Tempo

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Tempo is an open-source Android application for local music analytics, designed to track and unify listening history across 20+ music platforms (Spotify, YouTube Music, local players) without cloud dependency.
2. Core Value Proposition: It solves privacy concerns in music tracking by processing all data on-device, delivering real-time "Wrapped-style" insights and cinematic stories while eliminating data sharing with third parties.

Main Features

1. Cross-App Listening Timeline:

   • How it works: Leverages Android’s NotificationListenerService API to detect song plays from notifications of supported apps (Spotify, Tidal, Poweramp, etc.).
   • Technical specs: Processes metadata locally, supports 20+ apps including niche players like Musicolet and Qobuz. No background internet required.

2. Real-Time Music Insights Engine:

   • How it works: Generates dynamic stats (streaks, top artists, monthly trends) using on-device algorithms. Calculates "engagement scores," "fan badges," and "listening personalities" from local history.
   • Technical specs: Supports custom date ranges (day/week/year), exports data to CSV, and integrates optional Spotify API only for high-res album art/genres.

3. Offline-First Data Management:

   • How it works: Stores all history in local SQLite databases. Includes Google Drive backup/restore (manual export/import) and zero cloud syncing.
   • Technical specs: Uses Android’s WorkManager for scheduled backups; no servers, tracking IDs, or accounts.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Fragmented music data across apps and loss of privacy with centralized services like Last.fm.
2. Target Audience: Privacy-conscious Android users, music statistic enthusiasts, artists tracking fan engagement, and data hoarders avoiding cloud lock-in.
3. Use Cases:
   • Generating shareable "Year in Review" stories without uploading history to servers.
   • Comparing listening habits between Spotify, YouTube Music, and local files in one dashboard.
   • Auditing music discovery trends offline during travel/low-connectivity scenarios.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike Last.fm (cloud-dependent, social-focused scrobbler), Tempo operates 100% locally with deeper analytics (moods, personalities) and no subscription. Outperforms streaming service "Wrapped" by offering real-time, customizable reports.
2. Key Innovation: Notification-based tracking eliminates need for app integrations or APIs, ensuring compatibility with niche/local players. Combines MusicBrainz metadata with optional Spotify enrichment while keeping raw data device-bound.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Tempo work without Spotify?
   Yes, Tempo tracks music via Android notifications alone. Spotify connection is optional and only enhances metadata—core functionality works with YouTube Music, local files, and 18+ other apps.

2. How does Tempo backup data when changing phones?
   Use Tempo’s Google Drive backup (or manual export) to migrate SQLite history. Restore via import on new devices—no cloud auto-sync ensures full user control.

3. Why doesn’t Tempo support regular YouTube?
   To maintain accurate music stats, Tempo excludes YouTube (non-music videos) and only tracks YouTube Music, preventing vlogs/tutorials from skewing analytics.

4. Is Tempo available for iOS?
   No, Tempo is Android-exclusive due to Apple Developer Program costs. As an open-source project, it prioritizes privacy and offline functionality on Android.

5. How does Tempo impact battery life?
   It uses Android’s optimized NotificationListenerService, consuming minimal power. Tests show <1% daily drain on average devices during active tracking.