Awareen - Screen Time Awareness App

Awareen (Awareness + Screen) is an Android application that helps users become more aware of their screen time through a persistent overlay timer. The app displays your current screen time in real-time, even when using other applications, promoting mindful device usage.

Features

• Persistent Overlay Timer: Always-visible screen time counter that works across all apps
• Customizable Display: Adjustable colors, positions, and font sizes for each level
• Smart Display Modes: Choose between always-on or interval-based timer display
• Analytics Dashboard: Track your daily screen time patterns and trends
• Auto-Reset: Configurable daily reset time for screen time tracking

Screenshots

How It Works

Three-Level System

1. Level 1 (Green): Default display for normal usage (0-60 minutes)
2. Level 2 (Yellow): Warning phase when approaching time limits (60-120 minutes)
3. Level 3 (Red): Alert phase for excessive usage (120+ minutes)

Colors and time thresholds are fully customizable in the settings.

Display Modes

• Always Mode: Timer constantly visible on screen
• Interval Mode: Timer appears periodically (configurable intervals)

Technical Stack

• Language: Kotlin
• Min SDK: 26 (Android 8.0)
• Target SDK: 35 (Android 15)
• Architecture: Service-based with overlay permissions

Prerequisites

• Android 8.0 (API level 26) or higher
• Overlay permission (System Alert Window)
• App-pausing permission
• Battery optimization exemption (recommended)
• Auto-start permission (recommended)

Installation

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/andebugulin/awareen.git
   cd awareen

2. Open in Android Studio

   • Import the project into Android Studio
   • Sync Gradle files

3. Build and Install

   • Just use android studio builder, its the simplest
   • Go to build, then generate signed app bundle or APK, follow the steps

Usage

1. Grant Permissions:

   • Launch Awareen
   • Press "Start Service" to request necessary permissions

2. Customize Settings:

   • Access settings through the gear icon
   • Adjust colors, positions, and time thresholds
   • Configure display modes and reset times

3. View Analytics:

   • Check your usage patterns in the Analytics section
   • Track daily screen time trends

Configuration

In my opinion, best Settings

• Level 1: 60 minutes (color - #6F48A7, Top Right, 22sp, blinking enabled)
• Level 2: 60 minutes duration (#A8CC58, Top Left, 23sp, blinking enabled)
• Level 3: Unlimited (#A3F5C8, Top Center, 33sp, blinking enabled)
• Reset Time: Midnight (00:00)
• Display Mode: Interval each minute for 8 seconds

Customization Options

• Timer colors and positions for each level
• Font sizes (adjustable per level)
• Time thresholds for level transitions
• Display intervals and durations
• Daily reset timing
• Blinking alerts (I higly recommend it)

Project Structure

app/src/main/
├── java/com/example/screentimetracker/
│   ├── MainActivity.kt              # Main app entry point
│   ├── ScreenTimeService.kt         # Core service for tracking
│   ├── SettingsActivity.kt          # Settings configuration
│   ├── AnalyticsActivity.kt         # Usage analytics display
│   ├── InfoActivity.kt              # About/info screen
│   ├── AppSettings.kt               # Constants and defaults
│   ├── BootReceiver.kt              # For auto-start on boot
│   └── UnsavedChangesDialog.kt      # Settings dialog
├── res/
│   ├── layout/                      # UI layouts
│   ├── drawable/                    # Icons and graphics
│   ├── values/                      # Strings, colors, themes
│   └── xml/                         # Backup and data rules
└── AndroidManifest.xml              # App permissions and components

Permissions

   <!-- Overlay permissions -->
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACTION_MANAGE_OVERLAY_PERMISSION" />

    <!-- Boot and startup permissions -->
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.QUICKBOOT_POWERON" />

    <!-- Foreground service permissions -->
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC" />

    <!-- Battery optimization and doze mode permissions -->
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WAKE_LOCK" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.DISABLE_KEYGUARD" />

    <!-- Auto-start and background permissions -->
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.GET_TASKS" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.REORDER_TASKS" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.KILL_BACKGROUND_PROCESSES" />


    <!-- Network permission -->
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />

    <!-- Notification permissions -->
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS"/>
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.VIBRATE" />

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Timer stops working:

• Check if overlay permission is granted
• Disable battery optimization for Awareen
• Ensure the app pause is disabled

🤝 Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Commit changes (git commit -m 'Add amazing feature')
4. Push to branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
5. Open a Pull Request

Author

Andrei Gulin

• GitHub: @Andebugulin
• LinkedIn: Andrei Gulin

Support My Work

If you find this app useful, consider supporting me:

Connect with Me

• GitHub
• LinkedIn

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.