Product Introduction
- Definition: Keep is a dedicated ambient clock application for iPhone and Mac, designed to transform standard devices into full-screen, animated 3D clock displays for aesthetic and functional desk, nightstand, or charging setups.
- Core Value Proposition: It replaces boring, static default clocks and screensavers with a suite of visually striking, customizable ambient displays, serving as a stylish StandBy-style clock for iPhone charging and an animated screensaver replacement for Mac.
Main Features
- Themed 3D Ambient Displays: Keep offers six distinct, animated clock themes: Holo (prismatic depth), Glass (liquid clarity), Jelly (soft motion), Wireframe (structural minimal), Matrix (digital rain), and Morph (liquid motion). Each theme renders a full-screen, three-dimensional clock scene designed for passive viewing and aesthetic enhancement of a user's environment.
- iPhone Charging Automation (StandBy Workaround): The app integrates with Apple's Shortcuts automation to enable a StandBy-like experience before native developer access is available. By creating a personal automation triggered by connecting the iPhone to power, users can configure Keep to launch immediately, turning the charging iPhone into a dedicated desk or nightstand clock without manual intervention.
- Persistent Display & Keep Awake Functionality: Keep includes a "Keep Awake" setting that, when enabled, utilizes the standard iOS idle timer behavior to prevent the device's auto-lock while a clock scene is active. This ensures the ambient display remains visible for continuous passive viewing during charging or as a desk reference.
- Cross-Platform & One-Time Purchase Model: The application is available for both iPhone and Mac, with a free version that includes the "Holo" display. The "Keep Pro" unlock is a one-time purchase of $3.99 USD, granting access to all current premium themes (Glass, Jelly, Wireframe, Matrix, Morph) and all future display drops without any recurring subscription fees.
Problems Solved
- Pain Point: Users seeking a visually appealing, non-distracting timepiece for their workspace, bedside, or charging area face the problem of limited, static options from default system clocks and screensavers, which lack ambiance and aesthetic versatility.
- Target Audience: The primary audience includes tech-savvy individuals, home office decorators, minimalist desk setup enthusiasts, Mac users looking for dynamic screensavers, and iPhone owners who utilize MagSafe stands or charging docks for desk and nightstand displays.
- Use Cases: Essential for creating an ambient focal point on a desk during work, providing a soft-glow clock on a nightstand without disturbing light, enhancing the aesthetic of a tech charging station, and serving as a dynamic, personalized screensaver for a Mac in a home or creative studio setting.
Unique Advantages
- Differentiation: Unlike generic clock widgets or full-screen clock apps, Keep differentiates itself with a curated collection of themed, 3D animated scenes specifically designed for ambient display, moving beyond mere functionality into the realm of digital decor and atmosphere creation.
- Key Innovation: Its key innovation is the clever exploitation of iOS Shortcuts automation to emulate a system-level feature (StandBy mode) for developers, providing a seamless, automated launch experience for iPhone users that mimics a native feature. Combined with a one-time purchase model for ongoing updates, it offers a sustainable and user-friendly value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Keep the same as Apple's StandBy mode? No, Keep is not native StandBy. It is a full-screen iPhone app designed for desk and nightstand display. It leverages Apple's Shortcuts automation to open automatically when charging, creating a similar passive clock experience as a functional workaround.
- Does Keep prevent my iPhone screen from turning off? Yes, optionally. Keep includes a "Keep Awake" setting which, when enabled, uses iOS's standard idle timer behavior to prevent auto-lock while the clock app is open and active, maintaining the ambient display.
- What is the pricing model for Keep? Is there a subscription? Keep is free to try with the "Holo" display. "Keep Pro" is a one-time unlock purchase for $3.99 USD that grants permanent access to all current and future premium displays. There is absolutely no subscription required.
- Which clock themes are included for free? The "Holo" display with its prismatic depth effect is the only theme available for free. The "Keep Pro" one-time unlock is required to access the Glass, Jelly, Wireframe, Matrix, and Morph displays, as well as any future themes.
- Will Keep add support for 24-hour time format? Yes, the developer has confirmed that support for 24-hour time format is planned for an update after the initial launch.
