Timelines 4

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Timelines 4 is a premium iOS and watchOS time tracking application (technical category: mobile productivity software) designed to visually map time expenditure on an interactive, scrollable timeline.
2. Core Value Proposition: Timelines 4 exists to solve time blindness by providing visual time tracking, enabling users to analyze time allocation, identify inefficiencies, and achieve personal goals like New Year's resolutions through data-driven awareness and behavioral change.

Main Features

1. Interactive Timeline Visualization:
   How it works: Users log activities via timers or manual entry. Each event appears as a color-coded block on a continuous horizontal timeline. Pinch-to-zoom allows scaling from a macro view (weeks/months) down to minute-by-minute detail. Technologies: Core Graphics/Animation for rendering, Core Data for persistence, SwiftUI for UI.
2. Hierarchical Subcategory Management & Combined Goals:
   How it works: Users create parent categories (e.g., "Work") and nested subcategories (e.g., "Coding", "Meetings"). Combined Goals allow setting targets (daily/weekly/monthly) across multiple categories (e.g., "Health" = Exercise + Meditation). The app aggregates subcategory data under parents and tracks progress towards composite goals, triggering visual rewards (confetti) upon achievement.
3. Deep Apple Ecosystem Integration (Live Activity, Shortcuts, Widgets):
   How it works: Live Activity (iOS 16+) shows active timers and elapsed time directly on the Lock Screen/Dynamic Island. Siri Shortcuts enable voice commands or automation triggers (e.g., "Start Work timer"). Widgets display key metrics (current timer, goal progress, category stats) on Home/Standby Screen. Apple Watch App functions standalone (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi): Start/stop timers with 1 tap, adjust duration using the Digital Crown, dictate event names via mic, view timeline.
4. Retrospective Editing & Statistics Mode:
   How it works: Users can add or modify past events (start/end time, category) directly on the timeline. Statistics Mode transforms timeline data into interactive bar/pie charts, showing trends over customizable periods (day, week, month, year, custom) and category distributions.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Lack of awareness of actual time expenditure leading to unproductive habits and missed personal/professional goals ("time blindness", "ineffective time management").
2. Target Audience:
   • Freelancers & Consultants: Needing precise project/time billing and work-life balance tracking.
   • Goal-Oriented Individuals: Users pursuing New Year resolutions, habit building (e.g., meditation, exercise), or skill development.
   • Productivity Seekers: Professionals (architects, writers, musicians) and students aiming to optimize schedules, reduce procrastination, and increase focused work time.
   • Apple Ecosystem Users: Individuals heavily invested in iPhone/Apple Watch seeking seamless, integrated productivity tools.
3. Use Cases:
   • Accurately allocating time across multiple project sub-tasks.
   • Identifying and reducing time spent on unproductive activities (e.g., social media).
   • Tracking progress towards composite wellness goals (Sleep + Exercise + Meditation).
   • Generating client reports based on detailed project time logs.
   • Maintaining focus during deep work sessions using quick Apple Watch controls.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike traditional list-based time trackers (e.g., Toggl Track) or calendar-blocking apps, Timelines 4 offers a unique visual timeline interface providing intuitive, spatial understanding of time. Competitors lack its depth of subcategory hierarchy, combined goal tracking, and standalone Apple Watch functionality.
2. Key Innovation: The core innovation is the continuous, zoomable timeline visualization coupled with hierarchical data organization (categories/subcategories) and composite goal structures. This combination provides unparalleled context and insight into how discrete activities contribute to broader objectives. Deep iOS platform-specific integrations (Live Activity, Shortcuts, Widgets, Standalone Watch) offer unmatched convenience within the Apple ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Timelines 4 work offline and without an iPhone for Apple Watch users?
   Yes, the Timelines 4 Apple Watch app functions as a standalone time tracker. You can start/stop timers, adjust durations with the Digital Crown, and dictate event names without needing your iPhone nearby (uses Bluetooth/Wi-Fi independence). Data syncs when the devices reconnect.
2. How does Timelines 4 help me achieve my New Year's resolutions or long-term goals?
   Timelines 4 enables combined goal tracking, letting you set daily/weekly/monthly targets for categories (e.g., "Health" = Exercise + Meditation). Visual progress tracking on the timeline and in widgets, along with achievement rewards (confetti), provides motivational feedback and data-driven insights into habit formation and goal adherence.
3. Can I edit time entries after I forget to start a timer?
   Absolutely. Timelines 4 supports full retrospective editing. You can manually add past events or adjust the start/end times of existing events directly on the interactive timeline, ensuring your time logs remain accurate even if you forget to track in real-time.
4. What specific iOS features does Timelines 4 integrate with?
   Timelines 4 leverages key iOS technologies: Live Activities (show timers on Lock Screen/Dynamic Island), Home Screen Widgets (display goals, stats, active timer), Siri Shortcuts (start/stop timers via voice/automation), Focus Modes integration, and a fully functional standalone Apple Watch app with Digital Crown support and dictation.
5. Is my time tracking data private and secure with Timelines 4?
   Yes, Timelines 4 prioritizes user data privacy. All time tracking data is stored locally on your iOS device (or securely synced via iCloud if enabled). The developer (Glimsoft/Lukas Petr) emphasizes user privacy, and no personal time data is collected for external purposes without explicit consent.