A data-driven Android productivity tool that enforces focus and improves time-estimation accuracy through system-level distraction blocking.

TimeSense is a native Android application designed to optimize workflow accuracy and solve digital distraction. Unlike standard timers, TimeSense utilizes a Foreground Service to actively monitor user activity. If a user attempts to open a blacklisted app (e.g., Instagram, YouTube) while the timer is active, the app intercepts the intent and launches a blocking overlay.

Crucially, TimeSense also serves as a calibration tool. By tracking the delta between "Planned Time" and "Actual Time" (recording how often tasks bleed into Overtime), the app provides the data needed for users to audit their efficiency and refine their future time-boxing estimates.

• Language: Java
• Architecture: MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel) pattern principles
• Database: Room Persistence Library (SQLite abstraction)
• Background Processing: Android Foreground Services & Handlers
• System APIs: UsageStatsManager, AppOpsManager, WindowManager

• Active App Blocking: Polls system usage stats to detect foreground applications. If a restricted package is detected, a high-priority activity is launched to cover the screen.
• Estimation Calibration: Logs the discrepancy between allocated time and actual time spent. This feedback loop allows users to identify tasks they consistently underestimate.
• Focus Timer & Overtime: Custom countdown logic that transitions seamlessly into an "Overtime" stopwatch, preserving state across activity lifecycles.
• Smart Permissions: Handles sensitive permissions (USAGE_STATS and SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW) with a robust checking utility.
• Session Tracking: Persistent local storage of focus metrics and distraction logs using Room Database.

The core of the application is the BlockerService. To prevent the Android OS from killing the monitoring process to save battery, this is implemented as a Foreground Service with a persistent notification.

// Snippet: Determining the current foreground app
UsageStatsManager usm = (UsageStatsManager) getSystemService(Context.USAGE_STATS_SERVICE);
long time = System.currentTimeMillis();
List<UsageStats> stats = usm.queryUsageStats(UsageStatsManager.INTERVAL_DAILY, time - 1000 * 10, time);

// Logic sorts by 'getLastTimeUsed' to identify the active package
// and triggers the BlockedActivity intent if a match is found.

• Clone the repo
• Open in Android Studio
• Build and Run on an Emulator (API 28+) or Physical Device

Note: You must grant "Usage Access" and "Display over other apps" permissions when prompted for the blocker to function

• Analytics Dashboard: Implement data visualization (using MPAndroidChart) to display focus trends and a pie chart breakdown of top distractions by category.
• Dynamic App Selection: Replace the hardcoded blacklist with a UI that queries the PackageManager, allowing users to select their own custom list of distracting apps.
• Notification Blocking: Integrate NotificationListenerService to temporarily mute or batch notifications while the timer is active, preventing the screen from lighting up.
• Cloud Sync: Migrate from a local Room database to Firebase to allow users to sync focus stats across multiple devices.