Brick's $59 NFC Gadget Uses Physical Friction to Curb Smartphone Addiction

Executive Briefing

• Requires users to physically tap their phone to a matchbox-sized NFC device to unlock blocked apps, adding real-world friction
• Outperforms software-only tools like Apple Screen Time, which users easily dismiss with a single tap
• Offers customizable modes — including a sleep mode blocking all but messaging and audio apps after 10:30 PM
• Provides a middle ground between smartphones and 'dumb phones' for users unwilling to sacrifice essential apps
• Priced at $59, with a limited supply of emergency override unblocks for situations requiring immediate app access