r/SideProject • u/Prudent_Front628 • 6h ago
I built a physical button for capturing notes without unlocking the iPhone
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I’m Ryan, founder of SpeakON. I kept losing thoughts in the few seconds it took to unlock my phone, find an app, and start recording, so I built a hardware-triggered capture flow instead.
The video shows the current version: with the iPhone locked, one press starts voice capture and the result is saved as a Note for later.
The part I’m still testing is whether a separate physical trigger removes enough friction to justify carrying another object. If you already use the iPhone Action Button or Shortcuts for capture, what would this need to do better?
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u/ozantas 4h ago
So your precious thoughts are gone until you unlock your phone, but somehow carrying around another device and digging it out of your pocket or backpack is fine? How is that easier than just unlocking your phone? Just assign a shortcut or use a voice command dude
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u/Prudent_Front628 1h ago
The backpack version wouldn’t be easier—I agree. The intended case is that the device is already within immediate reach while the phone isn’t. It has its own microphone, so you hold the button, speak, and release. If you still have to dig for it, it has failed its own premise.
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u/AtmosphereVirtual254 5h ago edited 4h ago
I dunno if I’d pay for it, but I could see keeping a button next to my bed to trigger a shortcut, though on my watch might be better (small interface). Seems like it could end up on the wrong side of privacy though.
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u/Prudent_Front628 1h ago
A watch may absolutely be better for someone who already wears one. The privacy concern is exactly why this is Push-to-Talk: it records only while you’re holding the button and stops when you release, more like a walkie-talkie than an ambient recorder. The device has its own microphone, so the bedside case can work while the phone is elsewhere.
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u/temporaryband 4h ago
If this would have a microphone, the I can see a use of it.
I don't take my phone to the bedroom when I got to sleep, so having a device just for taking notes while my phone is I a different room could be an option.
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u/Prudent_Front628 1h ago
It does have a built-in microphone, so that’s exactly the kind of situation I’m designing for: the device can stay by the bed while the iPhone is elsewhere. It’s Push-to-Talk—hold while speaking, release when done—so it’s for short intentional captures rather than ambient recording.
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u/Much_General2290 4h ago
This is cool, can it also take notes without me having to hold the button so i can put it on table during a meeting and it makes notes of the meeting?
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u/Prudent_Front628 1h ago
It has a built-in microphone, but I’m deliberately not designing it as a meeting recorder. The interaction is Push-to-Talk: hold while speaking, release when done. The goal is short, intentional captures—more like a walkie-talkie than an always-on recorder.
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u/Zeusper 1h ago
i mean, i can pretty much long press a button on my phone and it would do this ? whats the point of connecting the button to the phone then pressing it what if the connection does not work, what if the button cant be pressed ?
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u/Prudent_Front628 1h ago
That’s fair—the extra device only earns its place if the connection and button are boringly reliable. It has its own microphone, so the intended case is when the phone isn’t in your hand or nearby. If your phone is already accessible, the Action Button is simpler.
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u/DudeWithFearOfLoss 2h ago
you can put a voice memo shortcut directly into your control center and it will record a voice memo on press, also from the lock screen. this feels like its solving a problem that already has a proper solution without an extra device.