Feature Request: Dynamic Notch / Pill Dock only to show Active schedule & Blocked Apps

[itsacerex]

Hi! I have an idea that I think could make Zenit much more intuitive than traditional app blockers.

Core idea

• Add an optional pill-shaped dock around the camera cutout/notch that only appears while one or more schedules are active.
• The dock should display only the apps currently blocked by the active schedule(s).

Behavior

• Show blocked app icons in a horizontal swipeable carousel, allowing users to quickly view every blocked app without opening Zenit.
• If multiple schedules are active simultaneously, allow vertical swiping (or categories) to switch between schedules, while horizontal swiping changes the apps inside that schedule.
• Tapping an app could simply indicate that it is currently blocked (no need to launch it).

Countdown

• Display a small countdown timer showing how long remains until the selected app/schedule becomes available again in the notch pannel.

Why this is useful

• Users instantly know which apps are currently unavailable without opening the app.
• It creates a dedicated place for blocked apps instead of mixing them with hidden or uncategorized apps in the launcher.
• Since the dock is near the top of the screen, reaching blocked apps requires a little extra effort, subtly reinforcing the blocking habit without being intrusive.
• The countdown creates a small reward/progress effect, encouraging users to wait for the schedule to end instead of bypassing it.
• This would be a unique UX feature that differentiates Zenit from most app blockers, which usually only block access but don't provide an elegant live overview of active restrictions.

Optional Feature: Dual Icon Pack Based on Schedule

• Allow users to choose two icon packs:
  • Blocked state: A separate icon pack (e.g., a minimal or monochrome pack) used while a schedule is active.
  • Unblocked state: Either the app's default icon or another icon pack selected by the user.
• Icons should automatically switch when a schedule starts or ends.

Why this is useful

• Provides an instant visual indication of whether an app is currently blocked.
• Helps users maintain a cleaner, distraction-free appearance during focus sessions.
• Offers personalization while reinforcing the distinction between focus mode and normal usage.
• Can work alongside the Dynamic Notch feature to create a consistent visual experience.

I believe this could become one of Zenith's standout productivity features.

[1372Slash]

Hi, that's a great feature and I might add it in the future. But I'm afraid it'll be more performance-intensive than usual since it's constantly drawing and animating.

[itsacerex]

That's understandable.

Maybe it could be an optional feature with a lightweight mode for battery conscious users, using little or no animation. That way, users who value the feature can enable it while others can keep it disabled.

Just a thought. Thanks for considering the idea!

[eapzzz]

Hey, i actually had the same idea in mind, and wanted create a new feature request, but since its here i think i can suggest something more.

I thought, that maybe you could somehow collaborate with the autor of the app "Material Capsule". It's an app thats really well designed, and totally Material Design 3 themed. I use it daily, and it works really great. If you would be able to collaborate with the author of the island app, you wouldnt have to design the island etc, just add the correct functionality and integration between both apps.

In this dynamic island, you could also fit this floating clock that displays how many minutes you've got left in certain app, i think i'd be great too