Binge App Uses Live Activities to Alert Viewers of Upcoming Jump Scares
The new app 'Binge' uses Apple’s Live Activities to warn viewers of upcoming horror movie scares while offering deep integration into the iOS ecosystem.
A New Contender in the Streaming Tracker Market
Independent developer Shihab Mehboob, the creator behind the social app Mammoth and AI news reader Bulletin, has launched Binge, a comprehensive movie and television tracking application for Apple users. While the app enters a competitive market dominated by giants like Letterboxd and TV Time, it distinguishes itself with a unique safety net for the faint of heart: real-time jump scare warnings.
Leveraging Apple’s Ecosystem
Binge’s standout feature utilizes Apple’s Live Activities, the technology typically used for tracking Uber rides, food deliveries, or live sports scores on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island. By tapping a clock icon on a film’s detail page, users can initiate a live timer that sends a notification just before a jump scare occurs. For those who don't mind a little tension, the app allows users to filter notifications to warn only of "major" scares.
Beyond horror-specific features, the app is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, offering:
By tapping a clock icon on a film’s detail page, users can initiate a live timer that sends a notification just before a jump scare occurs.
- iCloud synchronization across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- Dynamic widgets for the Home and Lock Screens.
- Customizable UI with extensive in-app themes.
More Than Just a Watchlist
Binge aims to be an all-in-one hub for cinephiles and casual viewers alike. While it provides standard data—such as release dates, cast lists, and trailers—it adds layers of utility that competitors often lack:
- Comprehensive Data Intergration: It aggregates scores from Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Letterboxd, and Metacritic.
- Parental Guides: Using IMDb data, it provides detailed breakdowns of violence, profanity, and sexual content.
- Advanced Analytics: Users can view episode rating graphs to see when a show "hits its stride" and browse timelines of Academy Award winners.
- Practical Tools: The app identifies which streaming services currently host a title and includes a "Post-Credits" section to let viewers know if they should stick around after the film ends.
Pricing and Availability
Binge is available for download on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. While the basic version is free, premium features—including the jump scare alerts—require a subscription or a one-time purchase.
Users can choose between:
- $1.99 per month
- $17.99 per year
- $49.99 for a lifetime license
As streaming content continues to fragment across dozens of platforms, Binge positions itself as a centralized command center for managing what to watch, where to find it, and when to cover your eyes.
