your home screen like an app. On iPhone, push notifications need iOS 16.4+ and an installed app — that's an Apple limitation, not a Cadence one.
The core app is free. Pro is optional and keeps the lights on.
I'd love your honest feedback: what would make you actually keep using a focus timer after week one? I'll be here all day. 🌱