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Movie tracking app Binge uses Apple's Live Activities to warn about jump scares

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Why This Matters

Binge introduces a novel way to enhance horror movie viewing by using Apple's Live Activities to warn viewers about jump scares, helping sensitive audiences enjoy movies more comfortably. Its broader features aim to consolidate movie tracking, streaming info, and content warnings, making it a versatile tool for consumers and the industry. This integration of real-time alerts and comprehensive movie data reflects a growing trend towards personalized, immersive entertainment experiences.

Key Takeaways

There's a new movie tracking app in town, with a twist for squeamish horror fans. Binge leverages Apple's Live Activities feature to warn viewers about jump scares in horror movies.

This seems to work rather simply. Users open the app when starting a movie and Apple devices will display warnings on the lock screen ahead of frightening scenes. The settings can be adjusted to only warn about major jump scares and the like, leaving viewers vulnerable to some of the smaller terrors.

However, the app doesn't integrate with any streaming services. It only knows a movie starts because a button has been tapped. This means that people will have to notify the app when taking a bathroom break or making popcorn, lest the timing of the notifications get all messed up. This information can also be accessed via a timeline.

Binge

Binge is also vying to become an all-in-one movie tracking app, like Letterboxd and JustWatch. So it provides details about the cast and crew of movies and shows, along with reviews, awards, runtimes and other basic information. It also tracks which streaming platforms are home to a specific piece of content, which is handy as stuff tends to move around a lot in this modern age.

Binge

Finally, there's a set of tools for parents that pulls data from external sites like Rotten Tomatoes. This displays if a movie or show has violence, sexual content, profanity or drug use.

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The app is free to download, but access to jump scare warnings requires a paid subscription. This costs $2 per month or $18 each year. There's also a lifetime subscription for $50. It's available for iPhones, iPads and Macs.